Carl Zeiss Meditec AG has reported a subdued start to the current fiscal year. For the technology hub of Jena, where the company is deeply rooted, these developments are of significant importance for the local economy and labor market.
JENA (17.02.2026) – Once again, Jena proves its reputation as a center for optics and photonics. The local startup Perceptec has secured significant funding to fundamentally change the way we have our eyes tested. With nearly one million euros in funding, a new process is to be brought to market maturity.
The Jena-based startup Perceptec GmbH receives approximately 930,000 euros in funding from the Free State of Thüringen to develop an automated, 3D-based virtual eye test aimed at addressing the shortage of skilled workers.
Carl Zeiss Meditec has slipped into the red, reporting a €4.9 million loss in its first fiscal quarter. As currency fluctuations and shifting procurement rules in China impact the MDAX-listed company, questions arise about the future of its headquarters in Jena. With a strategic pivot toward local production in China looming, the medical technology giant faces a challenging year of transformation.
Carl Zeiss Meditec AG has officially invited shareholders to its upcoming Annual General Meeting on March 26, 2026. Despite the move to a fully virtual format, the company remains rooted in the city of Jena, broadcasting from the Dorint Hotel Esplanade. With a proposed dividend of 0.55 EUR per share, the medical technology specialist aims to balance shareholder participation with strategic capital reserves for future growth.
