The ESB Spark of Genius competition will take place at the 2016 Web Summit in Lisbon. Image: Arsenie Krasnevsky/Shutterstock
12 Irish start-ups have been shortlisted to take part in the 2016 ESB Spark of Genius competition at the Web Summit in Lisbon.
Past winners of the ESB Spark of Genius Award include Bizimply, Love & Robots, Viddyad, Datahug and SmartThings.
The ESB Spark of Genius Award provides a platform for high potential technology start-ups who have been in operation for less than three years and have received under €1 million in funding.
Unique ideas
The 12 entrants and judges for the 2016 ESB Spark of Genius competition
Entrants are judged on the uniqueness of their idea, their business development and prospects for future growth.
The 12 start-ups will compete for a €25,000 cash prize.
One of the previous winners, SmartThings, was acquired by Korean tech giant Samsung to be the fulcrum of its internet of things strategy for an alleged sum of $200m.
The 12 Irish start-ups are:
1. BikeLook
BikeLook use Bluetooth sensors on bikes and racks to solve Dublin’s €10m bike theft problem.
2. Buymie
Buymie is a mobile platform that uses networked productivity to redefine the supply and value chain of the traditional grocery retail market.
3. EnergyElephant
EnergyElephant helps businesses to make better energy decisions by organising and analysing their energy data.
4. Fillit
Fillit is a marketplace that connects people looking for temporary spaces for events, retail, promotions etc to those with excess or underused spaces.
5. HouseMyDog
A former Siliconrepublic.com Start-up of the Week, HouseMyDog is an online marketplace that connects dog owners with local vetted dog sitters. Think of it like Airbnb for dogs.
6. iKydz
iKydz is a global plug and play service that allow parents to control their kids’ internet access at home.
7. Kollect
Kollect is Ireland’s first real solution for on demand pay as you go bin collection, which allows customers to take control and choose bin day.
8. OpenBack
OpenBack are creating a new standard in mobile notifications to drive engagement while putting users first.
9. Parkpnp
A recent Siliconrepublic.com Start-up of the Week, Parkpnp is an online marketplace for parking. Users can list their unused spaces to drivers to generate income through a website and app.
10. Responder
Built by Wicklow company Showoff, Responder is a product aimed at supporting independent living, health and well-being through the use of mobile and wearable technologies.
11. WeSavvy
WeSavvy allows insurance products to be powered by the consumer’s lifestyle. The user can get rewarded on their insurance policy when they walk, run or cycle.
12. Wia
Another previous Siliconrepublic.com Start-up of the Week, Wia provide developers with a real time platform for building Internet of Things applications.
