09.10.2026
Long Night of Scicence 2026 at GRINTECH
Small Lenses, Big Discoveries: GRINTECH Opens Its Doors for the Long Night of Science on November 20
What does a bell pepper look like on the inside? How does a lens work without a curved surface? And what does high-precision measurement technology have to do with modern medical technology? On November 20, 2026, GRINTECH invites you to the Long Night of Science in Jena. From 6 p.m. to midnight, children, families, and anyone curious about high-tech in miniature format can discover our world of micro-optics. Look forward to exciting experiments, creative hands-on activities, and exclusive glimpses into our production facilities.
Discover, Try It Out, and Create Your Own
At GRINTECH, small things become huge! At our microscopy station, you’ll explore tiny details and find out how our GRIN lenses measure up against wildflower seeds. With an endoscope, you’ll discover the inner workings of a bell pepper from a whole new perspective. In our interactive exhibition space, you’ll also get to know fluorescent GRIN lenses.
Want to get creative yourself? Then design your own yo-yo with a picture, a saying, or a custom pattern. We’ll laser-engrave your design directly onto it—creating a personal memento of the Long Night of Science or a special gift.
You can also try your hand at lens assembly: See for yourself how easy it is to mount our microlenses with their flat front surfaces. In the process, you’ll learn why lenses don’t always need curved surfaces and what advantages our GRIN technology offers.
A look behind the scenes: Microoptics in practice
How are our tiny lenses made, and how do we ensure they meet the highest quality standards? On our tours of the GRINTECH production facility, you’ll experience modern microoptics up close.
We’ll show you our optics and mechanics manufacturing facilities, explain how we specifically modify glass using ion exchange, and provide insights into our high-precision measurement technology. You’ll also learn why we use measuring devices weighing several metric tons to test tiny lenses.
To wrap things up, you’ll get to experience our technology firsthand with a demonstration probe. This will show you how optics, glass, and medical technology work together and what new possibilities this opens up—for example, in cancer diagnostics.
Tours start on the hour. A maximum of ten people can participate per tour. No registration is required—just stop by!
Experience science and wind down in a cozy atmosphere
After so many discoveries, a bite to eat is welcome: At our snack stand, you can enjoy sausages, lentil soup, and hot tea. You can warm up by the GRINTECH fire pit and wind down the evening in a cozy atmosphere.
Visit us at GRINTECH!
When: Friday, November 20, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to midnight
Where: GRINTECH GmbH, Otto-Eppenstein-Straße 7, Jena21 Industrial Park, 07745 Jena
GRINTECH has been developing innovative micro-optics for nearly 25 years. We specialize in GRIN lenses with flat end faces and diameters of less than two millimeters. We use these to develop miniaturized optical systems that are used in fields such as sensor technology, biomedicine, and endoscopy.
During the Long Night of Science, our 52 employees will show you what these tiny lenses are capable of. Come meet us, ask your questions, and discover just how fascinating micro-optics can be.
We look forward to seeing you!
