Jack O’Keeffe, an engineer-turned-startup-founder, revolutionizing mental health with non-invasive light therapy.
An Engineer’s Journey to Denmark
At this week’s Republikken Community Breakfast, we welcomed Jack O’Keeffe, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur from Ireland. Jack shared his inspiring journey from corporate engineering roles in Lund, Sweden, to founding a cutting-edge startup here in Denmark. His path wasn’t linear, but it was driven by curiosity and a passion for innovation.
A Startup Born from Science
Jack’s startup, Syntropic Medical, focuses on a groundbreaking device to treat severe depression without drugs. Inspired by neuroscientific research, his team developed wearable goggles that use pulsed light frequencies to replicate the therapeutic effects of ketamine. Unlike drugs, this non-invasive therapy eliminates chemical side effects while still targeting the same brain mechanisms.
Transforming Challenges into Innovation
Building a med-tech startup isn’t without hurdles. From splitting time between Vienna and Copenhagen to assembling a team of talented engineers in Austria, Jack’s resourcefulness shines through. Funding, however, has been a success story, with €1.8 million raised through Austrian grants and venture capital.
Jack O’Keeffe: Bridging Science and Startups
Jack is eager to integrate further into Denmark’s vibrant startup ecosystem. With clinical trials underway and an ambitious timeline to hit the U.S. market by 2028, his vision is to provide a transformative mental health solution.
A Call to Connect
Jack’s parting words were a call for collaboration. He’s looking to connect with Danish entrepreneurs and innovators, offering his engineering expertise and sharing insights from his med-tech journey.
Join us next week for another inspiring breakfast at Republikken. The energy from these sessions is as innovative as the ideas they spark!