Roscommon-based agri-tech company VetPal has been named among the finalists in Enterprise Ireland’s 2026 Innovation Arena competition at the National Ploughing Championships.
VetPal Technology Limited is one of three businesses shortlisted for the Start-Up of the Year award, alongside FURROW from Co Monaghan and RT Sales Limited from Co Kerry.
The finalists will pitch their businesses to a judging panel and live audience at the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena in Screggan, Co Offaly, this afternoon.
The winner of the Start-Up of the Year category will receive a €10,000 prize as well as mentoring and advisory supports from Enterprise Ireland.
VetPal has developed a digital platform aimed at simplifying veterinary prescription management across the animal health sector.
The company’s system connects farmers, vets, co-ops, agricultural merchants and pharmacies through a single digital workflow and is integrated with the Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Prescription System.
The platform was developed in response to EU regulations requiring veterinary prescriptions for treatments which were previously available over the counter.
According to Enterprise Ireland, VetPal has been adopted by the majority of Ireland’s licensed animal remedy stores since its launch in December 2025, with thousands of farmers now receiving prescriptions through the platform.
The Roscommon company has also introduced multi-branch support for store groups, e-commerce and enterprise resource planning integrations, while developing AI-powered tools aimed at reducing administrative work.
A total of 12 businesses and innovators have reached the final of this year’s Innovation Arena competition across four categories: Start-Up of the Year, Young Innovator of the Year, Green Impact Award and Innovation Arena Champion.
More than 40 Irish agri-tech businesses are also showcasing products and technologies in the Innovation Arena during the National Ploughing Championships.
