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Research Microscopy Solutions
FLEXIBLE Microscopy Imaging & Analysis Services

ZEISS Microscopy as a Service

Our microscopy imaging and analysis services support biotech and pharma, broader life science research, and materials science including electronics and semiconductors, delivering advanced imaging, quantitative insights and expert guidance.

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Innovation without barriers

Not every breakthrough requires new equipment.

With ZEISS Microscopy as a Service, you can gain direct access to our cutting-edge microscopy technologies, proven workflows, and expert support across life sciences, materials science, and biopharma industries. Whether you need high-resolution imaging, advanced 3D analysis, or customized workflows, our services let you choose exactly what you need when you need it. Instead of purchasing capital equipment outright, you can scale your research with ZEISS' unmatched expertise and proven infrastructure, ensuring faster results, lower risk, and greater flexibility.

How to request services

Integrated microscopy solutions tailored to your research area

From life sciences to materials—microscopy services fit your research needs

Microscopy services

Explore our comprehensive menu of imaging, analysis, and workflow support, or simply submit a custom service request!
Select your service type Light Microscopy
Light Microscopy
Image Analysis
X-ray Microscopy
Custom Services
Expert Consultation
Axioscan 7 digital slide scanner

Slide Scanning for life science and spatial biology

With ZEISS Axioscan 7, ZEISS delivers high-quality whole-slide imaging for life science and spatial biology applications, combining expert support with reliable, reproducible light microscopy. Generate publication- and analysis-ready digital slides—without investing in dedicated scanning systems.
Axioscan composite multichannel acquisition of Berea Sandstone, showing Brightfield acquisition, circular polarized (maximum birefringence) acquisition and the result of phase segmentation. Machine learning segmentation is used to classify pore (gold), quartz (light blue), Calcite (dark blue), Micas (red) and opaque minerals (green and yellow).

Slide Scanning for Geoscience and Natural Resources

Through ZEISS microscopy services powered by Axioscan 7, geology and materials teams can efficiently generate high-quality, digitized petrography data without the burden of in-house infrastructure. Our experts support seamless data sharing, AI-assisted quantitative analysis, and integration into existing geological workflows, enabling confident interpretation and collaboration across locations.
InSphero 3D InSight™ human pancreatic islet microtissue green: pancreatic β cells, Insulin secreting, NKX6.1 staining red: pancreatic α cells, Glucagon secreting, ARX staining Imaging System: ZEISS Lattice Lightsheet 7 Image analysis and 3D segmentation: ZEISS arivis Pro

3D Imaging

ZEISS Microscopy 3D Imaging Services support volumetric imaging of cells and tissues using advanced light microscopy workflows, producing analysis-ready 3D datasets for life science research—no in-house infrastructure required.
U2OS cell expressing Tomm20-mEmerald. Image shows a ­color-coded projection of the Lattice SIM² volume data set. Objective: Plan-Apochromat 63× / 1.4 Oil

Live Imaging

Enabling time-lapse and functional imaging of cells and tissues, providing analysis-ready datasets to study biological dynamics with confidence and reproducibility.
5 µm section of a formalin fixed paraffin-embedded mouse small intestine swiss roll. Section was stained with a 14 CODEX antibody panel designed to visualize intestinal stem and enteroendocrine cells (Lysozyme in red, villin in green, MHCII in gray, vimentin in cyan, Ki67 in magenta, and Olfm4 in yellow). Blue signals correspond to DAPI nuclear staining. Acquisition was done with a ZEISS Axio Observer microscope and processing with the Akoya CODEX Processor.

Tissue Multiplexing

Supporting high-plex imaging of tissue sections, combining advanced fluorescence microscopy with expert-guided workflows to generate analysis-ready data.
Detection of DNA-damage foci (green spots) with 53BP1 antibody staining and detection of cells in S-phase with EdU staining (red nuclei).

High Content Screening

Combining automated imaging with quantitative analysis to enable scalable, reproducible phenotypic screening—without the need for in-house high-throughput platforms.
ZEISS spatial biology solutions

Spatial Biology Workflow

Our seamless tissue multiplexing workflow is simplifying high-throughput multiplex IF imaging and analysis making it robust, scalable, and accessible
Cos7 cells transiently transfected with mEmerald-Rab5a and Golgi7-tdTomato. Golgi7 is a protein associated to the Golgi and Golgi vesicles. Rab5a is an early endosome marker. Tracking of vesicles in 3D with near-isotroptic resolution.

