Dr Carmen Hijosa
Title
Honorary Doctor
Person Type
Honorary
Dr Carmen Hijosa is an award-winning inventor who uses creativity to help combat the climate crisis. She graduated from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin with an undergraduate degree in woven textiles and a postgraduate degree in textile science. This laid the foundation for her long-standing career in the textile industry, which took her all over the world—including a 6-year stint as a product and textile developer consultant in the Philippines.
While in the Philippines, she confronted the damaging effects of mass leather production and began to develop the idea that would later become Piñatex: a more sustainable alternative to leather made from pineapple leaf fibre. Championing a more environmentally conscious approach to entrepreneurship and innovation, Carmen is inspired by circular economy and Cradle to Cradle principles, which prioritise sustainability across the entire supply chain.
From 2009-2014, she studied at the Royal College of Art, where she pursued a PhD researching textiles and natural fibres. During this time, she collaborated with brands such as Camper and Puma to explore how Piñatex could be applied in design contexts. In 2013, she founded Ananas Anam, a certified B Corp sustainable textile manufacturing company, where she currently serves as Chief Creative and Innovation Officer.
Her achievements as an ethical entrepreneur and sustainability-focused innovator have received global commendation. Her list of honours includes the InnovateUK Women in Innovation Award, the Cartier Women’s Initiative Award, and the Grand Designs Green Hero Award. In 2021, she was granted Lifetime Honorary Fellowship of the Cybernetics Society and is 1 of only 2 women who of have ever received this honour. A few years ago, she became a member of the European Inventor Network.