The application process to find Ireland's brightest spark is now open as Donal Flynn, Group Finance Director, ESB, joined Paddy Cosgrave, founder and CEO of the Dublin Web Summit, to announce details of the 2013 ESB Spark of Genius Award at this year's Dublin Web Summit.

Now in its fourth year, the competition will see 30 Irish technology companies battle it out to win a prize fund valued in excess of €25,000.

The ESB Spark of Genius award focuses on high potential technology start-ups and is open to any Irish start-up which has been in operation for less than three years and has received under €1m in funding to date. Entrants will be judged on the uniqueness of their idea, their level of development thus far, and their potential for future growth.

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Applications are open from today at www.websummit.net/spark-of-genius.html until Thursday 26th September when the shortlist of 30 finalists will be announced. Two rounds of pitching will then take place during the Dublin Web Summit on 30th & 31st October, with the grand final playing out on the Main Stage on 31st October, in front of an audience of thousands of leading international start-ups and technology investors.

Donal Flynn, Group Finance Director, ESB, also commented: "In line with ESB's commitment to innovation, we are delighted to be supporting the Spark of Genius award. As energy and IT technologies converge, there are exciting possibilities to enhance Ireland's electricity system, but this will take innovation and the type of entrepreneurial spirit that is inherent in start-up companies developing in Ireland today. The passion and drive amongst our entrepreneurs in Ireland is unquestionable and we at ESB are delighted to support creative and ambitious companies through the Dublin Web Summit."

(CD/JP)