Deloitte is calling on companies from across Northern Ireland’s growing technology sector – including software, hardware, communications, media, clean-tech, and life sciences – to apply for this year’s awards.
Thirteen Northern Irish companies made the Fast 50 last year, with Belfast-based CATAGEN the highest-ranking Northern Ireland business at number 2 in the rankings, based on its growth rate, just behind overall winner Electricity Exchange, from Limerick.
Peter Allen, partner at Deloitte said: “The Fast 50 awards are a celebration of entrepreneurial tech businesses across Ireland. While this has been a hugely challenging year for the whole business community, many technology focused companies have remained resilient and continued to grow through the pandemic and we think it is important to recognise that achievement.
“Deloitte is also actively engaged in assisting a number of previous winners to grow rapidly and attract investment. We have noticed a significant increase in the appetite to invest in our indigenous tech companies as the global marketplace becomes aware of Northern Ireland’s reputation as a fast-growing tech hub of the future.”
Dr Andrew Woods, CEO of CATAGEN, a clean air emissions data company, said: “CATAGEN got fantastic exposure from being part of the Fast 50 last year and the recognition resonated with our customer base. Despite everything that has happened in the world since then, the business has acquired 270% more paying customers by head count of leading automotive brands in the intervening period. The company has continued to grow and has recruited 30% more employees in that time frame to meet future demand.
“In addition, CATAGEN has been recognised by Innovate UK and has recently been awarded a Future Leaders Fellowship Award of £1.25mn. For any fast-growing technology company, I’d say the Fast 50 is definitely worth entering as the recognition is very well received.”
The closing date for entries is 30 November 2020 and the winners will be announced in December. For details of how to enter, please visit www.fast50.ie.
Pictured launching the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards at CATAGEN’s Emissions Data Facility in Titanic Quarter are (r) Dr Andrew Woods, CEO of Catagen, and (l) Peter Allen, partner at Deloitte
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