HeiQ Materials

What HeiQ Materials does

HeiQ Materials is a Swiss deeptech materials innovator founded in 2005 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich, headquartered in Schlieren (Zurich), Switzerland, with 101–250 employees. The company develops and commercializes proprietary technology platforms across biotechnology, advanced materials, and sustainable solutions — notably HeiQ AeoniQ (climate-positive cellulosic filament yarn positioned as a biodegradable alternative to polyester/nylon), HeiQ Synbio (probiotic and synbiotic systems for cleaning, personal care, water, and textiles), HeiQ GrapheneX (porous graphene membranes for next-generation batteries), HeiQ Xpectra (spectrally selective transparent coatings for building, defense, and electronics), and HeiQ IoniX (programmable ionic liquids replacing hazardous industrial chemicals). It also markets a deep bench of branded textile treatments (HeiQ Cool, Fresh, Mint, Pure, Serica, Smart Temp, Allergen Tech, Skin Care, etc.) and operates the HeiQ Chrisal probiotic cleaning line acquired in 2021.

HeiQ generates revenue through three primary streams: (1) technology licensing and royalties (e.g., patent licenses to Oberthur Fiduciaire and VHP Security Paper for silver-based antimicrobial overprint varnishes used in banknotes and passports), (2) product sales of its biotechnology, textile, cleaning, coatings, and specialty chemical products through a global distribution network spanning Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Greater China, Africa, and Australasia, and (3) innovation services including joint material development, grant funding support, and material testing for enterprise customers. Go-to-market is enterprise-led via direct partnerships with 300+ global brands and industrial customers including Hugo Boss, Patagonia, Puma, Nespresso, Ecolab, Bosch, Siemens, and Coperni, supplemented by channel partners such as THE LYCRA COMPANY (which holds exclusive global distribution rights for AeoniQ) and regional distributors.

Strategically, HeiQ transitioned from public ownership (delisted from the London Stock Exchange in November 2024) to a private, founder- and anchor-investor-controlled entity, with co-founder/CEO Carlo Centonze (~19%) and Chairman Darren Morcombe (~22%, via Springtide Capital) as principal shareholders. The company has executed a series of inorganic moves — acquisitions of Chrisal (2021), RAS AG (€5.1M, 2021), and Tarn-Pure Holdings (2023) — and most recently spun out its flagship AeoniQ yarn business into a joint venture majority-owned by Portuguese pulp producer Altri SGPS (July 2025), while retaining interests alongside equity co-investors Hugo Boss and MAS Holdings under a US$100M, 5-year offtake agreement.

Name

HeiQ Materials

Legal name

HeiQ Ltd.

Website

https://heiq.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

HeiQ Materials is a Swiss deeptech materials innovator (founded 2005, ETH Zurich spin-off) developing proprietary platforms in biotechnology, advanced materials, and sustainable solutions. It serves 300+ global brand and industrial customers across textiles, cleaning, cosmetics, defense, and electronics through licensing, product sales, and innovation services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Advanced Materials & Specialty Chemicals

NAICS

Paint and Coating Manufacturing (32551), Paint and Coating Manufacturing (325510), Fabric Coating Mills (31332), Fabric Coating Mills (313320), Textile and Fabric Finishing and Fabric Coating Mills (3133), Textile and Fabric Finishing Mills (313310), Paint, Coating, and Adhesive Manufacturing (3255)

SIC

Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890), Broadwoven Fabric Mills, Man Made Fiber & Silk (2221), Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470), Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860), Adhesives & Sealants (2891)

akta.pro primary industry

Textile, Leather & Paper Specialty Chemicals (IMAEABAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Coating & Finishing Chemicals Application (Resins/Softening/Water-Repellent/FR/Antimicrobial) (IMAOACAD), Coated & Laminated Industrial Fabrics (Tarpaulins/Awnings/Inflatables/Architectural Membranes) (IMAOADAI), Coated, Laminated & Membrane Fabrics (CRAAAMAF), Specialty & Functional Coatings (Anti-microbial/Anti-slip/Insulating) (IMAIAKAM), Packaging & Can Coatings (IMAEAGAF)

Keywords

• Textile innovation
• Antimicrobial coatings
• Sustainable materials
• Precision fermentation
• Advanced materials

Headquarters

HQ city

Schlieren

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Technology Licensing: Licensing of proprietary textile, antimicrobial, coating, and biotechnology technologies to industrial partners. Includes patent licensing for antimicrobial overprint varnishes.
2. Product Sales: Sale of technology-driven products including biotechnology solutions, textile technologies, cleaning & laundry products, coatings, and specialty chemicals.
3. Innovation Services: Joint material development, funding & grant support, innovation networks, and material testing services for partners.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

HeiQ Materials develops and manufactures proprietary deeptech materials and chemical technologies for diverse industries including textiles, cleaning, cosmetics, water treatment, defense, batteries, building & construction, and animal care. The company sells branded technology platforms (HeiQ AeoniQ™, HeiQ Synbio™, HeiQ GrapheneX™, HeiQ Xpectra™, HeiQ IoniX™) and finished textile/coating products to enterprise customers, while also offering innovation services (joint material development, funding/grant support, material testing) and licensing of patented technologies such as silver-based antimicrobial overprint varnishes.

Product overview

HeiQ Materials is a Swiss deeptech materials innovator founded in 2005 as an ETH Zurich spin-off, offering a diversified portfolio of technology-driven products organized into distinct categories: Biotechnology (probiotic and synbiotic chemistries), Textiles (thermoregulation and cosmetic treatments), Cleaning & Laundry (probiotic/synbiotic/biosurfactant products), Defense & Aerospace (transparent signature management coatings), Batteries & Electronics (next-gen lithium battery materials and transparent electrodes), Water Treatment (probiotic water systems), Building & Construction (HeiQ Xpectra thermal management coatings), Cosmetics & Personal Care (synbiotic ingredients including HeiQ Skin Care), Animal Care (microbial applications), Coatings & Polymers (advanced surface coatings), Industrial Chemicals, and Flooring & Carpets (surfactants and additives). The company also operates major technology platforms including HeiQ Xpectra (transparent multispectral coatings), HeiQ Synbio (synbiotic systems), HeiQ GrapheneX (porous graphene for batteries), HeiQ IoniX (programmable ionic liquids), and AeoniQ™ (climate-positive cellulosic yarn joint venture with Altri Group). Notable branded products include HeiQ Allergen Tech, HeiQ Cool, HeiQ Fresh, HeiQ Mint, HeiQ Pure, HeiQ Serica, HeiQ Smart Temp, HeiQ Synbio Dry, HeiQ X-Repell, and HeiQ VivoTech product lines.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HeiQ AeoniQ: Climate-positive, biodegradable cellulosic filament yarn technology designed to replace polyester and nylon in textiles.
• HeiQ Synbio
• HeiQ GrapheneX
• HeiQ Xpectra
• HeiQ IoniX
• HeiQ Life Sciences

Products and services

• AeoniQ™ Yarn Climate-positive, biodegradable cellulosic filament yarn made from renewable eucalyptus-based pulp, designed as a sustainable alternative to polyester and nylon. Reduces CO2 emissions by at least 3.2 kg per kg of yarn compared to polyester. Fully biodegradable in marine, soil, freshwater, and industrial composting environments (certified by TÜV Austria and OEKO-TEX®). Targeted at apparel and home textile manufacturers including Hugo Boss, Patagonia, Lameirinho, Coperni, and others.
• HeiQ Xpectra™ Spectrally selective transparent coating platform for signature management, energy control, and climate control applications. Reduces heat transfer coefficient of walls by up to 25%. Also serves as a transparent conductive coating for flexible electronics such as organic photovoltaics (OPV). Targeted at building & construction, defense, and electronics manufacturers.
• HeiQ Synbio™ Synbiotic systems technology platform introducing combinations of probiotics and prebiotics into cleaning, personal care, water, and textile applications for balanced microbial ecosystems. Targeted at cleaning products, personal care, water treatment, and textile manufacturers.
• HeiQ GrapheneX™

