By Nigel Tilson

Three Northern Ireland firms finished in the top 20 in an annual competition to recognise the 50 fastest-growing tech- nology companies across Ireland.

The highest Ulster finisher in the Technology Fast 50, run by accountancy firm Deloitte, was Gem.

The Belfast-based firm, which provides multi-channel, multi- lingual contact centre services to global organisations, came 12th with an average growth of 585%.

Also in the top 20 were ProLogic Data Management (14th) with an average growth of 555% and Lagan Technologies (19th place, 370% growth).

The overall winner was Dublin-based Xsil, a provider of laser micro-machining systems to the semi-conductor industry. It achieved an aggregate revenue growth of 17,333% in the last five years.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland winner in the Rising Stars category, recognising younger companies with the fastest growth in turnover over the past three years, was Sensor Technology & Devices.

Overall, 15 Northern Ireland companies were recognised at the awards.  Click here for the list