NUI Galway’s Masters AgriInnovation Applications Closing Soon

WestBIC is an Enterprise Ireland partner providing hands-on startup support, funding readiness and investment preparation for early-stage founders in the west of Ireland.

Sustainable agricultural technology, also known as AgTech, is an emerging economic sector that has the potential to transform global agriculture, dramatically increasing the productivity of agricultural systems, while reducing the environmental and social costs of current ag production farming practices. Information technology, modern sensors, and robotic systems allow agricultural businesses to be more environmentally friendly, profitable, efficient, and safer. Agriculture, particularly in the West of Ireland, represents a significant proportion of Irish industry and exports (nationally, the sector is worth €13.54 billion according to Teagasc). This sector will benefit from the development of more innovation-driven, sustainable and scalable agri-enterprises.

AgInnovate is one of the only programmes of its kind in Ireland, offered by NUI Galway and supported by Springboard+ which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU. The course aims to equip students with the theories and tools required to develop technological solutions for the issues facing Irish agriculture and the food industry. AgInnovate is offered by NUIG’s College of Science and Engineering who help students hone their critical thinking, communication skills and innovation mindset. The MSc fosters a ‘learn by doing’ atmosphere with experiential learning at the epicentre and aims to fill the entrepreneurship skills gap for the agri-ecosystem in Ireland. Key stakeholders include micro, small, medium and large agri-companies as well as farmers.

In 2019, the EU Commission stated that “knowledge and innovation have a key role to play in helping the farmers and rural communities meet challenges of today and tomorrow” while also highlighting the need to “build stronger agricultural knowledge and innovation systems to boost initiation and development of innovation projects.” AgInnovate provides a unique integration of agriculture and innovation domains across a broad range of sectors; to date, students have investigated a variety of topics not only in traditional agriculture but also related to new food products, beekeeping, wool processing, and rural life. Through these projects, AgInnovate equips students to either launch innovation-driven enterprises or create new business units within an existing company.

This course is open to all individuals, students do not need a background in farming; all that is required is a willingness to be pursue new ideas, and a desire to have a better understanding of innovation and its dynamics. AgInnovate focuses on understanding the needs of customers and identifying where challenges in the marketplace and customers pain points can combat those obstacles with the aim of achieving successful commercialisation. Following on from the program, skilled and engaged employees can pursue new ideas that support the mission and vision of the business, thereby supporting it to launch new products and services or pursue new markets.

With changing demands, legislation and regulation within the agriculture sector, there has never been a better time to upskill and compete competitively!

The application deadline is the 15/08/22 with the programme starting on 24/09/22. Places are limited so submit your application now.