The ongoing Covid pandemic has made 2021 another difficult year. Yet, uniquely among EU countries, Ireland’s economy has remained steadfast and continues to grow. Underpinning this resilience is a thriving indigenous technology sector, encompassing both leading multinational technology companies and a flourishing start-up ecosystem. 

Many of these companies are being recognised for their efforts, having been shortlisted for the 29th Technology Ireland Industry Awards. Following a record 82 applications, the 47 finalists have now been announced.

Technology Ireland, alongside platinum sponsors EY Ireland, gold sponsors Fidelity Investments, Workhuman and Enterprise Ireland, extend their congratulations to the successful entries, stating that the mix of indigenous Irish-owned companies and international FDI companies, and the quality of the entries,  highlight the vibrancy of the Irish tech sector. 

Una Fitzpatrick, director of Technology Ireland, says: “This year’s Technology Ireland Awards highlights the continuing growth of the sector, with the highest ever response in applications received for the Emerging Company of the Year award, and the lead award category, the Digital Technology Company of the Year Award, sponsored by EY Ireland. 

“The record number of applications received accentuates the vibrancy of the sector and cements Ireland’s position as a global technology powerhouse.”

EY Ireland sponsors the prestigious Digital Technology Company of the Year Award. 

Comments Marie Treacy, Technology Sector leader and partner with EY Ireland: “The calibre of shortlisted entries this year has been truly phenomenal and is a testament to the high levels of innovation, creativity and adaptability we continue to see among Irish indigenous as well as international technology firms located in Ireland. These companies demonstrate the excellence that is present right across the tech sector in Ireland and its ability to transform and thrive in the face of adversity. 

“On behalf of EY, I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to those companies who have been shortlisted and I wish them the very best as we approach the awards next month.”

Lorna Martyn, head of Technology at Fidelity Investments and chair of Technology Ireland says: “Given the incredible response to the introduction of the Tech4Good category last year, Fidelity is delighted to once again support recognition of the positive impact of technology on wider society. The calibre of applications received across all categories further highlights the potential within the sector to positively contribute to post-pandemic recovery.” 

Adds Fitzpatrick: “The calibre of applications received demonstrates that the Irish technology sector is in a strong place. However, there are still challenges for the sector to overcome. Technology Ireland’s primary goal is to help maintain Ireland’s position as a global digital leader. 

‘The forthcoming National Digital Strategy must recognise the urgency attached to digital transformation for all areas of business, government and society’

“Our technology sector has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, but current and past achievements are no guarantee of future success. There is a danger of the technology sector being taken for granted. Complacency is a serious risk in this, the most internationally agile and mobile of all sectors. 

“Technology Ireland and its members have several key priorities to ensure Ireland retains its place as a digital hub,” she says. “The forthcoming National Digital Strategy must recognise the urgency attached to digital transformation for all areas of business, government, and society. Other priorities include a streamlined application process for visas and work permits, the continued adoption of cloud services, and the enhancement of digital education to increase the number of students pursuing careers in the tech, both through the tertiary education sector and through alternative pathways.

“The future of the Irish technology sector is very bright,” Fitzpatrick states. “The pandemic has taught us that we cannot control everything, and we certainly cannot predict everything, but if we execute that which we do have control over, Ireland will continue to do well and build for future success in a sustainable way that benefits all sectors of our society. The standard of the applications for this year’s Technology Ireland awards gives me great confidence that we can do that.”

The next stage of the awards will see the shortlisted entries present to 10 independent judging panels, composed of chief executives and founders of successful Irish technology companies, and leaders within the  sector. The winners of the 2021 awards will then be announced at the annual s event on November 19th in the Westin Hotel, Dublin.

Further information on the Technology Ireland Awards can be found at www.technology-ireland.ie/awards 

Digital Technology Company of the Year 

• MCO (MyComplianceOffice)
• Global Shares
• Snigel
• Ergo
• GridBeyond

Emerging Company of the Year 

• CameraMatics
• EquiTrace
• Strikepay
• SmartRoutes

Outstanding Achievement in International Growth 

• MCO (MyComplianceOffice)
• ID-Pal
• Nutritics
• Luzern eCommerce

Technology Innovation of the Year 

• danalto
• ID-Pal
• Brightflag
• Strikepay
• Money Jar

Digital Technology Services Project of the Year 

• Each&Other 
• Sonalake
• Aspirico
• TEKenable Ltd 

WomenInTech Initiative of the Year 

• Fidelity Investments Ireland
• Google Ireland 
• Citibank Europe plc
• AIB
• Code Institute

Tech4Good – Product/Service Award

• Kinia
• Google Ireland and Dublin City Council
• Gabadoo
• Strikepay 
• Mobility Mojo

Technology Ireland CSR Award

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) 
• Microsoft Ireland
• Fidelity Investments Ireland
• Fitzgerald & Partners Accountants 
• Huawei Ireland

Excellence in Talent Development

• Ergo 
• Fidelity Investments Ireland
• Version 1
• Diligent
• Unum Ireland Limited

Outstanding Academic Achievement of the Year 

• IBM Research in Ireland
• CONNECT Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin
• The SFI ADAPT Centre for AI Driven Digital Content Technology
• National College of Ireland
• CeADAR – Ireland’s Centre for Applied AI