Born on a Hike

Swiss deeptech materials innovator

For more than two decades, we have turned breakthrough science into practical, disruptive material technologies. Today, our innovations power product launches for more than 300 global brands in over 60 countries. Each year, we receive major industry recognitions for our achievements.

What began as a two‑person research venture has grown into a global deeptech materials innovation leader, continuing a strong upward trajectory since our inception.

heiq-co-founders-2006
Co-founders Carlo Centonze and Dr. Murray Height (2006)

Born on a hike

  • After a week of hiking in the same shirts, their companions sent Carlo and Murray a hundred meters ahead because the smell in their T-shirts were so unbearable and the wind was blowing from the back.

    "That moment was more than embarrassing, it was enlightening. We realized that everyday problems, like odor in clothing, could be solved through science." Carlo

    From that simple insight came a bold vision: to use advanced material technologies to create disruptive solutions that improve lives. What began as a quest to eliminate smelly shirts has grown into a mission to transform industries, one innovation at a time.

Co-founders

  • Picture

    Carlo Centonze

    Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer
  • Picture

    Dr. Murray Height

    Co-founder, Chief Innovation Officer

Our journey

Like any great journey, ours has climbed peaks and crossed valleys.
For over 20 years, more minds have joined us in the pursuit of better material technologies. See how each step has taken us higher.

  • Key event

    Inception of HeiQ by Carlo Centonze and Murray Height

    Award

    Siska-Heuberger Prize

  • Award

    W.A. DeVigier Foundation Award

    IMD Startup Award

  • Award

    McKinsey / ETH Venture PrizeVenture Leaders Award

  • Key event

    Acquired textile chemicals company Tex-A-Tec

    Award

    KTI Technology Entrepreneur Award

  • Award

    Finalist E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year (Carlo Centonze)

  • Key event

    Launched Oilguard during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

    Award

    Winner Swiss Technology Award (Oilguard)

    Winner Swiss Equity Fair

  • Award

    European Environmental Press Award (Oilguard)

  • Key event

    First brand collaboration: Odlo introduced products with HeiQ’s antimicrobial silver technology

  • Key event

    First Fortune 500 customer: Hanes launched X-Temp powered by HeiQ Smart Temp (Adaptive)

    Award

    Finalist Swiss of the Year

  • Key event

    Established HeiQ in Australia

  • Award

    Swiss Top 10 McKinseyVenture Graduate

  • Award

    Swiss Technology Fund Award

  • Key event

    Established HeiQ in USA (NC & GA) through acquisition of ChemTex Laboratories

    Award

    Top 30 Swiss Growth Champions


  • Award

    Finalist E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year (Carlo Centonze)

  • Key event

    Expanded with HeiQ Iberia and HeiQ China (Shanghai and Taiwan)

    Award

    Winner Swiss Environmental Award (HeiQ Clean Tech)
    (Green Business Award)

  • Key event

    Launched HeiQ Viroblock, antiviral textile technology amid Covid19 pandemic, gaining global media attention

    Listed on London Stock Exchange, raising £60 million

    Award

    Winner Swiss Technology Award (HeiQ Viroblock)

    Runner-up Swiss Venture Club / Credit Suisse award

    PLC Award

  • Key event

    Established HeiQ Belgium, HeiQ Thailand and HeiQ Germany by acquisition (Chrisal, Life Material Technologies, RAS) becoming a innovation engine for across industries.

    Award

    CFI Award

    EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Carlo Centonze)

  • Key event

    Initiated AeoniQ by building a team in Austria

    Award

    Selection 2023/24 ISPO Textrends Award (HeiQ AeoniQ™)

    European CEO of the Year Textile Industry (Carlo Centonze)

  • Key event

    Acquisiton of Regulatory assets "Tarn Pure"

    Award

    ISPO Award (HeiQ AeoniQ™ x HUGO BOSS Polo Shirt)

  • Key event

    Returned to private ownership 

    Award

    ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award (HeiQ AeoniQ™)

  • Key event

    Spun off HeiQ AeoniQ™ through a joint venture

    Spun off HeiQ XReflex to the joint venture partner

    Established HeiQ Korea

    Award

    Winner German Sustainability Award Products 2026