Tracy Thompson leads Helogen’s Life Sciences division, focusing on developing autonomous biological research satellites in low Earth orbit. With over 40 years of experience spanning product development, corporate leadership, and scientific innovation, Tracy brings a broad perspective to advancing space-based biology. Prior to Helogen, he founded two companies specializing in bionanoparticle technologies. His work includes developing diagnostics that differentiate infected from vaccinated animals and creating nanoparticles for cancer immunotherapies that mimic viruses to target tumors. A recognized expert in biotechnology, Tracy has spoken at the BIO International Convention and other global conferences, delivering keynote addresses on affinity chromatography and bioprocessing. His expertise has also extended to advising the New Zealand government on science and technology priorities, managing national research investments. Currently, Tracy’s team is developing compact, 3-liter autonomous satellite laboratories capable of performing complex biological experiments in orbit—similar to those on Earth or the ISS. These labs utilize validated sensors for rapid, client-specific research, building on his early work in automated point-of-care diagnostics. Tracy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from San Jose State University and studied pharmaceutical chemistry at UC San Francisco. Despite his diverse background, he humbly describes himself as, “just a guy.”

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