For 2025, there are two new categories in addition to the usual seven sections - the VEX Robotics class and the Supreme Champion award, the latter being presented to what is considered the best overall entrant.

The VEX Robotics programme is an international competition which aims to encourage college students and school pupils to design, build, and operate robots or robotic systems - meaning all schools and colleges are eligible for entry.

Alongside the two new awards, the long-standing classes which are open to all for entry are as follows:

Inventions in Renewable Energy;
Invention in Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry;
Invention in Home Leisure and Building;
Invention in Labour-saving Devices;
Invention in Student Class;
Innovation in Ag-tech;
Innovations that are too big to travel.

To encourage people to enter, Tullamore Show notes that there are many benefits in taking part in these National Inventions and Innovations Awards.

It claims that competing can provide a platform from which to sell the new products to a wider audience, and attract investment if appropriate.

The exposure will also help create and enhance product awareness, enabling the competitor to obtain and receive visitor, customer, and judges' feedback.

There is also the opportunity to network with other innovators, for the competition is said to bring Ireland’s top innovators together, allowing them to display and explain their ideas.

The entries can be of any size or complexity and there a monetary prizes being awarded in all categories.

Within each section, there is a €300 prize for coming first, €200 for second, and €100 for third.

The Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show will take place on Sunday, August 10, with a few days left to enter the competition.