HeiQ Viroblock wins Swiss Tech Award 2020
Swiss technology company HeiQ has won the Swiss Technology Award 2020 (“the leading technology prize in Switzerland”, a company spokesperson said) for its Viroblock antiviral tech.
Viroblock - “one of the world’s most efficient and effective antiviral/antimicrobial technologies”, according to the company - was launched by HeiQ after Swiss authorities announced a national lockdown in March 2020.
The technology has so far been applied by more than 150 brands worldwide to over 1 billion products, from face masks, apparel and home textiles to mattresses and curtains.
HeiQ says Viroblock was proven to be 99.99% effective against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that caused covid-19) in tests conducted with the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne, Australia.
Viroblock merges microsilver technology to attract virus particles which then combine with vesicle technology to break down the viral membrane within seconds. The microsilver technology uses recycled silver to enhance its sustainable offering, while the vesicle technology is bio-based.
HeiQ co-founder and CEO, Carlo Centonze (pictured), said: “I am both amazed and honoured that HeiQ has won this award for a second time in just ten years, and from among some incredible tech innovation finalists. It confirms our resolve to push the boundaries and push innovations to help the world with its most pressing and imminent problems.
We remain true to our mission: enhancing the everyday lives of people with smart and efficient textile effects.”
Image: HeiQ.
