Watch out Elon Musk and Starlink, Irish siblings’ MBRYONICS opens Photon-1 Facility in Galway to send space-based internet at light speed via their rival StarCom platform.
MBRYONICS, a leading Galway-based space-tech firm, has announced the creation of 125 new jobs over the next two years with the launch of its new Photon-1 volume manufacturing facility in Dangan.
The expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to deliver high-speed optical communications for satellite constellations, often referred to as the “internet in space.”
“As a Galwegian, it is especially meaningful to see our home city become a hub for cutting-edge space technology”
Founded in 2014, MBRYONICS has built a reputation for innovation in photonic satellite optical communication networks, working with both public and private sector clients.
The company currently employs 100 people, and the new roles will span production, engineering, sales, and marketing support.
The founders of MBRYOICS, siblings John Mackey, Ruth Mackey, and David Mackey of MBRYONICS , were last year named 2024 EY Established Entrepreneurs of the Year.
Their ambition is to make the west of Ireland a cutting-edge manufacturing hub. The young business is at the forefront of transforming satellite communications, datacoms and 5G wireless industries through cutting-edge wireless optical transport and Coherent Photonic Optical (CPO) transceiver technologies. This will ensure high-speed, secure communication infrastructure in space, air and on land that will surpass what’s possible on current technologies like Starlink.
Laser-fast internet speeds
Photon-1 is the first volume manufacturing facility of its kind in Ireland, integrating design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities under one roof. It will produce MBRYONICS’s flagship product, StarCom, with an initial capacity of 500 units per year.
The facility represents a transition from research and development to large-scale production, with future expansion planned in Shannon, where the company has secured a site for its Photon-2 facility, capable of producing over 5,000 units annually.
“We are proud to open Photon-1, the first of our volume production facilities, right here on the Wild Atlantic Space Coast in Galway,” said John Mackey, CEO of MBRYONICS.
“As a Galwegian, it is especially meaningful to see our home city become a hub for cutting-edge space technology. Photon-1 is not just a commercial milestone for MBRYONICS – it is a symbol of Ireland’s 50-year journey with ESA and our nation’s growing role in the trillion-Euro global space economy.”
Seeing stars
The launch builds on more than a decade of collaboration between MBRYONICS, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Ireland’s ESA Delegation. This partnership has supported the company from early-stage research and funding through to international scaling.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, welcomed the announcement.
“MBRYONICS’ Photon-1 facility is a landmark for Ireland’s space sector and a direct outcome of more than a decade of close collaboration between the company, the European Space Agency and Ireland’s ESA Delegation. It demonstrates how Ireland’s membership of ESA not only drives innovation but also creates high-value jobs, boosts exports, and positions our country at the forefront of the fast-growing global space economy.”
MBRYONICS is expected to play a key role in major programmes including the EU’s IRIS² constellation, as well as serving international public and private customers.
“MBRYONICS’ success is built on more than a decade of innovation and sustained collaboration with ESA and Ireland’s ESA Delegation,” said Kevin Sherry, executive director at Enterprise Ireland.
“The launch of the Photon-1 facility is a major milestone, moving from world-class R&D to volume production, and is a clear example of how Irish companies can lead internationally while creating high-value jobs at home.”
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