Carlo R. Centonze

At HeiQ Materials AG, founded in 2005, Carlo Centonze is disrupting the textile sector with his breakthrough innovations. The company is creating some of the most effective, durable and high-performance textile technologies in the market today.  

One of the most successful and impactful innovations has been HeiQ Viroblock, a world-leading antimicrobial technology that destroys 99.99% of the virus that causes COVID-19. Within nine months of its launch, HeiQ Viroblock was adopted by over 150 brands and applied on at least 1 billion textile products. This included personal protective equipment, face coverings and apparel.  

Carlo and his team are committed to reducing the environmental impact of textiles. Many of their products are made with sustainable and recycled materials. But Carlo is leading a sustainability movement in the textile sector that goes further still. HeiQ has developed a game-changing yarn with unique decarbonizing potential. HeiQ AeoniQ cellulosic yarn is made of climate-positive raw materials. This environmentally friendly substitute removes carbon from the atmosphere while also releasing oxygen, making the manufacturing process far less polluting than existing alternatives. 

Thanks to Carlo’s visionary leadership, the company is one of the top three technology providers in the sector, employing more than 200 professionals. Carlo is proud to have more than 40% female leadership in the company and employees representing over 25 nationalities. In 2020, HeiQ listed on the London Stock Exchange, having boosted revenues by 80% that year. This enables Carlo to reinvest in the business and continue HeiQ Materials’ strong growth trajectory.

Back to the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Class of 2022