Here’s how our climate team picked 10 promising companies to watch
As the team at MIT Technology Review set out to choose companies for this year’s edition of our annual list of Climate Tech Companies to Watch, the challenge felt more daunting than any year since we started compiling the list in 2023. This year is shaping up to be one of the hottest ever recorded.….
The article highlights that 2026 is on track to be one of the hottest years ever recorded, with climate change already causing severe impacts such as wildfires, floods, and other disasters. These events are leading to thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in damages globally. The climate crisis is described as one of the most pressing challenges of our time, requiring urgent action to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. However, political shifts and international conflicts have slowed progress, particularly in the United States. The article emphasizes that while technology alone cannot solve climate change, innovations can play a crucial role in reducing emissions and improving lives as societies adapt to a warming planet.
The MIT Technology Review team selects companies for its annual Climate Tech Companies to Watch list by first gathering nominations from reporters, editors, experts, academics, researchers, investors, and analysts. Each nominee is then thoroughly vetted by examining scientific literature, reports, and patents to assess both the technology and the business viability. The final list aims to represent a diverse range of industries, geographic locations, and stages of development. The team also considers current trends and global events to ensure the list reflects the most relevant advancements in climate technology.
The article notes that the dismantling of US federal regulations and cuts to financial incentives for innovation have weakened the country’s leadership in climate technology. As a result, the 2026 list is predominantly composed of companies based outside the US. China is highlighted as a major hub for climate and energy innovation, with two Chinese companies included in the list: WeLion, which is developing semi-solid-state batteries for electric vehicles, and Envision Energy, which is expanding wind power and energy storage systems both in China and globally.
One of the key trends in 2026 is the rising demand for electricity, partly driven by the growth of AI data centers. Energy storage is critical to managing this demand because it helps balance the variability in electricity supply as grids increasingly rely on renewable energy sources. The article highlights several companies working on energy storage solutions, including Energy Dome, which uses compressed carbon dioxide for long-duration grid storage; Moment Energy, a Canadian company repurposing old electric vehicle batteries for grid-scale storage; and Form Energy, which produces iron-based batteries capable of storing energy for multiple days.
The 2026 list includes a wide variety of climate technologies, ranging from mobile flood barriers to next-generation nuclear reactors. Some companies on the list have been previously featured in past editions, while others are emerging and less well-known. The selection reflects a balance between highlighting established innovators and introducing new players. The article underscores that these companies are contributing to progress in tackling the climate crisis despite weakened political support and ongoing challenges.
