Winners announced for 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards, with AWS!

11 June 2026 

2026 FIELDAYS® INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS

The bright ideas of New Zealand’s primary sector were celebrated tonight as the winners of the 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards with Amazon Web Services (AWS) winners announced.  

Finalists shortlisted across the Prototype, Early-Stage, and Growth & Scale categories were evaluated by expert judging teams, with each award category overseen by a Head Judge. 

Steve Chappell, Programme Manager for the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, said the awards continue to highlight the depth and diversity of innovation emerging from New Zealand’s primary industries. 

“Congratulations to all our entrants who are helping drive progress across the sector,” said Chappell.  

“Many of the challenges facing our primary industries are global. It is encouraging to see New Zealand innovators developing solutions that not only address local needs but also have relevance and impact on the world stage.” 

The Young Innovator of the Year Award was awarded to Wellington-based Enivo for its biodegradable plant pots made from New Zealand forestry and primary industry waste. 

Category Head Judge Rosie Spragg noted the high calibre of entries, with Enivo ultimately standing out for its consistent values across the business, a carefully considered supply and distribution chain, and strong engagement with customers and partners. They also highlighted Enivo’s ability to pivot in response to commercial pressures and the scope for Enivo to achieve its environmental impact goals and diversify beyond the initial product. 

The Prototype Award, supported by Sprout Agritech and Blender Design, was awarded to Scanabull for its Scanabull WeighApp. The solution uses 3D LiDAR and AI to deliver accurate, real-time cattle liveweights via a simple phone scan. Category Head Judge Juliet Ansell said the judges viewed the product as a highly relevant and scalable solution, noting the team’s improvements in accuracy and enhancements to the user interface.  

The Early-Stage Award, supported by Map of Ag, recognised both emerging innovation and practical application. Elm Lab Skincare received a Highly Commended Award for its A2 Colostrum Baby Lotion, developed using colostrum sourced from a single, traceable family dairy farm in Mosgiel. Category Head Judge Emma Poole said they praised the product’s strong family values and innovative use of a rural by-product.  

The category winner was Hamilton-based elert for its elert EQ device, a wearable technology designed to monitor equine health. Judges described it as a compelling, real-world solution. 

The Growth & Scale Award, supported by PwC, was awarded to Trussed Systems for its Truss House Portal Frame. Category Head Judge Katherine Sandford said that they highlighted the company’s strong intellectual property position, with patents secured in multiple countries, along with established commercial partnerships.  

The People’s Choice Award, supported by King Street, remains open until Saturday, giving Fieldays visitors the opportunity to vote for their favourite innovation at the Innovation Hub kiosk. The winning innovator will receive a $2,000 cash prize, while one participating voter will win a $500 voucher. 

2026 Fieldays Innovation Award Winners 

Young Innovator of the Year Award: Enivo (Biodegradable plant pots), Wellington. 

Prototype Award supported by Sprout Agritech and Blender Design: Scanabull - Scanabull WeighApp (live cattle weights using a phone app), Cambridge.  

Early-Stage Award supported by Map of Ag Highly Commended: Elm Lab Skincare - (an A2 Colostrum Baby Lotion), Mosgiel. 

Early-Stage Award supported by Map of Ag Winner: elert - elert EQ (a wearable monitoring device for horses), Hamilton.  

Growth & Scale Award supported by PwC: Trussed Systems - Truss House Portal Frame (a precision-engineered timber portal frame system), Waihi Beach. 

The Awards are kindly supported by sponsors AWS, Map of Ag, Blender Design, Sprout Agritech, KingSt. Advertising, AgriTech New Zealand, and PwC.