Battery imaging: ZEISS backs Illumion’s technology

Oberkochen, Germany | 28 October 2026 | ZEISS Group

ZEISS Ventures has participated in a £1.7 million funding round for Illumion, a University of Cambridge spin-out developing imaging technology for battery research and development. The round was joined by Foresight Group, Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, Parkwalk, Cambridge Angels, and YourVC.

As global demand for higher-performing and more sustainable batteries grows, Illumion is developing optical imaging solutions that reveal previously inaccessible processes occurring inside working batteries. Its proprietary charge photometry technology enables researchers and engineers to observe individual battery particles during charging and discharging, providing valuable insights for the development and manufacturing of batteries.

The funding will support the further commercialization of Illumion’s technology, execution of its product roadmap, and collaboration with researchers, battery developers, and industrial partners. This includes the further development of illumionONE for real-time particle-level battery analysis, and the next-generation illumionX platform, which is intended to address selected industrial use cases.

The illumionONE charge photometry system, a laboratory instrument used for the real-time analysis of battery materials at single-particle resolution. — ZEISS
illumionONE is a charge photometry system that provides real-time insights into battery materials at single-particle resolution.

“Illumion combines scientific excellence with innovative imaging technology for battery research. By helping to visualize dynamic processes within batteries at the particle level, the company aims to deepen researchers’ understanding of battery materials and their behavior. We are pleased to support the team as it further develops its optical analytics platform,” says Dr. Boris Hofmann, Head of ZEISS Ventures.

“This funding marks an important next step for Illumion as we translate world-class research into practical tools for battery development. We are excited to continue advancing our technology with the support of ZEISS Ventures, Foresight, and our existing investors,” comments Christoph Schnedermann, Co-founder and CEO of Illumion.

The investment reflects ZEISS Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative imaging technologies for scientific and industrial applications.

Press Contact Julian Bosch

Corporate Brand, Communications and Public Affairs
ZEISS Group

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling almost 12 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, and Consumer Markets (September 30, 2025).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces, and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses, and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare, and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 14 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With over 47,400 employees, ZEISS is active globally in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, around 40 research and development facilities, and 30 production facilities worldwide (March 31, 2026). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com

About ZEISS Ventures

ZEISS Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of the ZEISS Group, invests in and partners with deep-tech start-ups that have the potential to shape future technologies, markets, and business models beyond ZEISS’ core business. In addition to providing capital, ZEISS Ventures supports portfolio companies with access to ZEISS’ technological and industry expertise, as well as its global network, helping accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative solutions.

Further information at www.zeiss.com/ventures

About Illumion

Illumion is transforming how batteries are developed with charge photometry, a novel imaging technology that enables real-time visualisation of energy storage at the particle level within working batteries. By providing insights that are difficult to capture with conventional testing methods, charge photometry helps researchers and manufacturers better understand battery behaviour, accelerate materials discovery and optimise performance. Through its rapid and cost-effective laboratory platforms, Illumion is helping bring next-generation battery technologies to market faster.

Further information at www.illumion.io

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illumionONE

illumionONE is a charge photometry system that provides real-time insights into battery materials at single-particle resolution.

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