Press Release

ZEISS invests in Maculaser to advance temperature-controlled retinal laser therapy

Funding will enable earlier, non-damaging treatment and helping prevent vision loss in millions of patients

28 May 2026

Oberkochen, Germany | 28 May 2026 | ZEISS Group

ZEISS Ventures has participated in the latest funding round of Maculaser, a Finnish medtech company developing a non-damaging, temperature-controlled retinal laser therapy. The funding round, co-led by ZEISS Ventures and M2care, will support Maculaser’s plan to initiate clinical development for its personalized retinal laser treatment.

Maculaser specializes in advanced laser treatments for retinal diseases, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic maculopathy. Based on pioneering research from Aalto University, the company has developed a patented, non-damaging, temperature-controlled laser technology that enables real-time, personalized temperature control of retinal tissue during treatment. By activating the eye’s natural cellular defense mechanisms and targeting affected retinal areas early before irreversible damage occurs, the company aims to delay or even prevent the progression to late stage AMD, reduce the risk of severe vision loss, and offer an outpatient, repeatable procedure that can be seamlessly integrated into regular eye care.

"We are convinced that Maculaser’s temperature-controlled retinal laser technology enables earlier intervention and could significantly delay – or even prevent – the progression of retinal diseases. This may ultimately improve patient outcomes by providing an earlier, safer, and more effective option than current treatments," states Prof. Dr. Boris Hofmann, Head of ZEISS Ventures.

"Having ZEISS as a strategic investor provides Maculaser with both capital and expertise in ophthalmic innovation and healthtech, strengthening our ability to bring temperature-controlled retinal laser therapy into clinical practice and ultimately benefit millions of patients," says Jani Tirronen, CEO and Co-Founder of Maculaser.

By enabling earlier, non-damaging intervention in retinal disease, Maculaser’s innovative technology has the potential to shift retinal care from management of late-stage damage to proactive preservation of vision, supporting ophthalmologists and patients with a new, data-driven laser therapy option.

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 15 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 46,600 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 (September 30, 2025). 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, makes investments and actively manages a portfolio of start-up companies. The goal is to invest in and partner with deep-tech start-ups, which go beyond ZEISS' core business and have the potential to disrupt and innovate existing technologies and business models. ZEISS Ventures seeks to empower start-ups not only with financial support but also with access to its resources, expertise, and global network as a deep-tech corporation to foster and accelerate the development and commercialization of market-shaping innovations.

Further information at www.zeiss.com/ventures

About Maculaser

Maculaser is a Finnish medtech company founded in 2020, headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. Born from pioneering research at Aalto University's biomedical engineering laboratory, Maculaser develops a patented temperature-controlled retinal laser therapy designed to treat common blinding eye diseases — including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). The company's non-damaging approach enables personalized, safe, and effective treatment at earlier stages of disease, aiming to reduce the need for costly and invasive drug injections.

For more information, visit www.maculaser.com

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