OptoNet represents the interests of currently 90 companies, research and educational organizations, investment companies as well as public institutions in the field of optical technology.

With a special regional focus on Thuringia and the cities of Jena, Erfurt, Ilmenau and Gera, OptoNet promotes the networking of its members and partners, and defines topic focuses for a purpose-oriented cooperation.

Being a traditional optics region, Thuringia is home to a world-class optics cluster with multinational powerhouses such as Carl Zeiss or Jenoptik and a large number of highly innovative small and medium sized companies. Universities and research institutions with excellent reputation complete the profile of the “optics valley”.

OptoNet is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and THÜRINGEN innovativ.

Optical Technologies in Thuringia:

162 companies | 12,500 employees | 2.05 bill. € turnover | export rate 60 % ... [more figures]