The Download: 10 climate tech companies to watch

The article highlights the growing urgency to address climate change, as 2026 is on track to be one of the hottest years on record. Climate-fueled disasters are causing significant loss of life and economic damage, while political conflicts and stalled international progress are slowing down solutions. The need to cut greenhouse gas emissions has never been more critical to avoid the most harmful effects of climate change. This urgency is driving innovation in climate technology, with companies developing solutions to tackle these challenges. The article introduces 10 climate tech companies that are working on breakthrough technologies to help reduce emissions and adapt to a changing climate.

The 10 climate tech companies featured in the article are developing a range of technologies to address climate challenges. These include mobile flood barriers to protect communities from rising waters, semi-solid-state batteries for more efficient energy storage, compressed-CO₂ energy storage systems to capture and reuse carbon dioxide, and next-generation nuclear reactors designed to be safer and more sustainable. The article also notes that these innovations reflect major shifts in climate tech, such as the increasing energy demands of AI data centers, which require more efficient and sustainable power solutions. The companies are tackling some of the biggest challenges in climate technology, from reducing emissions to improving energy storage and resilience.

AI data centers are consuming vast amounts of energy, creating a significant challenge for climate tech solutions. These data centers, which power AI models and services, require enormous computational resources and cooling systems, leading to high electricity consumption. This surge in demand is driving innovation in energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources to power these facilities sustainably. The article emphasizes that addressing the energy needs of AI data centers is a critical part of the broader effort to reduce emissions and combat climate change. Companies in the climate tech sector are working to develop solutions that can meet these growing energy demands without exacerbating environmental issues.

Elon Musk’s appointment to a new role at the Pentagon has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Musk, who leads companies like SpaceX and Tesla, could influence decisions that directly benefit his businesses. SpaceX, for example, has received billions of dollars in contracts from both the Pentagon and NASA. Critics warn of the rise of a Pentagon-Silicon Complex, where technology companies gain significant influence over military and defense policies. Additionally, the Pentagon is exploring AI-powered tools, such as lie detectors, which further highlight the intersection of technology and defense. These developments raise questions about accountability and the ethical implications of such collaborations.

In 2026, tech billionaires are the only group making significant gains in wealth, with their fortunes accounting for 36% of all billionaire wealth globally. Companies like Nvidia and SpaceX have seen dramatic increases in valuation, with Nvidia on the verge of reaching a $6 trillion market cap and SpaceX making Elon Musk a trillionaire again. This trend reflects the booming AI industry and the growing influence of technology in the global economy. The concentration of wealth among tech billionaires underscores the rapid pace of innovation and the financial rewards of technological advancements, particularly in AI and space exploration.

Norway is planning to implement the first national ban on smart glasses in public spaces due to privacy concerns. Smart glasses, which are equipped with cameras, could enable widespread surveillance and intrude on individuals' privacy. The ban is part of a broader discussion about the ethical use of wearable technology and the need for regulations to protect personal data. Several other countries are also considering similar measures, reflecting growing global concern over the potential misuse of smart glasses. The article highlights the challenges of balancing technological innovation with the protection of individual rights and freedoms.

Tandem solar panels are emerging as a promising technology to help the U.S. catch up with China in solar energy production. These panels can generate 25% more electricity from sunlight compared to traditional solar panels by using multiple layers of photovoltaic material to capture a broader spectrum of light. This innovation could significantly boost the efficiency and output of solar energy systems, making solar power more competitive with other energy sources. The article notes that the adoption of tandem solar panels could play a key role in accelerating the transition to renewable energy in the U.S.

South Korea’s President has raised concerns that AI may have been used in recent bank hacks, prompting calls for new cybersecurity measures tailored to the AI era. The increasing sophistication of AI tools has made them potential tools for cybercriminals, enabling more advanced and harder-to-detect attacks. The article also highlights incidents where AI agents have caused disruptions, such as an outage at Wikimedia, raising questions about liability when AI systems malfunction or are misused. These developments underscore the need for robust regulations and safeguards to prevent AI from being exploited for malicious purposes.

Russian drones are exploiting gaps in air defense systems to target data centers in Ukraine, disrupting the country’s digital infrastructure. These attacks highlight the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure in modern conflicts, where digital systems play a central role. The use of drones to strike data centers reflects a shift in warfare, where cyber and physical attacks are increasingly intertwined. The article emphasizes the growing importance of protecting digital infrastructure from both physical and cyber threats, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts.