100 years of IKON: Trust as a foundation, innovation as our task
What began in 1926 with the founding of Zeiss Ikon AG, a pivotal moment that shaped the brand’s identity, evolved over the decades into one of the best-known and most successful brands for locking and security technology in Germany. To this day, IKON remains closely tied to Berlin – as a site rich in tradition, as a hub of technological development, and as a symbol of reliable quality.
Precision engineering expertise becomes security technology
A brief look at an early innovation – the profile cylinder – makes it clear exactly what this means. Its success came at a time when industrialisation, urbanisation and new forms of living and working droven a growing demand for reliable security technology suitable for everyday use. With AG Hahn für Optik und Feinmechanik, which became part of Berlin-based Goerz AG in 1910, this need encountered an environment that, thanks to decades of experience in the manufacture of optical and ballistic instruments, had already mastered the handling of precision components, tight tolerances and reproducible manufacturing processes. This know-how could be directly applied to cylinder cores, key profiles and locking mechanisms and—with the merger to form Zeiss Ikon AG—became part of IKON´s history. Developed as early as the 1920s and filed for patent in 1924, the robust profile cylinder set standards in Europe – a legacy still evident today in the fact that replacement keys can be ordered even for original IKON locking systems dating back to 1926.
From mechanical origins to networked security
The company’s ability to constantly reinvent itself enabled it to embark on new paths following the upheavals of the 20th century marked by war, destruction and reconstruction. Step by step, IKON evolved from a camera manufacturer to a leading provider of modern security solutions. The introduction of electronic systems and mechatronic technologies marked the beginning of a new chapter, in which IKON has consistently strengthened its role as an innovation driver.
With CLIQ® technology and its further development into the purely electronic eCLIQ system, flexible locking solutions are now available for master key systems of all sizes and a wide range of properties – from utility, industrial and infrastructure companies to the public sector, residential complexes and historic buildings. The brand is responding to the increasing requirements of complex security environments with targeted further developments such as CLIQ® Connect or the completely battery-free eCLIQ “Spark” key.
Proven technology for complex environments
Two reference projects demonstrate how resilient this combination of durable components and future-proof technology is: The University of Tübingen has been using an electronic VERSO CLIQ locking system with around 11,000 cylinders since 2008 and also equipped the Cyber Valley I research building, which was commissioned at the end of 2025, with IKON-branded CLIQ technology.
CLIQ has been proving itself at the Messe Berlin trade fair venue since 2003 with around 11,500 cylinders, 3,700 keys and 29 wall programming devices. Both projects stand for robust security, flexible access management and quality achieved through precision craftsmanship, personal inspection, and high-tech expertise from Berlin.
A brand with history and future
Particularly in its anniversary year 2026, IKON demonstrates how consistently it continues on this path. Because security is becoming increasingly more networked, digital and sustainable. Drawing on a century of experience in security technology, the brand develops solutions for modern buildings, critical infrastructure and complex organisational enviroments – connecting its heritage with the demands of tomorrow.
Would you like to learn more about the history of the IKON brand? Then visit our history page!