Industry Lecture by ZEISS - Business Innovation in Optics & Photonics

Entrepreneurial thinking is needed in any technologically driven company today. Acquire this competence within the lecture "Business Innovation in Optics & Photonics" by working in a team on your own business idea. Learn from the innovation experts of ZEISS and get in touch with an attractive employer. At the end of the course, pitch your own business idea in front of ZEISS managers. The best teams get the chance to continue working on their projects after the lecture in the student lab of the ZEISS Innovation Hub ∂ KIT at Campus North. The lecture is open to Bachelor, Master and PhD students.

Focus Topic

In WS 2025/2026, the short lectures from ZEISS experts and extensive group work focus on developing practical experience analysing, developing, and pitching innovative business ideas based on optics & photonics technologies. How can new technological developments that lead towards continuously smaller & cheaper light sources and hyperspectral sensors be translated into impactful innovations in existing or new markets? Grades will be given based on a group business pitch and jury questions.

Lecture Highlights

• Learn from ZEISS innovation experts
• Utilize the deep tech exploration method
• Experience the ZEISS Innovation Hub @ KIT at Campus North
• Pitch to a jury of corporate innovation managers and KIT professors

Schedule 2025

Day 1: Introduction to spectroscopy and the Deep Tech Exploration Method (Oct. 20, 09.00 – 17.15)

• Technology introduction, state-of-the-art in spectroscopy
• Scenario Introduction: Be the founder of your own start-up
• Overview Deep Tech Exploration / Select your use case

Day 2: Deep Dive – Deep Tech Exploration (Oct. 21, 09.00 – 17.15)

• Fundamental principals
• Methods and ideation techniques
• Define your tech product

Day 3: Business Case Development (Oct. 22, 09.00-17.15)

• How to protect your business idea with IP?
• Developing your business idea with the help of the Business Model Canvas
• Writing a business plan

Day 4: Pitch Preparation (Oct 23, 09.00 – 17.15)

• Writing an elevator story
• Preparing an elevator pitch

Final Pitch (Oct. 31, 09.00 – 13.00)

• Pitch your start-up idea

Registration

Please register for the lecture via ILIAS.