MPB Communications Inc. (MPBC) is a Canadian technology company specializing in high-performance fiber lasers, fiber amplifiers, and optical subsystems for telecommunications, space, scientific, and industrial applications.[1][3] Founded in 1976 as a spin-off from RCA Canada, it serves network equipment manufacturers, satellite operators, data centers, and research institutions by providing solutions like booster amplifiers, Raman amplifiers, visible fiber lasers, and data center interconnect (DCI) systems that enhance optical network reach, power efficiency, reliability, and performance.[1][2][3] The company invests approximately 20% of revenues in R&D, maintaining ISO 9001:2015 certification and earning awards such as the Paul F. Forman Team Engineering Excellence Award.[1][3]
MPB Communications traces its roots to January 4, 1977, when eight scientists, engineers, and technicians, led by Dr. Morrel P. Bachynski, spun off from RCA Canada’s closing Research and Development Laboratories to form MPB Technologies Inc.[3][4][7] Initially focused on diverse fields like communications, space, fusion technology, electromagnetics, robotics, and lasers—including contributions to the Tokamak de Varennes fusion project—the company pivoted in the 1990s to undersea telecommunications.[3][4] A pivotal moment came with developing undersea branching multiplexers (UBMs) for TAT-9, the first trans-Atlantic optical fiber system enabling star-network traffic management between North America and Europe, featuring the first undersea ASIC with <0.3 failures in 25 years reliability.[3][4]
The firm evolved into fiber lasers and amplifiers for scientific/industrial needs, then split its optical amplifier line for telecom and space applications, including GEO/LEO satellite constellations.[3] Other milestones include the Microgravity Isolation Mount on the MIR space station (1996-2001) and acquiring facilities for electronics testing.[4] Today, under family leadership emphasizing its talented team, MPBC continues advancing photonic technologies.[3]
MPB Communications rides the surge in high-bandwidth optical communications, driven by exploding data demands from 5G/6G, cloud computing, AI data centers, and satellite mega-constellations like Starlink.[1][2][3] Its timing aligns with the shift from terrestrial to space-based networks, where reliable, compact amplifiers enable LEO/GEO connectivity and free-space optics, addressing fiber's limitations in remote/undersea scenarios.[1][3] Market forces favoring MPBC include the need for power-efficient, high-reach optics amid energy constraints in data centers and the DCI boom for 100G+ intra-data-center links.[2] The company influences the ecosystem by supplying integrators worldwide, pioneering undersea optics that paved trans-oceanic internet, and now powering next-gen space telecom, fostering innovation in photonics for global connectivity.[3][4]
MPBC is poised to capitalize on satellite internet proliferation and AI-fueled optical upgrades, with expansions in space amplifiers and high-power lasers likely driving growth.[1][3] Trends like multi-terabit DCI, quantum-secure comms, and edge computing will shape its path, potentially through partnerships or new R&D in integrated photonics. Its influence may evolve from niche supplier to key enabler in hybrid space-terrestrial networks, sustaining decades of leadership by exceeding customer expectations in an increasingly connected world—echoing its RCA origins in pushing optical boundaries.[3]
MPB has raised $87.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
MPB's investors include Acton Capital Partners, Resurge Growth Partners.
MPB has raised $87.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $69.0M Series D in April 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 1, 2021 | $69.0M Series D | Acton Capital Partners, Resurge Growth Partners | |
| Jul 1, 2019 | $11.0M Series C | Acton Capital Partners, Resurge Growth Partners | |
| Mar 1, 2018 | $7.0M Series B | Resurge Growth Partners |
