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ZEISS History
Seeing Beyond Since 1846
For more than a century, ZEISS has been shaping the future of optics.
What began as a small workshop in Jena, Germany, has grown into a global leader in optics and optoelectronics.
Our history is built on precision, innovation, and a constant drive to expand what is possible.
1846 | Humble Beginnings
In 1846, Carl Zeiss opened his first workshop for precision mechanics and optical instruments in Jena, Germany.
Initially focused on microscope production, the business quickly grew from serving the local market to supplying customers around the world.
Today | A Global Optical Leader
Today, ZEISS is an internationally leading technology company in the fields of optics and optoelectronics.
With annual revenue exceeding 10 billion euros, ZEISS continues to drive innovation across science, healthcare, industry, and consumer technology.
1889 | A Strong Foundation
After the death of Carl Zeiss, his business partner Ernst Abbe established the Carl Zeiss Foundation in 1889.
The foundation became the sole owner of the company, ensuring that its success would continue to support science, society, culture, and employees.
Today | Innovation with Purpose
ZEISS remains a 100% foundation-owned company to this day.
A large share of its profits is still reinvested into research, education, scientific progress, and social responsibility initiatives.
1912 | Pioneering Vision Care
The launch of ZEISS Punktal spectacle lenses in 1912 marked the beginning of the modern eyeglass lens industry.
These lenses transformed the way corrective lenses were designed and manufactured, offering clearer and more accurate vision correction.
Today | A Partner in Eye Care
ZEISS continues to set new standards in vision care.
Beyond customized vision correction, the company is committed to supporting long-term eye health and improving quality of life through advanced optical solutions.
1950s | The First Surgical Microscopes
In the 1950s, ZEISS adapted its microscope technology for use in surgery.
This breakthrough opened new possibilities for medical professionals and made highly precise surgical procedures more achievable.
Today | Advancing Medical Possibilities
Today, ZEISS technologies play a vital role in medical treatment and research around the world.
Innovations such as the ZEISS MultiSEM, the world’s fastest electron microscope, help researchers better understand the human brain and support the development of new treatments.
1969 | To the Moon
ZEISS camera lenses helped document one of humanity’s greatest achievements — the first moon landing in 1969.
This milestone demonstrated the exceptional precision and reliability of ZEISS optics, even in the most demanding environments.
Today | From Space to Everyday Life
ZEISS technology continues to reach far beyond Earth.
From satellite imaging systems to smartphone photography, ZEISS optics remain part of both groundbreaking exploration and everyday experiences.
1977 | Enabling Microstructures
In 1977, ZEISS introduced the S-Planar 10/0.28, the first lens capable of enabling optolithographic production of 1 µm structures.
This innovation laid the foundation for wafer stepper technology, a key component in modern microchip manufacturing.
Today | Shaping Modern Technology
ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology helps chipmakers around the world produce increasingly smaller, more powerful, and more efficient microchips.
These innovations continue to support the digital technologies that shape modern life.
A Legacy of Innovation
From a small workshop in 1846 to a global technology leader today, ZEISS has remained committed to precision, progress, and purpose.
Its history is not only a story of technological advancement, but also a story of continually changing the way people see and experience the world.