Key Facts at a Glance
- Funding amount: Well over 930,000 euros from the Free State of Thüringen.
- Total volume: The research project comprises over 1.4 million euros.
- Goal: Development of an automated, virtual eye test based on 3D technology.
- Timeline: Market readiness planned for 2027, project duration until July 2028.
Jena, 16.02.2026 – The City of Light, Jena, once again underscores its reputation as a center for optical innovation and medical technology. The startup Perceptec GmbH, founded only in 2024, has received significant financial support for its research work. Thüringen’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Colette Boos-John, visited the company to personally present the funding notification amounting to approximately 930,000 euros.
Automation to Combat Skilled Labor Shortage
At the core of the funded project is a solution that has the potential to fundamentally change workflows at opticians and in ophthalmology practices. Perceptec is working on a virtual eye test based on state-of-the-art 3D display technology. Unlike conventional procedures, which often require a lot of space, expensive equipment, and, above all, continuous supervision by specialist personnel, the new system is intended to be usable independently.
The automated determination of visual impairments is a pressing issue in times of skilled labor shortages and crowded waiting rooms. The solution from Jena aims to supplement classic, time-intensive procedures. A particular advantage of the targeted technology is its flexibility: in the future, the system is also intended for mobile use, which could significantly improve care in rural regions or in care facilities, for example.
Market Readiness Planned for 2027
The entire research project is designed to span several years and will run until July 2028. The total financial volume exceeds 1.4 million euros, with the Free State now contributing the lion’s share as funding. The ambitions of the young team are clearly defined: a first market-ready medical product is to be presented as early as 2027.
The fact that the company is located in the Technologie- und Innovationspark Jena (TIP) fits the picture. The location offers young companies in the fields of optics, photonics, and digitalization an ideal environment to move from research to commercial application. Perceptec has already received several awards for its approaches in the past and has also benefited from Thüringen funding programs previously.
Significance for the Economic Location
The funding from the Ministry of Economic Affairs is not only an investment in a single company but also a commitment to the cluster for optics and health technology in Ostthüringen. Startups like Perceptec help to extend the value chain at the location and secure highly qualified jobs in the region. If development proceeds as planned, the Jena research project could soon become a standard instrument in modern ophthalmic diagnostics.
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Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.