Tracking

Advanced image analysis enables automated detection and precise tracking of individual cells, organelles, or particles, providing detailed quantitative insights into their movement and behavior.
Request a free consultation
Automatic detection of fluorescently labelled cell nuclei in biological samples

Cell Counting

Delivering accurate, reproducible cell quantification using advanced light microscopy and image analysis.
Request a free consultation
advanced organoid analysis with ZEISS arivis software

Organoid Analysis

Streamline organoid analysis and spheroid screening with high-content 3D imaging solutions and segmentation for volumetric analysis of marker expression and cell-type distribution.
Request a free consultation
Studying the Winchcombe meteorite. Segmentation following deep learning-assisted reconstruction allowed clasts (green) and matrix (pale blue) to be separated. Sulfide and oxide minerals (orange-red) were also characterized using 3D automated mineralogy with ZEISS Mineralogic 3D.

Image Segmentation

Transform complex microscopy images into quantifiable objects and regions, enabling accurate measurement and analysis for both life science and materials research.
Request a free consultation

X-ray Microscopy (XRM) for Materials Research & Semiconductor FA

Non-destructive 3D imaging for studying buried structures and defects in semiconductor devices.
Request a free consultation

3D Imaging for Geoscience & Natural Resources

Experience non-destructive 3D microCT X-ray imaging of your geological specimens, capturing internal grain textures, porosity, and more at high-resolution.
Request a free consultation

X-ray (XRM) for Pharma Materials

Through non-destructive 3D X-ray imaging, we can provide large-volume statistics of complex blends of pharmaceutical ingredients, including powders of highly irregular morphology or containing internal porosity.
Request a free consultation

X-ray (XRM) Imaging for Life Science

High-resolution, non-destructive 3D imaging for life science applications—revealing internal structures in tissues, organs, and whole organisms without sectioning.
Request a free consultation
custom software solutions lab key visual image

Custom Software Solutions

Customized software services and solutions for complex automation, AI tasks, and software requirements beyond the scope of conventional tools that enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and ensure reliable results across diverse applications.
Request a free consultation
custom service request key visual image

Custom Service Request

Not seeing the offering you are looking for? Reach out to us with your request and our team of experts will do their best to support your research goals.
Request a free consultation
expiremental design and custom applications key visual image

Experimental Design

Customized, application-driven study design tailored to your research goals. By aligning sample preparation, imaging modalities, and analysis workflows from the start, our experts help you generate reliable, reproducible data and maximize insight.
Request a free consultation

How to request services

Meet your research goals in 3 simple steps.
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  • Step 1

    Submit a request for services

    Start by  selecting from ZEISS' portfolio of microscopy and imaging services. If you're not sure what service is right for you, our experts can work with you to define the right techniques, workflows, and deliverables based on your scientific or industrial objectives.

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  • Step 2

    Send or share your sample or project details

    Send your samples or images to our services labs—or collaborate with us on existing datasets or experimental plans. We ensure proper handling, preparation, and documentation to maintain sample integrity and data quality.

    Send or ship samples icon
  • Step 3

    We generate your data

    Receive reliable, high-quality results you can trust. Our team delivers imaging data, detailed analyses, and clear insights freeing you to focus on advancing your research.

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Why choose ZEISS?

Discover why over 80% of the world's leading research institutions trust ZEISS for their scientific research needs

  • Application-specific expertise

    From neuroscience to drug discovery to semiconductors, our specialists understand your domain. We tailor imaging approaches and analysis pipelines to meet the unique needs of your research area.

  • Comprehensive imaging portfolio

    Access results from a full spectrum of microscopy solutions—from light to X-ray microscopy—combined with advanced analytics for a complete view of your samples.

  • Reliable results, every time

    Ensure reproducibility and consistency with standardized imaging protocols and expert-guided analysis. ZEISS Microscopy as a Service offerings are designed to deliver high-quality data you can trust.

Results backed by experience

Hear what users are saying

  • It will be a tremendous help. We will be able to acquire high quality images of the biopsies for publication and education.

    Patricia Fuentes Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery

  • This will really help us answer some of the key research questions in terms of self-delivery of our products in cells, organoids, and potentially animal tissues. It will help us to give some nice images that will help us advance our research work and also product development.

