ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH

Their core work

Zumtobel is a major Austrian lighting manufacturer based in Dornbirn, specializing in professional indoor and outdoor lighting systems. Within H2020, they contribute industrial expertise in intelligent solid-state lighting architectures, visible-light communication (VLC) technologies, and advanced micro-optics manufacturing. Their role bridges the gap between lighting hardware production and next-generation smart lighting systems that integrate data communication and IoT functionality.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Zumtobel's H2020 journey started with intelligent solid-state lighting architectures (OpenAIS, 2015-2018), firmly rooted in their core product domain. From 2019 onward, their focus expanded into visible-light communications, IoT-enabled lighting, and advanced micro-optics manufacturing — signaling a shift from pure luminaire engineering toward smart, connected, and precision-manufactured optical systems. This evolution reflects the broader industry trend of lighting companies becoming data and communication infrastructure providers.

Zumtobel is moving from traditional lighting systems toward light-as-infrastructure — combining illumination with data communication and precision micro-optics, positioning them for smart building and IoT applications.

How they like to work

Zumtobel has never coordinated an H2020 project, consistently joining as a participant or third party — the profile of an industry partner contributing application expertise and real-world testing environments. With 44 unique partners across 14 countries, they engage in large, diverse consortia rather than small focused teams. This makes them an accessible partner: experienced in multi-national collaboration and comfortable contributing without needing to lead.

Zumtobel has built a broad European network of 44 unique partners spanning 14 countries across just 3 projects, indicating participation in large consortia with diverse membership. Their Austrian base and pan-European reach make them well-connected across the continent's lighting and photonics research community.

What sets them apart

Zumtobel brings something rare to EU consortia: they are a full-scale industrial lighting manufacturer willing to serve as a demonstration and pilot partner for emerging photonics and communication technologies. Unlike research institutes, they can validate technologies in real commercial lighting products and production lines. For any project needing an industry end-user in smart lighting, VLC, or micro-optics, Zumtobel offers immediate access to professional-grade infrastructure and market channels.

Highlights from their portfolio

• OpenAIS
  Largest EC contribution (EUR 740,326) and Zumtobel's entry into intelligent connected lighting architectures — directly aligned with their core business transformation.
• PHABULOUS
  Pilot-line project for micro-optics manufacturing at scale using UV-NIL and roll-to-roll processes — represents Zumtobel's push into advanced optical component production.
• ENLIGHTEM
  Marie Skłodowska-Curie training network exploring visible-light communications for IoT — signals Zumtobel's investment in next-generation lighting-as-communication technology.