Smart Systems

ZEISS: Strategic cooperation agreement with tesa for the industrialization of large-area hologram technology

May 13, 2025. ZEISS and tesa are intensifying their collaboration and have formalized their strategic partnership as part of a cooperation agreement. The focus is on the industrial replication of holographically functionalized films – especially for large-format applications such as transparent displays in vehicle windshields. By pooling their respective expertise in micro-optics and high-performance adhesive technology, the two companies are creating the basis for the reliable and large-scale series production of holographic components. The aim is to integrate holographic functionality into transparent surfaces, such as glass, on an industrial scale. A central flagship project of the partnership is the development of holographic solutions for windscreens in the automotive sector. The holographic solutions save space and weight and offer additional functions with real added value.

Partnership lays the foundation for series production-ready processing of holographic films - with the windshield as a lighthouse project. Photo: ZEISS

Combined expertise for the development of future technologies

Both partners have in-depth industry knowledge and experience in the industrial implementation of technological innovation: ZEISS as a leading supplier of micro-optical components and tesa as a long-standing development partner of various industries with a focus on self-adhesive product and system solutions.

“This partnership is a milestone for the industrialization of hologram technology – especially for large-area applications. Together with tesa, we are creating the prerequisites for bringing holographic innovations to the market in a reliable, scalable and economical way,” says Roman Kleindienst, Head of ZEISS Microoptics / EVP ZEISS Microoptics.

“As an established partner to the automotive and consumer electronics industries, tesa is contributing its comprehensive process and material expertise to the cooperation with ZEISS. Together we will significantly advance the serial replication of holographic solutions. With ZEISS, we have a global technology leader at our side – we look forward to the intensive collaboration and the development of pioneering projects for our customers,” says Dr. Ingrid Sebald, Chief Technology Officer at tesa.

About ZEISS

ZEISS is a global technology leader in the optical and optoelectronics industry. In its four divisions Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets, the ZEISS Group most recently generated annual sales of around 11 billion euros (September 30, 2024).

ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and therapy in ophthalmology and microsurgery for its customers. ZEISS also stands for the world’s leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. ZEISS branded products such as ophthalmic lenses, photographic lenses and binoculars are sought-after and trendsetters worldwide.

With a portfolio geared towards future growth areas such as digitalization, health and Industry 4.0 and a strong brand, ZEISS is helping to shape technological progress and is advancing the world of optics and related areas with its solutions. The basis for the success and further continuous expansion of ZEISS’ technology and market leadership is the sustained high level of expenditure on research and development. ZEISS invests 15% of its revenue in research and development work – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is equally an investment in the future.

With more than 46,000 employees, ZEISS is active in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, around 40 research and development locations and 35 production sites worldwide (September 30, 2024). The headquarters of the company, which was founded in Jena in 1846, is located in Oberkochen, Germany. The sole owner of the parent company, Carl Zeiss AG, is the Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest German foundations for the promotion of science.

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