    Veenu Aishwarya, Founder and CEO AUM BioTech, LLC.

  • Access to ZEISS Microscopy Services has been pivotal to accelerating our ability to screen compounds... It will play an important role to helping us establish a screening pipeline.

    Anonymous Research Scientist Discovery/Early Phase BioTech Company
CIC lab space in Philadelphia, PA
Use Case

Incubator partnerships & on-site lab services

ZEISS Microscopy Solutions Center @ CIC Philadelphia

We’re proud to partner with CIC Philadelphia to bring the ZEISS Microscopy Solutions Center to life — a cutting-edge hub that empowers the life sciences community with advanced imaging, AI-driven image analysis, and expert microscopy support. Located at the heart of CIC’s Labs & Innovation Campus, this new center gives innovators access to over $1M in state-of-the-art microscopy technology, expert guidance, and tailored analytics services that few shared facilities can match. 

This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to supporting biotech incubators and emerging companies by lowering barriers to high-performance imaging and accelerating research outcomes. Through our services pilot program, startups and researchers at CIC can harness best-in-class microscopy workflows — from experiment design and automated data capture to AI-enhanced interpretation — all backed by on-site ZEISS expertise.

Looking for a custom solution?

Tell us what you need, and our experts will collaborate with you to support your research goals.

FAQs

  • How do I start a project?

    Submit a request through the form linked below to receive a quote or to discuss your project goals with a ZEISS specialist.

  • What types of samples can ZEISS accept for imaging services?

    ZEISS Microscopy as a Service offerings can accommodate a wide range of sample types, including biological specimens such as tissues, cells, and organoids, as well as materials science samples like polymers, metals, and semiconductors. Our imaging systems are equipped to handle fixed or live samples, and support techniques such as fluorescence, brightfield, polarization, and high-content screening. If you have specific sample requirements, our team is available to guide you on preparation and compatibility to ensure optimal imaging results.

  • What imaging modalities are available through contract services?

    ZEISS offers light microscopy (such as slide scanning, live imaging, multiplexing, confocal, super-resolution), and X-ray microscopy, as well as and advanced image analysis (including AI-driven segmentation and quantification).

  • How does ZEISS ensure reproducibility and data quality?

    All imaging is performed using calibrated ZEISS instruments by experienced specialists, following validated workflows to ensure consistent, reproducible results.

  • Are the services compliant with industry standards (e.g., GLP, GMP)?

    Yes, select ZEISS facilities provide services under quality management systems aligned with GLP/GMP. Please inquire for project-specific compliance needs.

  • How is data security and confidentiality handled?

    All data is stored on secure ZEISS servers and transferred via encrypted channels. Confidentiality agreements (NDAs) are available to protect sensitive research.

  • Do I need microscopy experience to use the service?

    No experience is required. Our experts guide you from project design through data delivery.

  • How are ZEISS Microscopy Services different from ZEISS Services & Support?

    ZEISS Microscopy as a Service is designed to give clients access to advanced imaging and analysis results and expert guidance without the need to invest in their own equipment. Whether you need project-based services for specific research goals or subscription plans through our incubator partnerships, we provide flexible solutions to meet your needs. ZEISS Services & Support is focused on helping customers who already own ZEISS systems, offering installation, maintenance, training, and technical support to keep your equipment running at peak performance.

  • What type of services are available for life science research?

    ZEISS offers a broad set of microscopy imaging and analysis services, platforms, and software tailored specifically for the life science industry — from basic research through drug discovery and translational applications:

    ZEISS advanced image analysis

    Image Analysis

    • Tracking: Automated detection and tracking of individual cells or organisms generate quantitative measures of motility and morphological change.
    • Cell Counting: Provides accurate, reproducible cell quantification through advanced light microscopy and image analysis.
    • Organoid Analysis: Delivers streamlined organoid analysis and spheroid screening through high-content 3D imaging and segmentation, enabling volumetric insights into marker expression and cell-type distribution.
    • Image Segmentation: Enables accurate measurement and analysis by transforming complex microscopy images into quantifiable objects and regions for life science and materials research.
    Whole adult mouse lung with sympathetic nerves stained with Tyrosine Hydroxylase (magenta) and tissue autofluorescence in green.

