The 2015 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 awards, which rank the fastest growing technology companies across the island of Ireland, are now open for entries.

The awards, that are now in their sixteenth year, will honour the very best of the indigenous technology sector and recognise those companies that have demonstrated exceptional growth in turnover over the last four years. In addition to the overall Fast 50 ranking, the Rising Star category will honour two up-and-coming companies who are in business less than four years.

One of the longest standing technology contests on the island of Ireland, Deloitte is calling on companies from across the technology spectrum – including the software, hardware, communications, media, clean-tech, and life sciences sectors – to apply for this year’s awards.

The awards demonstrate the contribution of the indigenous technology sector – cumulatively, the 2014 Fast 50 winners generated approximately £250 million in total annual revenues in 2013, with an average growth rate of 276%.

Northern Ireland was well represented in the Fast 50 ranking last year, with local firms occupying 13 places on the winners’ listing.

This year’s awards also see the introduction of six new awards categories including: • The Export award, in association with Intel • The Research & Development award, in association with Groupon • The Employment Creation award, in association with Facebook

Companies that feature on the ranking will automatically be in with a chance of winning these awards. Three further awards categories will be announced in the coming weeks.

David Crawford, Partner at Deloitte said: “As the Northern Ireland technology sector grows year-on-year, so too does the Deloitte Fast 50 programme! We are excited to acknowledge the fastest growing technology companies and celebrate their position in the wider marketplace. We are encouraging those in the industry to take part and submit an entry, particularly those that have not entered before.

“What’s more, with our new award categories we will showcase companies that we believe are excelling in the areas that truly demonstrate the value and strength of the indigenous technology sector. We are thrilled to have such key players in the multinational sector supporting these new awards, which reflects the collaborative nature of the entire industry here. We’re delighted to have them on board.

“In addition, we are now measuring turnover growth for a minimum of four years rather than five. This is a change we have made to cater for the fast-growth nature of the technology sector across the island of Ireland.” Belfast-based software development consultancy Instil was the top NI company ranking at number six. Commenting on the company’s success in the ranking, Tara Simpson, CEO said: “We were delighted to be named the fastest growing tech company in Northern Ireland in the Fast 50 Programme last year. The awards provide an important platform for local firms to showcase their talents and achieve recognition in the wider marketplace. Our ranking has certainly helped to boost our presence, both in Northern Ireland and further afield.”

Local company Novosco also received special recognition as the only firm to have been in the prestigious Fast 50 every year since the awards were established in 2000. Novosco’s Managing Director, Patrick McAliskey said: “The Fast 50 is by far the foremost technology awards programme on the island of Ireland. Every year it grows in line with our thriving technology sector and we are thrilled to be a part of it. The recognition we have received from our ranking has helped to strengthen our position in the marketplace and further improve our opportunities for growth.”

The Deloitte Fast 50 ranking will feature both private and public listed technology companies that have demonstrated innovative strategies, sound management practices and marketplace vision driving them to achieve the status of high-growth leaders. For details of how to enter, please visit www.fast50.ie

The closing date for entries is 11 September 2015 and the winners will be announced on 13 November 2015.