Andor Technology - which manufactures scientific cameras - was chosen at an event organised by Invest Northern Ireland.

The announcement was made by the agency's chairman, Professor Fabian Monds, at the 10th annual Northern Ireland Exporter of the Year Awards.

The judges said Andor Technology was successful because of its annual growth in exports of more than 50%.

From its early beginnings at Queen's University, Andor Technology has combined entrepreneurial flair with a dedication to innovation

Professor Fabian Monds Invest NI

It has been selling products to high profile industrial and academic clients in markets across the world.

More than 250 business people from local companies, business bodies and councils attended the event, which is co-sponsored by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry and British European.

Other companies which picked up awards were:

• Strategic Business Alliance Award 2001: Audio Processing Technology Ltd, Belfast
• First Time Exporter of the Year 2001: The McAvoy Group Ltd, Dungannon
• Small Business Exporter of the Year 2001: Fivemiletown Creamery
• E-Business Exporter of the Year 2001: gem - the Global e-Mail Company Ltd, Belfast
• Tradeable Services Exporter of the Year 2001: Northern Ireland Public Sector Enterprises (NI-CO), Belfast

Professor Monds said Andor was "an excellent example of the entrepreneurship and commitment to innovation which is at the core of Invest NI's strategy to accelerate Northern Ireland's economic growth".

"From its early beginnings in the Physics Department at Queen's University, Andor Technology has combined entrepreneurial flair with a dedication to innovation in its products and services to customers.

It stimulates fresh thinking; it introduces new ideas, technologies and different ways of doing things into Northern Ireland

Leslie Morrison Invest NI chief executive

"To maximise the enormous potential of its scientific cameras quickly and to achieve fast growth, Andor has successfully secured venture capital funding and is now positioned for even greater success.

"A key aspect of Invest NI's strategy is to encourage many more companies to explore venture capital and other private-sector funding options for greater flexibility and faster growth."

Invest Northern Ireland chief executive Leslie Morrison said supporting the growth of export-led companies to increase overseas sales was a strategic priority.

"We recognise that exporting is a vital part of our economy and society; it fuels economic growth; it creates wealth and higher incomes arising from the creation of higher quality jobs.

"It stimulates fresh thinking; it introduces new ideas, technologies and different ways of doing things into Northern Ireland; and takes our skills, experience and knowledge around the world."