Bengaluru, Dec 19: ZEISS India, a pioneer of science in optics today announced the key outcomes of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives for 2024–25, reaffirming its commitment to its global CSR pillars of Education, Healthcare, and Environment & Sustainability. With a strong focus on community-led development, ZEISS India continues to leverage its technological expertise and strategic partnerships to address critical societal needs and create long-standing impact.

In the last one-year ZEISS India’s CSR efforts have touched upon over 1.2 million lives across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan states. These initiatives aimed to create a nationwide impact to empower students, teachers, researchers, patients, and underserved communities.

Aligned with global CSR pillars, ZEISS India’s initiatives are thoughtfully designed to address critical areas of education, healthcare, and environment & sustainability. Nearly 20+ transformative projects were successfully executed, reflecting the company’s commitment to driving change and fostering sustainability.

Dhaval Radia, CFO, ZEISS India said, “At ZEISS India, we are committed to creating meaningful, lasting change by deeply engaging with communities and addressing their needs. Through empathetic listening and co-creating solutions, we design initiatives that empower individuals and prioritize sustainability. By collaborating with the government, NGOs, and trusted partners, we scale interventions to maximize impact, while robust governance ensures accountability and measurable outcomes. We remain committed to this continuous journey fueled by empathy, collaboration, and the unwavering pursuit of long-term transformation.”

Looking ahead, ZEISS India is committed to strengthen its partnerships in education, healthcare, and environment & sustainability to broaden its reach and impact across more communities. By emphasizing holistic learning, digital inclusion, and empowerment, the company strives to create opportunities that enable underserved communities to thrive.

Details of some of the CSR Initiatives Undertaken by ZEISS India:

Pillar I: Environment and Sustainability

1. Afforestation using Miyawaki Method – Pali, Rajasthan

In partnership with the Enviro Creators Foundation, ZEISS India undertook a large-scale afforestation project in Pali, Rajasthan, planting 32,223 saplings across 42 native species using the Miyawaki method. This scientifically proven technique accelerates forest growth and biodiversity restoration. The project is transforming into a self-sustaining biodiversity zone, improving soil health, enhancing carbon sequestration, and encouraging the return of native wildlife. This initiative reflects ZEISS India’s commitment to ecosystem regeneration and addressing climate change.

2. School benches initiative – Chandapura, Bengaluru

ZEISS India also prioritized resource efficiency by repurposing waste wooden crates received during equipment imports. These crates were transformed into 500 community school benches, which were distributed to schools in Chandapura, Bengaluru. This initiative not only reduced waste but also supported underserved schools by providing essential infrastructure, ensuring students have access to better learning environments.

Pillar II: Education

Education remained a cornerstone of ZEISS India’s CSR strategy, with initiatives designed to bridge skill gaps, enhance digital access, and empower educators to deliver high-quality learning experiences.

1. Core Imaging Facility at Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana

In December 2024, ZEISS India signed an MoU to establish a state-of-the-art Core Imaging Facility at Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana. This initiative marked a significant milestone in ZEISS India’s CSR efforts, enabling advanced research and education in imaging technologies and scientific exploration. Followed by to meet India’s growing demand for trained microscopy professionals, ZEISS India also launched the Advanced Microscopy Training Program (AMTP) in partnership with Ashoka University.

2. ZEISS POWER ON Initiative, Bengaluru

ZEISS India addressed the growing challenge of e-waste through its ZEISS POWER ON initiative. By refurbishing 40 laptops previously used by ZEISS India employees, the company transformed these pre-owned devices into valuable educational tools, preventing them from contributing to electronic waste. The laptops were distributed to students who scored above 80% in their Grade X board examinations from underserved communities in Bengaluru.

3. Association with Vidya Prasarak Mandal (VPM), Thane, Maharashtra

ZEISS India partnered with Vidya Prasarak Mandal (VPM) in Thane to transform education quality and outcomes for thousands of students. The multi-phase program introduced six smart boards to digitize classrooms, trained 170 teachers in communication, mindfulness, and stress management, and sponsored continuous skill development programs for teaching and non-teaching staff. These efforts resulted in a 90% improvement in teaching quality and well-being, significantly enhancing learning outcomes.

Pillar III: Healthcare

1. Upgradation of neonatal and pediatric care facilities

At Sri Sathya Sai Sarla Memorial Hospital in Chikkaballapur, Karnataka ZEISS India supported the upgradation of neonatal and pediatric care facilities, benefiting over 400 newborns.

2. “Vidya Drishti” eye-testing campaign with the Government of Karnataka

In partnership with the Government of Karnataka, ZEISS India launched the “Vidya Drishti” program driven by Aloka Vision Programme. This 2-year-long initiative aims to screen approximately 532,000 school children aged 5 to 16 in the Kalaburagi district using the ZEISS Aloka Van – a mobile eye screening unit. underserved populations.

3. Agarwal eye research centre partnership

ZEISS India supported the Agarwal Eye Research Centre by providing a Phaco Emulsifier machine to enhance cataract surgery capabilities. This initiative enabled high-quality cataract surgeries for underserved communities, restoring vision and improving the quality of life for countless individuals.