Applications for the Deloitte Fast 50 awards recognising the country's fastest-growing and most innovative start-ups are now open.

The programme ranks the 50 fastest growing indigenous technology companies based on revenue growth over the past four years.

The list features both private and publicly listed tech companies that have demonstrated creative strategies, sound management practices and marketplace vision.

James Toomey, partner and Fast 50 programme lead at Deloitte, said businesses have switched their focus to resilience and upholding standards as the macroeconomic landscape has shifted over the past year.

“The changes in our current trading environment have shifted our focus here at home in Ireland. More than ever, we realise we need to invest and support indigenous businesses to insulate Ireland and keep us an innovative and exciting place to work and live," he continued.

Toomey cited unicorns Wayflyer and Tines among the previous nominees as proof of the list's high calibre.

"The rankings are trusted, respected and purely quantitative based, solely looking at growth, so it’s an objective ranking. We hear from previous participants how this has helped them when looking for external investment," he continued.

"In this environment, when investors are being sharper and smarter with their money, this is invaluable. I look forward to seeing which companies apply and seeing many of them at our awards ceremony in November.”

This year's awards programme will include several award categories that companies can enter in addition to the overall ranking:

• Growing New Technology Award in association with Google: This award recognises a company that has created or introduced a new or innovative product or service to international markets, which helped grow their business over the last four years.
• Impact Award in association with Meta: This award recognises a company that has made a significant impact within the current year.
• Women in Technology Advocate Award in association with NetSuite: This award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated through their actions that they are an advocate for increasing participation by, and promotion of, women in the technology sector. 
• Scale Up Award in association with Scale Ireland: This award recognises a company that has demonstrated an impressive ability to scale up/expand overseas over the last four years.
• Financial Services Innovation Award in association with Financial Services Ireland: This award recognises a company with an innovative product or service that is having a disruptive impact within the financial services industry.
• The Rising Star award in association with Enterprise Ireland: This award will recognise a company that has demonstrated a promising growth trajectory and the potential for inclusion in the Fast 50 rankings in years to come. Companies being considered for this award must have operating revenues accounting for a minimum of two years and less than four years.

11 of the 50 ranked companies in 2024 were first time winners, with Wayflyer, Fibrus, Tines, Buymedia and Catagen making up the top five.

Eoin Hinchy, founder and chief executive of Tines, said achieving unicorn status and reaching the top five of the Deloitte Fast 50 made 2024 a special year.

"None of it would be possible without the trust and support of our customers, investors and team, and the globally-recognised Fast 50 rankings are not only a recognition of our exponential growth, but also a moment for all of us to celebrate and meet with like-minded tech companies," he said.

Susan Crawford, group chief financial officer of Catagen, said: “The Deloitte Fast 50 awards stand out from other programmes because of their objectivity. When a company is ranked, it’s based on its numbers.

"For our team at CATAGEN, a Net Zero Technologies company, the Fast 50 has been a trusted reference point in our scaling journey—recognised numerous times, including three top five placements.

"We’re ambitious about how technology can help tackle climate change, and the Fast 50’s global reputation supports us as we continue to grow and scale.”

Application details and further information about the programme can be found at deloitte.com/ie/en/Industries/tmt/technology-fast-50-awards.html.

The closing date for entries is September 19 and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin on November 27.

Photo: (from left): Aisléan Nicholson (Deloitte partner in Belfast office), Eoin Hinchy (CEO and Founder, Tines), James Toomey (Deloitte partner and Fast 50 programme leader), Susan Crawford (Group CFO, Catagen). (Pic: Supplied)