Mbryonics, a Galway-based leader in photonic satellite optical communication networks, will create the jobs following the opening of its new Photon-1 volume manufacturing facility in Dangan.
The new facility marks the company’s transition from breakthrough research and development to large-scale production.
Mbryonics, which was founded in 2014, currently has a headcount of 100 employees, and these new roles will be in the areas of production, engineering, sales and marketing support.
The move represents a major step forward in its mission to deliver the “internet in space” and strengthen Ireland’s role in the global space economy.
The news coincides with an announcement that Mbryonics will also expand into Clare by leasing Block R in the Shannon Airport Business Park. The space is an award-winning, 40,000 square foot R& D facility designed for advanced manufacturing.
Mbryonics says future expansion is planned in the western region and internationally to serve major programmes, such as the EU’s IRIS2 constellation – a planned secure satellite internet constellation for government agencies – as well as their international public and private customers.
The Photon-1 launch in Dangan builds on more than a decade of collaboration between Mbryonics, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Ireland’s ESA Delegation.
The facility will manufacture Mbryonics’ flagship optical communications terminal product StarCom, with initial capacity for 500 units a year.
Mbryonics says the launch builds on more than a decade of collaboration between the company, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Ireland’s ESA Delegation.
A spokesperson said that the sustained partnership has been instrumental at every stage of Mbryonics’ journey, culminating in the creation of the first volume manufacturing facility for advanced satellite optical communications technologies in Galway.
Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke TD has welcomed the move and said the new Proton-1 facility is a “landmark” for Ireland’s space sector: “This is another great example of how partnering with the European Space Agency 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.”
CEO of Mbryonics John Mackey said that the company is “proud” to open the first of its volume production facilities in Galway, with his team also looking ahead to expanding into Shannon.
“As a Galwegian, it is especially meaningful to see our home city become a hub for cutting edge space technology,” he said. “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.”
Confirming the announcement, a spokesperson for the Shannon Airport Group said that the group is pleased to welcome Mbryonics to its facility at Shannon Airport Business Park.
“Today’s announcement of 125 new jobs in Galway, as part of their continued expansion, is a testament to Mbryonics’ ambition and commitment to driving innovation and economic growth across the West of Ireland.
“We extend our warm congratulations to the Mbryonics team today and look forward to welcoming them into our community of pioneering companies in the Shannon Airport Business Park in the coming years,” they added.