The Jena-based startup DeepEn GmbH has won the 2025 Leibniz Founder's Prize with the world's thinnest microscope. The spin-off from the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technologies (Leibniz-IPHT) impressed the judges with a microholographic endoscope that sets new standards in neuroscientific imaging. The device, NeuroDeep®, uses optical fibers with the diameter of a human hair to deliver high-resolution images from deep within the body – minimally invasively and with unprecedented precision. The technology is based on internationally leading research in holographic light control and was developed in cooperation with top European institutions. DeepEn plans to use the €50,000 prize money to prepare for the market launch of NeuroDeep® at the end of 2025. Trade fair appearances in Europe, Asia, and the USA are planned, as well as a targeted marketing campaign. In addition to the laboratory system, the company also offers disposable endoscopy probes and accompanying training courses. DeepEn in Thuringia exemplifies the successful transfer from research to application – with the potential to sustainably change medical diagnostics and therapy.
Leibniz Founders' Prize 2025 for DeepEn: Revolution from Jena
Leibniz Start-up Prize 2025: The award-winning founding team of DeepEn (Sergey Turtaev, Jiri Hofbrucker, Hana Čižmárová, Tomáš Čižmár, Patrick Westermann) with Leibniz Vice President Sebastian Lentz and Leibniz President Martina Brockmeier (from right). Photo: Leibniz Association, David Ausserhofer
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