MBRYONICS, a Galway-based leader in photonic satellite optical communication networks, has opened its new Photon-1 volume manufacturing facility in Dangan and announced the creation of 125 new jobs over the next two years in Galway. MBRYONICS currently has a headcount of 100 employees, and these new roles will be in the areas of production, engineering, sales, and marketing support. This represents a major step forward in its mission to deliver the “internet in space” and strengthen Ireland’s role in the global space economy.
Founded in 2014, MBRYONICS has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of satellite optical and photonic transport systems, working with clients in the public and private sectors.
The Photon-1 launch builds on more than a decade of collaboration between MBRYONICS, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Ireland’s ESA Delegation. This sustained partnership has been instrumental at every stage of the company’s journey – from early research and technology funding development to scaling internationally – culminating in the company’s creation of the first volume manufacturing facility for advanced satellite optical communications technologies in Galway.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said:
“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 (ESA) and Ireland’s ESA Delegation. This is another great example of how partnering with ESA has enabled the development of world-leading technology here in Ireland that is now ready for large-scale production and global deployment.
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. We look forward to continuing these important partnerships between industry in Ireland and ESA.”
The Photon-1 New Product Introduction facility integrates design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities under one roof, enabling the rapid and scalable deployment of advanced optical communication terminals for satellite constellations.
It marks the company’s transition from breakthrough R&D to large-scale production, with future expansion planned in the western region and internationally to serve major programmes including the EU’s IRIS² constellation as well as their international public and private customers. Photon-1 manufacturing facility, located in Dangan Galway will manufacture MBRYONICS’s flagship optical communications terminal product StarCom, with initial capacity for 500 units a year.
John Mackey, CEO of MBRYONICS, said:
“We are proud to open Photon-1, the first of our volume production facilities, right here on the Wild Atlantic Space Coast in Galway. As a Galwegian, it is especially meaningful to see our home city become a hub for cutting-edge space technology. We are deeply grateful to Minister Burke, Enterprise Ireland, and the Irish Delegation to ESA for joining us on this landmark day, and to our dedicated team, investors, and customers whose commitment made this possible. 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.
Mbryonics is strategically positioned to supply the technologies, infrastructure, operations, and talent that will power this new space era. For us, Photon-1 is just the beginning – the launch pad for what comes next as we look forward to continuing to grow and scale, with our photon-2 site already secured in Shannon for high volume manufacturing with a capacity for production of more than 5,000 units a year.”
Kevin Sherry, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland, said:
“MBRYONICS’ success is built on more than a decade of innovation and sustained collaboration with the European Space Agency and Ireland’s ESA Delegation. Enterprise Ireland has been proud to support their journey — from early-stage funding through the Commercialisation Fund, through to connecting with ESA programmes, DTIF funding, and opportunities in the global space sector. 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.”