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces CO2 emissions by at least 3.2 kg per kg of yarn compared to polyester
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• Oberthur FiduciairemajorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 29 October 2025Patent license agreement granting rights to use HeiQ's silver-based antimicrobial technology in overprint varnishes, including the Bioguard® range used for secured printing worldwide.
• VHP Security Paper B.V.majorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 29 October 2025Subsidiary of Oberthur Fiduciaire, granted license for antimicrobial overprint varnish technology for high-security paper products including banknotes and passports.
• Altri SGPScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025Portuguese sustainable pulp producer acquiring majority stake in AeoniQ™ to build world's first industrial AeoniQ plant at Altri's Caima pulp mill in Portugal starting 2026. Initial capacity of 1,750 tons per year. Vertical integration from eucalyptus-based pulp to finished yarn. Joint venture named 'Aeon iQ' combines Altri's industrial expertise with HeiQ's technological capability.
• THE LYCRA COMPANYcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 July 2025Acquired exclusive distribution rights for AeoniQ™ textile yarn globally, supporting market access and commercialization of the climate-positive fiber.
• Tarn-Pure Holdings LtdmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 January 2023Acquired UK-based Tarn-Pure Holdings Ltd, a Welsh company, to enhance portfolio of sustainable hygiene products through integration of metallic copper and silver technologies. Aligned with increased EU market demand for non-synthetic antimicrobials.
• RAS AGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 April 2021Acquired Germany-based RAS AG for €5.1 million to expand market share in hygiene solutions and antimicrobial technologies. RAS AG develops antimicrobial, hygiene-enhancing additives, and durable coatings, serving over 50 customers including Bosch and Siemens.
• ArchromamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to bring revolutionary antimicrobial and odor-control solutions to the textile industry announced January 2026.
• PatagoniamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner using HeiQ technologies for sustainable apparel production.
• PumamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner using HeiQ textile technologies.
• EcolabmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner in cleaning and hygiene solutions using HeiQ technologies.
• NespressomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner utilizing HeiQ technologies.
• Hugo BossmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman fashion brand using HeiQ technologies and co-investor in AeoniQ™.
• Leonhard KurzminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner in decorative coating and finishing technologies.
• BoschmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCustomer acquired through RAS AG acquisition - uses antimicrobial and hygiene-enhancing additives.
• SiemensmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCustomer acquired through RAS AG acquisition - uses antimicrobial and hygiene-enhancing additives.
• RiopeleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for AeoniQ™ textile applications.
• ImpetusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for AeoniQ™ textile applications.
• LameirinhominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner featuring AeoniQ™ in vegan silk bedding line presented at Heimtextil 2025.
• Aunde GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for AeoniQ™ textile applications.
• AmannminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for AeoniQ™ textile applications.
• Market Research FutureminorOthersMarket research firm providing industry data on precision fermentation market projections.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Archroma: Swiss-headquartered global leader in textile dyes, specialty chemicals, and coating solutions. Announced a partnership with HeiQ in January 2026 to deliver antimicrobial and odor-control textile technologies, indicating direct overlap in textile chemistry markets and customer base.
• CHT Group: German specialty chemicals company producing textile auxiliaries, dyes, silicones, and functional coatings for textiles. Direct competitor to HeiQ in textile finishing chemistry, with overlapping customers in performance apparel and home textiles.
• DyStar: Specialty chemical manufacturer focused on dyes, colorants, and auxiliaries for the textile industry. Competes directly with HeiQ's textile finishing chemicals and serves the same global apparel and home textile brands.
• Rudolf Group: German specialty chemicals supplier focused on textile finishing, including antimicrobial, hydrophobic, and soft-handle technologies. Closely comparable to HeiQ's portfolio of textile performance additives and finishing chemistries.

Emerging players

• Spiber: Japanese biotech company producing Brewed Protein™ fibers as sustainable alternatives to animal-derived and synthetic materials. Comparable to HeiQ AeoniQ in targeting apparel brands with next-generation bio-based textile fibers.
• Bolt Threads: US-based biotech company developing bio-based and lab-grown fibers (e.g., Mylo™, b-silk™) for apparel. Directly comparable as a sustainable fiber innovator competing with HeiQ AeoniQ in replacing conventional polyester and silk.
• Carbios: French biotech company developing enzymatic recycling technologies for PET plastics and textile fibers. Adjacent and emerging player in the sustainable textile materials space, with technology complementary to HeiQ's biodegradable fiber strategy.

Broad incumbents

• Solvay: Belgian specialty chemicals major with materials, coatings, and biotechnology operations. Comparable as a larger specialty chemicals player adjacent to HeiQ's ionic liquids, advanced materials, and industrial chemistry businesses.
• Huntsman Textile Effects: Division of Huntsman Corporation providing dyes, textile chemicals, and digital inks to global apparel brands. As a much larger incumbent in textile chemistry, it competes with HeiQ across antimicrobial, finishing, and performance chemical offerings for major apparel customers.
• Croda International: UK-listed global specialty chemicals company serving personal care, life sciences, and industrial markets. Comparable to HeiQ in personal care ingredients, antimicrobial technologies, and performance specialty chemistries across multiple consumer verticals.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/heiq
• Xx.com/heiq_materials

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A3 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HeiQ Materials