Xsil, a leading provider of innovative laser micro-machining systems to the semi-conductor industry, has scooped the top prize in this year’s Deloitte Technology Fast 50 awards. The company achieved a staggering aggregate growth in revenue of 17,333% in the last five years. Xsil was also top of the Fast 50 ranking in 2003.
Second place was taken by Digiweb, a leading broadband provider to the business and consumer sectors using wireless, satellite and DSL technology. An aggregate growth rate of 3,498% over the last 5 years saw the company jump from third place last year to second place in this year’s ranking.

Third place was taken by IT security company Espion, a first time winner with an aggregate growth rate of 2,827%. Fourth and fifth places went to PulseLearning Ltd, an eLearning business specialising in regulatory compliance, and Zamano, a provider of mobile phone services, respectively. Zamano was a rising star winner in last year’s competition.

This year, there were two winners in the Rising Stars category which recognises younger companies with the fastest growth in turnover over the past three years. Carlow based company Netwatch was the Republic of Ireland’s representative, with Sensor Technology & Devices Ltd representing Northern Ireland.

The Fast 50 programme, now in its seventh year ranks the fastest-growing technology companies in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Thirty-five companies from the Republic of Ireland and 15 companies from Northern Ireland were recognised for achieving an average annual growth of 852% over the last 5 years. This represents an increase of 329% on last year.

Announcing the winners of the Technology Fast 50 programme, David O’Flanagan, Partner with Deloitte, Dublin said: “What’s very encouraging about this year’s awards is that we are seeing strong performances from both new and previous entrants. This bodes well for our indigenous Irish companies and proves that Ireland is consolidating its position as a key player within the sector, while simultaneously producing fresh and innovative new companies.”

The Awards ceremony took place in the Mansion House, Dublin and was timed to coincide with the inaugural Deloitte Technology Forum, themed this year, ‘Get Connected – Celebrate Innovation’. Industry figures speaking at the event included Cyril McGuire, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Trintech Technologies Limited, Martin Murphy, Managing Director, HP Ireland, and Paul Lee, Director, Deloitte Research, Deloitte UK.

Details of the final Technology Fast 50 ranking list is available to download at www.deloitte.com/ie/fast50