Heidelberg’s new innovation hub honors the legacy of co-founder Gerhard Zinser while advancing clinical imaging research.
Heidelberg Engineering (Heidelberg, Germany) has launched the ZinserLab, a new research and development unit focused on bringing early-stage imaging concepts to real-world clinical use.
Named after the company’s late co-founder, physicist Dr. Gerhard Zinser, the lab is meant as both a tribute to him and a hub dedicated to evolving precision imaging in line with clinical needs.
June 16 marked the start of a significant new chapter for the company, which recently joined the EssilorLuxottica Group. With this announcement, they’re doubling down on their commitment to revolutionizing eye diagnostics and ophthalmic data.
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A space for ideas to grow
The ZinserLab was established to develop advanced eye care imaging tools, with a focus on practical clinical application rather than just theoretical concepts. According to Heidelberg Engineering, the lab will support collaboration between researchers, engineers and clinicians, helping to close the gap between early research and usable products.
While it is firmly rooted in science and validation, the lab’s broader goal is to make innovation feel more personal.
“Like Gerhard, we strive to speak with researchers, clinicians and R&D teams at eye level and drive technological innovation in eye care,” said Dr. Sebastian Rausch and Dr. Roland Rocholz, the newly appointed co-leaders of the ZinserLab.
Both Dr. Rausch and Dr. Rocholz bring a mix of clinical and technical backgrounds to the table: Dr. Rausch in clinical development and Dr. Rocholz in imaging innovation and engineering. Together, they’re leading what Heidelberg describes as a purpose-built space to experiment, refine, and rethink how ocular imaging is developed.
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Carrying on a founder’s legacy
Dr. Gerhard Zinser helped shape Heidelberg Engineering’s identity as a company that blends physics with clinical practicality. He played a central role in the development of key imaging platforms and is remembered for prioritizing both scientific integrity and user-focused design.
The new lab is a tribute to that philosophy. Rather than functioning as a standard R&D unit, the ZinserLab is envisioned as a place where innovation is directly tied to clinical outcomes. The team’s goal is that their new imaging tools offer genuine clinical utility in practice, not just innovation for innovation’s sake.
Why it matters now
The ZinserLab launch comes at a time when ophthalmic imaging is moving beyond standalone devices and toward integrated diagnostic ecosystems. As data becomes central to disease management, the demand for smarter, faster and more precise imaging continues to grow.
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By giving researchers a dedicated space to test new ideas and the support to refine them with clinicians, Heidelberg Engineering is proactively keeping ahead of that curve. The lab is expected to work closely with other teams in the EssilorLuxottica network and may contribute to broader innovation goals across the group.
Key takeaways
- Heidelberg Engineering opens the ZinserLab to develop clinically relevant imaging tools
- Lab is named after company co-founder Gerhard Zinser, a pioneer in diagnostic imaging
- Led by Dr. Sebastian Rausch and Dr. Roland Rocholz
- Designed to support early-stage research and clinical validation
- Now part of the EssilorLuxottica family
What to watch next
As ZinserLab gets underway, more cross-collaboration is expected between Heidelberg’s research teams and practicing clinicians. The lab’s early projects haven’t been disclosed, but its mission is clear: to explore new ways to use data and imaging to improve patient care without losing sight of real-world needs.
Editor’s Note: For more information, read the original Heidelberg press release here. This content is intended exclusively for healthcare professionals. It is not intended for the general public. Products or therapies discussed may not be registered or approved in all jurisdictions, including Singapore.
