25 years of asphericon

Jena, May 17, 2026: asphericon GmbH, a technology leader in the field of aspheric optical systems, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Since its foundation in Jena in 2001, the company has evolved from an innovative start-up into an internationally recognized specialist for high-precision aspheric components and systems. asphericon now employs 200 people across sites in Germany, the Czech Republic and the United States and operates at a capacity of up to 1,500 optics and systems per week.

From start-up to international technology leader

The past 25 years have been characterized by continuous growth and technological milestones. asphericon began serial production of aspheric lenses as early as 2002, which was an absolute novelty at the time. In 2005, the company launched its own online shop for off-the-shelf standard aspheres, marking another important industry innovation.

The construction of the company’s first dedicated production and administration building at its headquarters in Jena in 2011. With this step, asphericon laid the foundation for further growth. In 2014, the company established asphericon Inc. in Florida as an important sales hub for the North American market. The following year asphericon s.r.o. was founded in Jeřmanice, Czech Republic, to expand European manufacturing capacities.

asphericon also set international technological benchmarks, for example with the introduction of the world’s first monolithic aspheric beam expander (2015), an aspheric laser beam shaper (2016), the design and manufacturing of optical freeform surfaces and highly accurate precision optics. In 2023, the company opened a sustainable, award-winning timber-hybrid extension at its headquarters in Jena, one of the first buildings of its kind in the photonics industry.

Engineering excellence meets sustainable growth

The company’s technological foundation is based on software that was developed and patented starting in 2001 for controlling CNC grinding and polishing machines. This core technology has been with asphericon since its early days and has since evolved into a fully digitalized and AI-assisted process environment.

At the same time, asphericon has consistently pursued a sustainable growth strategy. Since 2011, the Jena site has operated entirely without gas or oil, instead relying on renewable energy, heat recovery from manufacturing processes and the recycling of process wastewater. Company bicycles, electric vehicles and in-house charging infrastructure further complement this holistic approach to sustainability.

Growth and investment: Building capacity for the future

For asphericon, the anniversary does not mark an endpoint, but rather another milestone in the company’s ongoing development. The Jeřmanice site continues to expand in order to create additional manufacturing capacity in Europe. At the same time, extensive expansion and modernization work is currently underway at the second production building in Jena. These investments include building infrastructure as well as expanding machinery and equipment. By doing so, asphericon is laying the groundwork to reliably meet the growing global demand for aspheric precision systems in the future.

Recognizing employees, customers and partners

To mark the anniversary, asphericon is focusing above all on the people who have made this journey possible. Managing Director Alexander W. Zschäbitz would like to thank everyone who has been involved: “25 years of asphericon means 25 years of passion for precision and innovation. What began in 2001 with a vision within the facilities of the University of Jena has grown into a globally operating company helping shape standards for aspheric optical systems worldwide. I’m especially proud not only of what we have achieved, but above all that we have achieved it together – with a dedicated team, with customers who place their trust in us, and with partners who have supported us for many years. We are deeply grateful for that.”

As the company’s anniversary falls on a Sunday this year, the official celebrations will take place on May 18, 2026, with an internal event at the company headquarters in Jena.

About asphericon

As an independent and recognized specialist, asphericon is the technology leader in the field of optical systems. Production is based on a proprietary and patented technology for controlling CNC grinding and polishing machines. This technology is unique in the world and allows the production of small quantities as well as large series with high precision. asphericon supports its customers from optical design, production and coating, full-surface interferometric measurement and documentation to the assembly of optical components and their optical characterization.

Further information

Dr. Thomas Hegenbart
Phone: +49-3641-3100500
Fax: +49-3641-3100501
E-Mail: presse[at]asphericon.com