2026 Climate Tech Companies to Watch

The article highlights the critical need for climate technology innovations to address global warming. It notes that drastic reductions in emissions are required to avoid severe climate impacts, while also adapting to changes already underway. The MIT Technology Review annually compiles a list of promising climate tech companies, including startups and multinational corporations, working on solutions to either reduce greenhouse gas emissions or help societies adapt to a warming world. The 2026 list focuses on technologies addressing acute challenges such as energy storage, flood protection, and cleaner industrial processes. The urgency stems from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warnings that global temperatures must not exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to avoid catastrophic effects.

Energy storage is a key focus of the 2026 list, with companies developing innovative methods to store renewable energy for use when solar or wind power is unavailable. Energy Dome, based in Milan, Italy, uses carbon dioxide to store energy in a process called carbon dioxide batteries. These systems compress and decompress CO₂ to generate electricity, offering a scalable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Another company, Form Energy from Somerville, US, has developed iron batteries that store energy for long durations at a lower cost than lithium-based systems. WeLion New Energy in Beijing, China, produces semi-solid-state batteries, which combine solid and liquid components to improve energy density and safety for electric vehicles and grid storage. These technologies aim to overcome the intermittency of renewable energy sources.

Envision Energy, headquartered in Shanghai, China, is highlighted for its advancements in wind turbine technology. Founded in 2007, the company designs and manufactures wind turbines that are more efficient and cost-effective than earlier models. Wind power is a cornerstone of renewable energy strategies, as it generates electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. Envision Energy has expanded its global presence, contributing to the growth of wind energy capacity worldwide. The company’s technology includes smart controls and data analytics to optimize turbine performance, making wind power a more reliable energy source.

Fervo Energy, based in Houston, US, is recognized for its work in geothermal energy, a renewable energy source that harnesses heat from beneath the Earth’s surface. Founded in 2017, Fervo Energy uses advanced drilling techniques to access geothermal resources more efficiently. Unlike solar or wind, geothermal energy provides a consistent power supply, making it valuable for baseload electricity. The company’s innovations include enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), which use hydraulic fracturing to create underground heat exchangers. This technology could significantly increase the global capacity for clean energy production.

Brimstone from Oakland, US, focuses on reducing emissions in heavy industries like cement production. Founded in 2019, Brimstone has developed a process to make cement with zero carbon dioxide emissions by replacing limestone with alternative materials. Cement production accounts for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions, making this innovation critical for climate goals. The company’s technology also enables the extraction of critical minerals like magnesium, which are essential for batteries and other green technologies. This dual approach addresses both industrial emissions and the supply chain for renewable energy components.

WaveSave, located in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, specializes in portable flood barriers to protect communities from rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Founded in 2017, the company’s rubber dams can be deployed quickly to prevent flooding in urban areas. These barriers are made of durable, flexible materials that inflate to block water flow. With climate change increasing the frequency of floods, such technologies are vital for adapting to a warming world. WaveSave’s solutions are designed to be cost-effective and easy to install, making them accessible for cities and towns globally.

BasiGo, based in Nairobi, Kenya, is working to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Africa. Founded in 2021, the company provides electric buses and charging infrastructure to fleet operators, particularly in regions where public transportation is a major source of emissions. BasiGo’s model includes leasing options for buses, reducing upfront costs for operators. The company aims to replace diesel-powered buses with electric alternatives, which produce zero tailpipe emissions. This initiative supports both climate goals and improved air quality in urban areas.

X-energy from Rockville, US, is developing advanced nuclear reactors designed to be safer and more efficient than traditional models. Founded in 2009, the company’s helium-cooled nuclear reactors use a high-temperature gas-cooled design, which reduces the risk of meltdowns and produces less nuclear waste. These reactors can operate at higher temperatures, making them suitable for industrial applications beyond electricity generation. Nuclear energy is a low-carbon power source, and X-energy’s technology could play a role in decarbonizing industries that are difficult to electrify.

Moment Energy from Vancouver, Canada, focuses on battery repurposing, a process that extends the life of used electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Founded in 2019, the company collects old EV batteries and repurposes them for secondary uses, such as energy storage for homes or grid systems. This approach reduces waste and lowers the demand for new battery materials like lithium and cobalt. Moment Energy’s technology involves sorting and testing batteries to ensure they meet safety and performance standards. By 2026, the company aims to scale its operations to handle thousands of batteries annually, contributing to a circular economy for energy storage.