Light for innovation: profile of the LZH
As an independent, non-profit research institute for photonics and laser technology, the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) stands for innovative research, development and consulting. The LZH was founded in 1986 to conduct interdisciplinary research and development in laser technology, bringing together research and practice, and providing industry-relevant training for skilled professionals.
With the LZH Smart Photonics applications, the institute offers solutions for current and future challenges. Scientists and engineers work hand in hand on an interdisciplinary basis along the entire process chain: from the development of components for specific laser systems or for quantum technologies to process development for a wide range of laser applications, for example for medical and agricultural technology or for the mobility sector. More than 180 people are currently employed at the LZH. The LZH is funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Economics, Transport, Building and Digitalization.
Our eight innovation fields in the area of Smart Photonics – Smart optics, lasers, quantum technologies, space technologies, life sciences, agricultural technologies, production and Smart additive, represent the future topics of light and laser technology. The LZH identifies and initiates trends in these areas, thus making a significant contribution to the further development of science, business and industry.
Supported by:
Scientific network
Central to the success of the LZH is its close regional scientific network with the universities of Lower Saxony and numerous renowned institutions. The LZH participates in the Clusters of Excellence PhoenixD and QuantumFrontiers, the Tailored Forming and Oxygen-Free Production Collaborative Research Centres and the DFG research group FOR 5250 on the subject of implants. The LZH is also a partner in regional research institutions and research buildings.
Also, the LZH has a successful collaboration with the Albert Einstein Institute in the development of laser systems for gravitational wave detection. In addition, the LZH is involved in the supra-regional research landscape and is a partner in numerous international co-operations.
Transfer to the economy
The LZH creates a strong transfer between basic science, applied research and industry. Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular benefit from the range of research and services offered by the LZH. Collaborative projects give them access to new technological knowledge, national and international networks and public funding. The services offered by the LZH, companies can compensate for lacking R&D capacities. In the “Niedersachsen ADDITIV” project, the LZH and the Institut für Integrierte Produktion Hannover (IPH) support companies in Lower Saxony in introducing, implementing and further developing 3D printing. The LZH has also been a partner in the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Lower Saxony since 2022. The EEN is the world's largest network for small and medium-sized enterprises and an important instrument for promoting SMEs in Europe.
The transfer of knowledge also includes the placement of bright minds in industry and other research institutions – over time a considerable network has been created. To date, 17 successful spin-offs with more than 500 jobs have emerged from the institute.
Promotion of Young Talent: Light for Your Future
The institute's promotion of young talent starts at school: Guided tours for school classes, school internships, participation in the IdeenExpo and the annual Future Day give pupils an early insight into the exciting world of work at a research institute. After that, it is possible to join the LZH through traditional professional training, a voluntary scientific year, student research projects as well as student assistant positions and internships for students up to dissertations.
