Affymetrix, Inc., (Nasdaq:AFFX) today announced that it has been selected by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the top 100 companies to watch. Affymetrix was listed under health care, which the magazine describes as one of the ten hottest industry categories right now. Entrepreneur has been published for 30 years, covering the diverse challenges of business ownership.

Commenting in its June edition, the magazine said “Affymetrix’ ‘whole genome’ devices are the lynchpin in analyzing genetic information (a key market) and taking personalized medicine and prevention into the 21st century.”

Other companies chosen in the top 100 include One Laptop Per Child, SugarCRM, Aliph, and TransFair USA. Accompanying Affymetrix in the health care sector are Access Nurses, American TeleCare, and RadiSys.

Affymetrix’ mission is to revolutionize how the world benefits from genetic information. The company creates products that enable scientists to understand the complicated information stored within our DNA. Scientists use this information to explore the genetic causes of common and rare diseases, which in turn may lead to better treatments.

Today’s award marks the third in just over a year from a major publication. The first award was Fast Company’s selection of Affymetrix as one of the world’s top 50 most innovative companies in March of last year. In April of this year the company was named by staff as one of the best places to work in the Bay Area, in a competition organized by the San Francisco Business Times.

“Companies like Affymetrix are proving that with brainpower, determination and good timing, businesses can trump even the toughest of economic challenges,” said Amy Cosper, VP and editor in chief of Entrepreneur. “Those named to the 100 Companies to Watch are just that—ones to watch—that could reach new heights for growth among ten industries with a combined $5 trillion in opportunity.”

“To win this recognition from Entrepreneur magazine is a great honor,” said Kevin King, president and CEO of Affymetrix. ”We are proud to be recognized alongside other companies who have shown resilience in tough economic times, through their commitment to advancing health care and science.”

About Affymetrix

Affymetrix GeneChip^® microarray technology is the industry-standard tool for analyzing complex genetic information. After inventing microarray technology in the late 1980s, Affymetrix scientists have been dedicated to developing innovative products that provide researchers with a more complete view of the genome.