With Innovations being an integral focus of Fieldays and one of the annual events founding principles, the New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays, organisers are working with their partners and sponsors – Vodafone, Locus Research, Callaghan Innovations, Tru Test and Soda Inc. – to create an exciting Innovation Programme , creating a 365 day a year enterprise, focused on advancing agriculture through innovation.

“One of our strategic pillars, our cornerstones is to be present and connected 365 days a year.” says Jon Calder, NZNFS CEO. “To build an Innovation ecosystem and create a true 365 enterprise with our stable of partners is the obvious next step for Fieldays. Our Goal is to accelerate the agri innovation path from grassroots to viable businesses”

“The Fieldays Innovation ecosystem will include the Innovation Centre, Innovation Accelerator and Lab during Fieldays 2016 (15- 18 June 2016) along with networking events, seminars, webinars and targeted workshops across the year for all registered participants and members.” says Fieldays Innovations Manager, Gail Hendricks. “Due to the success of the Innovations Accelerator in 2015, which showcased new businesses that have grown out of the Fieldays Innovations, we will again showcase 10 new companies that have taken their products from grassroots to market ready at Fieldays 2016.”

Interest is high for 2016

Fieldays Innovations will be hosting a Sponsors Lab at FIeldays 2016, supported by Locus Research. The Lab will be centrally located within the Innovation Centre and will give Innovation partners the opportunity to engage with participants offering them advice, support and direction. The Lab is a vital component in the Fieldays Innovation ecosystem, advancing the path to commercialisation, and providing access to expertise to accelerate New Zealand’s agritech innovators.

Applications for Fieldays Innovation Awards 2016 will open online 1 December 2015.

For more information, visit: www.Fieldays.co.nz