These days, he focuses on quantum technology, artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing. “It’s a real privilege to integrate our research into products that help mankind. To help shape the way people live and work,” says Michael. So what is it that motivates him? Translating the latest findings into advanced technologies and thus helping shape markets; redefining the status quo and sharing his knowledge. Michael is an Innovation Manager and a Fellow, the highest rung on the Expert Ladder. He works at Corporate Research and Development at ZEISS and, as such, is involved in many projects. He loves to learn new things, delve into the unknown, identify and evaluate new technologies, look into new trends and weigh up the benefits for ZEISS. Michael enhances products and identifies interesting areas that call for new ones to be developed. He doesn’t just conduct research for ZEISS, he’s also developed a real passion for the company. “I celebrate ZEISS’ success and suffer with the company in the event of a setback.” While there’s no guarantee that his ideas will take off, he always does his very best to be more efficient, more creative and better than the competitors: “This is what keeps my work interesting.”