    Light Microscopy

    • Slide Scanning: Reliable whole-slide imaging for life science and spatial biology applications.
    • 3D Imaging: Provide advanced light microscopy workflows for volumetric imaging of cells and tissues, generating analysis-ready 3D datasets for life science research—without requiring internal imaging infrastructure.
    • Live Imaging: Delivers time-lapse and functional imaging of cells and tissues, producing analysis-ready datasets that enable confident, reproducible insights into biological dynamics.
    • Tissue Multiplexing: Enables high-plex imaging of tissue sections, integrating advanced fluorescence microscopy with expert-guided workflows to generate analysis-ready data.
    • High Content Screening: Delivers scalable, reproducible phenotypic screening by integrating automated imaging with quantitative analysis—without the burden of maintaining in-house high-throughput platforms.
    • Spatial Biology Workflow: Our seamless tissue multiplexing workflow streamlines high-throughput multiplex IF imaging and analysis, enabling robust, scalable, and accessible workflows.
    ouse embryo imaged with Xradia Versa XRM to show internal structures. Single projection images on the left hand side and a 3D render shown on the right. Sample courtesy of Dr Zheng Zhifa, Beijing Union Medical College Hospitals.
    Dr Zheng Zhifa, Beijing Union Medical College Hospitals.

    X-ray Microscopy

    • X-ray (XRM) imaging for life science: Delivers high-resolution, non-destructive 3D imaging for life science research, enabling visualization of internal structures in tissues, organs, and whole organisms without sectioning.
    ZEISS Solutions Lab

    Custom Services

    • Custom Software Solutions: Provides customized software services and solutions for complex automation, AI tasks, and advanced software requirements beyond conventional tools, enhancing productivity, streamlining workflows, and ensuring reliable results across diverse applications.
    • Custom Service Request: Don’t see the service you’re looking for? Contact us with your request, and our team of experts will work to support your research goals.
    Preparing cells with Trypan for manual cell counting

    Experimental Design

    Application-focused study planning built to support your research aims. Our experts coordinate sample prep, imaging techniques, and data analysis early in the process to deliver dependable results and maximize the value of your data.

  • What types of services are available for materials and semiconductor research ?

    Supporting applications from advanced materials to next-generation semiconductor devices, ZEISS Microscopy Imaging Services include light and X-ray microscopy with quantitative analysis to provide rapid, high-confidence results without additional instrumentation.

    The powerful PetPAT orientation analysis package turns entire thin sections into mineral orientation maps
    The powerful PetPAT orientation analysis package turns entire thin sections into mineral orientation maps

    Slide Scanning for Geology and Materials

    Accelerate geological and materials analysis with ZEISS Microscopy Slide Scanning Services. Our automated, high-resolution slide scanning workflows transform thin sections and materials samples into reproducible, analysis-ready digital datasets—enabling efficient quantification, remote collaboration, and scalable research without capital investment.

    The image shows a polished aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) sample imaged using a scanning electron microscope. Distinct Al₂O₃ grains, grain boundaries, and intergranular pores are visible.

    Sample courtesy of : Bernthaler group at Hochschule Aalen

    Image Segmentation & Analysis

    Converts complex microscopy images into quantifiable objects and regions, enabling accurate measurement and analysis across life science and materials research.

    A12 smartphone package: full volume imaging at high resolution using ART DeepScout.

    X-ray Microscopy

    • X-ray Microscopy (XRM) for Materials Research & Semiconductor FA: Delivers non-destructive 3D imaging that reveals buried structures and defects in semiconductor devices, engineering materials, energy devices, and biomaterials.
    • 3D for Geoscience and Natural Resources: Experience non-destructive 3D X-ray imaging of geological specimens, capturing internal phase distributions, grain textures, and porosity networks at high resolution.
    Sample: Magnesium alloy. Sides of sample coated in epoxy during corrosion experiment. Surface of sample epoxy coated for Ultra and Auriga imaging
    Results results from a series of imaging experiments performed on the Xradia 520 Versa, Xradia 810 Ultra, and ZEISS Auriga in Pleasanton, CA and in collaboration with University of Manchester

    Experimental Design

    Application-focused study planning built to support your research aims. Our experts coordinate sample prep, imaging techniques, and data analysis early in the process to deliver dependable results and maximize the value of your data.