Industries
Global leader in optics & photonics, healthcare technology and digitalisation
Jena is a high-tech location and internationally renowned for its expertise in the optics and photonics sectors as well as in healthcare technology and medical technology. Not only is first-class research and development carried out here, but also production for global markets. The numerous precision engineering companies based in Jena are ideal partners here.
Economic sectors that have their origins in more recent times are also taking off in Jena. For example, IT companies are using their expertise to help shape the digital transformation of the economy and society. The environmental technology sector is dedicated to important future topics such as the development of sustainable energy storage systems.
Optics & Photonics
The City of Light is an international centre for optics and photonics.
Medical technology & health technology
Jena has a long tradition of combining innovative medical device construction and medicine/life sciences.
Digital economy
3,500 employees in 150 companies are working on the digital transformation.
Precision engineering
Jena’s expertise can be found in high-quality scientific and technical devices that are in demand worldwide.
Environmental technology
In Jena, business and science are breaking new ground in the field of environmental technologies.
Craft & Services
Whether construction, electrical engineering, metal processing or innovative services – Jena offers a diverse economic structure.
Working in Jena’s high-tech industries
Are you looking for a job in one of Jena’s core industries or would you like to draw the attention of skilled workers to your company? On our job portal at work-in-jena.de you will find current vacancies in Jena companies – from entry-level positions to management positions.
High-tech & innovation “made in Jena”
Jena is nicknamed the City of Light – and with good reason. The combination of light, science and business has characterised the city for over 150 years. Today, Jena is a leading location for companies and research institutions in the fields of photonics, medical technology, precision engineering, digital economy and environmental technology. Globally active companies such as ZEISS, Jenoptik and Carl Zeiss Meditec exemplify the economic success of the City of Light.
This profile is complemented by a strong network of innovative start-ups and an excellent scientific infrastructure – with the Friedrich Schiller University, the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences and numerous non-university research institutions.
Future-oriented industries
Jena’s economic structure is characterised by a mix of established industrial companies, research-oriented high-tech companies and a lively start-up scene. As one of the most important technology locations in eastern Germany, the city combines economic strength with scientific excellence. Companies and research are closely linked in all core industries. Whether in photonics, medical technology or the digital economy, the transfer of scientific knowledge into applicable solutions or products has always been a tradition in Jena.
The high proportion of research-intensive companies leads to an above-average number of highly skilled jobs. Around 35.6% of employees have a university degree. Thanks to this structure, Jena offers a stable economic environment with high innovation rates, short distances between science and industry, and a strong culture of cooperation. Ideal conditions for sustainable growth and entrepreneurial success – for all industries.
Would you like to know more?
The Jena Economic Development Agency will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the industries represented at the location and provide you with targeted support. Get in touch with us!
