John Mackey is Co-Founder and CEO of MBRYONICS, a space technology company advancing satellite communications through optical and photonic systems. Alongside his siblings Ruth and David, he is driving a vision to transform satellites into orbital data centres, enabling a more connected global internet.
By Héloïse Chaudot
What are your main priorities and goals in your role?
Accelerating MBRYONICS from flight-proven technology to industrial-scale manufacturing. We’re scaling from hundreds of optical terminals today to tens of thousands by 2028.
What are your biggest challenges as CEO?
Moving at startup speed while navigating regulations, government procurement timelines and hiring the best talent.
How do you keep your team/staff motivated?
Having a clear mission and vision really helps the team understand their role. We are also pioneering optical communications for space, so that’s inherently motivating.
What are the challenges facing the industry going forward?
Manufacturing readiness. Building products for space is a very different beast. The question comes down to who can manufacture at the speed the market demands, and we know we can deliver on that.
What new trends are emerging in your industry?
The shift from radio frequency to optical communications for satellites. After 70 years of “dial-up” radio, the industry is transitioning to fibre optic-speed laser links. It’s 1,000x faster and more secure.
Are there any major changes you would like to see in your sector?
We are seeing an exciting shift as Europe’s €10B+ investment in projects like IRIS² begins to synchronise with the rapid pace of private innovation. That creates a massive opportunity to build the internet in space.
As an employer, are you finding any skill gaps in the market?
There’s always been great talent in Ireland, and we’re seeing brilliant people relocate for the opportunity to join MBRYONICS, which is great. We’re building manufacturing expertise for hard tech at an industrial scale.
How do you define success, and what drives you to succeed?
Being a trusted partner for our customers. When DARPA, the European Space Agency, and satellite operators choose MBRYONICS, they’re betting their missions on our technology. Earning that trust – and delivering on it – drives me.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given in business?
Be ambitious and back yourself. But also, you need to hire great people and delegate. You can’t scale if you’re the bottleneck. Trusting talented people to own their areas is how you scale without breaking.
What advice would you give to others starting in business?
Back yourself before anyone else will. In fast-moving markets, silence isn’t humility; it’s a missed opportunity. If you’ve built something real, say it clearly and unapologetically.
What have been your highlights in business over the past year?
Transitioning from R&D to active production, we are launching our StarCom product and scaling manufacturing at our new Shannon facility to meet market demand. Supported by €17.5M in funding and a team growing to over 125+, we are accelerating operations to execute this global expansion at scale.
What’s next for your company?
Continue to build on the operational success of Photon-1 in Galway, and scale production at our new Shannon facility (Photon-2).
Where do you want your business/brand to be this time next year?
Flight-proven with missions operational in 2027, Photon-2 construction delivered, with Photon-3 planning well underway. I’d like to see MBRYONICS recognised globally as the infrastructure layer for satellite optical communications.
What is the best book you’ve ever read (non-business) and why?
I really enjoyed the Shoemaker of Dreams because it beautifully captures how a single-minded obsession with a craft can transform an industry. It is a masterclass in resilience and curiosity, detailing Salvatore Ferragamo’s journey from an apprentice in Italy to a Hollywood legend.
What is your favourite hobby and why?
Cooking. It’s one of the few things where you can completely disconnect from work and create something with your hands. The process clears your head in a way nothing else does.
What is your mantra for life?
Be ready for your time. You need a strong vision, but also do the work to make it a reality. We spent a decade developing and testing the technology, so when the market window opened, we were ready. It’s making sure that when an opportunity arises, you are prepared and ready to capitalise.
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