National Instruments CEO Dr James Truchard

Its technology has helped engineers put rovers on the surface of Mars, aided scientists in their search for physics’ most elusive particles, fuelled Formula 1 success, and driven the development of everything from new energy sources to life-saving medical devices.

And although it may not — like a BAE Systems or a Rolls Royce — be a household name, few engineering firms can claim to have had an impact in as many different sectors as National Instruments (NI).

Founded in Texas in 1976, NI has grown over the last four decades to become one of the world’s top software companies. Employing more than 6,000 people across 48 countries, the company last year posted a record annual revenue of $1.02bn. Today, its flagship Labview product — which enables engineers and scientists to program graphically by ‘wiring’ icons together instead of typing text — is perhaps the most ubiquitous bit of engineering software in existence.