The good news? There are many tech businesses out there doing just that.
Defined under the apt name ‘Cleantech,’ a growing number of companies are prioritizing the use of carbon neutral technologies such as solar and wind power to reduce their environmental impact and make positive moves for the planet.
By providing superior performance at lower costs and promoting the responsible use of natural resources, these companies aren’t just pulling at the moral sensibilities of investors—they’re also giving a real, financial incentive to support green technologies.
Even more promising, according to the Cleantech Group, this year there has been a 61% increase in the number of businesses nominated for its annual roundup of the top 100 cleantech companies.
Evaluated within five distinct categories: Agriculture and Food, Energy and Power, Materials and Chemicals, Resources and Environment, Transportation and Logistics, these eco-innovators are assessed by metrics that indicate their likelihood to make a positive sustainable impact in the next five to 10 years.
If you’re looking to launch a high-impact career with a company that’s leading the way in sustainability, one of these companies would provide a great option.
So, let’s get into it: here are 20 of the world’s top cleantech companies for 2024.
Top Cleantech Companies: Agriculture and Food
Mori
Every year, roughly 1.3 billion tons—an entire third—of the world’s food gets wasted. Which is why the US biomaterial company, Mori, has the potential to make such a large impact.
Founded in 2016, the business uses a special protein derived from silk to extend the shelf life of various perishable food items. Ultimately reducing the need to throw good food away.
Beehero
Did you know that an entire 70% of the world’s crops rely on bees? Well, luckily, Beehero is here to make sure it stays that way. Founded back in 2017 by a group of Israeli researchers, this global company helps commercial beekeepers and food growers maximize every pollination cycle—resulting in the least food waste possible.
Loam
With all this carbon in the atmosphere, wouldn’t it be great if we could somehow use it for something productive? That’s where Loam comes in.
Founded in Australia in 2019, this company has developed a way to use microbial bacteria to convert carbon in the atmosphere into multifunctional plant soil. If enough farmers around the world can implement it, it could lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Who doesn’t win?
Mosa Meat
The livestock industry is responsible for an egregious 14.5% of all greenhouse gases—but is there a solution? Developed in the Netherlands by leading scientists, Mosa Meat is a company that can grow meat simply by using animal cells.
By cutting down on the amount of livestock farming throughout the world, this company has the potential to save thousands of natural habitats, as well as reduce carbon emissions.
Top Cleantech Companies: Energy and Power
Accure
With the world going electric, it’s becoming ever more important that the batteries we use are up to scratch. That’s where Accure comes in.
Founded in Germany in 2020, the innovative tech company is using API technology (which allows two or more computer programs to interact with each other) to maximize battery life and performance.
Aerones
By 2025, it’s predicted that wind power will surpass even nuclear electricity generation as a renewable power source. The only issue? Wind turbines require a lot of maintenance.
Fortunately, the Latvian company, Aerones, has developed a solution: wind turbine robots. From inspection and repairs, to cleaning, these devices have the potential to drastically increase the viability of wind energy.
Akselos
Back in 2012, a group of Swiss developers came up with the idea of Akselos: a company that specializes in digital twins. By using data to create identical digital models of energy assets—wind turbines, solar panels—companies can produce alternate designs, analyze performance, and even extend asset lifespans.
Amogy
A company developed by US scientists in 2020, Amogy is aiming to completely decarbonize the entire transport industry by 2050 through the innovative use of ammonia. Though commonly used as a cleaning agent, the chemical compound provides a far cheaper, completely carbon-free energy alternative to diesel as well as other energy sources.
Top Cleantech Companies: Materials and Chemicals
Bcomp
All of these companies were launched with a clear mission. Bcomp’s mission? To decarbonize the world.
Using high performance bio-based materials, the Swiss company (founded in 2011) aims to reduce the use of plastic in a whole range of areas, from sports cars and super yachts, to designer watches.
6K
One of the biggest downsides of electric energy is that battery production isn’t particularly environmentally-friendly. Not only does it use a bunch of raw materials, it also produces a range of pollutants, such as hazardous waste and greenhouse gas. The US company 6K’s solution? The world’s first full-scale microwave plasma production system. Not only does the technology cut down on production time, but it also reduces energy costs by up to 30%.
Aeroseal
Heat loss through leaks and drafts is one of the biggest contributors to energy waste in the US. Which is why the US company, Aeroseal (first launched in 1993), has found a way to reduce it. By using advanced sealing technology, the company can reduce energy loss from central heating and ventilation ductwork in both homes and commercial buildings.
Boston Metal
One of the biggest producers of global emissions is the steel market industry, which results in over 2 billion tons of carbon being released into the atmosphere each year. And with the sector expected to grow by 30% by 2050, this has the potential to pose an even greater problem to the planet. Fortunately, Boston Metal (founded in 2012) provides a viable solution. Through the use of electricity, they allow metalwork companies to create carbon-free steel.
Top Cleantech Companies: Resources and Environment
Carbon Clean
Another company aiming to hit carbon net zero is Carbon Clean, a UK-based business launched in 2009. By trapping the CO2 in fossil fuels before they are burnt, the innovative technology helps to reduce the amount of carbon entering the atmosphere from a whole range of industries.
AMP Robotics
Increasingly being referred to as the seventh resource, recycled materials save roughly 700 million metric tons of carbon emissions each year. But unfortunately, with just 16% of the earth’s waste being recycled, there is much more that needs to be done.
Luckily, the US company AMP Robotics (founded in 2015) has discovered a way to use AI to scan landfill sites for recyclable materials and increase the sustainability of waste disposal.
Carbon Upcycling
If only there was a way to just get rid of carbon altogether. Well, Carbon Upcycling may have found one. Set up in Canada back in 2014, the company is helping to completely decarbonize industries such as cement and concrete by isolating their CO2 and permanently storing it away.
Circular
There’s a lot to keep track of for companies trying to maximize their recycling. To make it just a little bit easier, the UK company Circular (founded in 2017), has produced a cutting-edge traceability software, allowing industrial supply chains to stay on top of their production of e-waste, battery materials, and plastic.
Top Cleantech Companies: Transportation and Logistics
Electric Era
A common complaint of electric vehicles is that they can take a while to charge. To remedy this, US-based Electric Era has developed an innovative new autonomous software platform, not only providing fast-charging stations, but also optimizing revenue for the operators. A win-win.
CH!
In 2024, it’s estimated that the electric vehicle industry will grow by 21%. While this is good news for the environment, it also means more pressure on charging stations. Luckily, the US company CH!, founded in 2017, is here to provide on-demand charging port maintenance.
BluSmart
Think Uber, but electric. First set up in India in 2019, BluSmart is the revolutionary new ride-sharing app that allows users to be whisked away in exclusively electric vehicles. With over a million riders so far, the company has managed to reduce CO2 emissions by an impressive 24,000 tons.
Ev.energy
Wouldn’t it be handy if you could charge your car from your phone? Well, with ev.energy, you can. Launched in the UK in 2018, the app allows electric vehicle owners to start charging their cars with just a few taps (provided they’re connected to an energy source).
There you have it. These are just 20 of the top cleantech companies that you should keep your eye on when it comes to looking at the future of the industry. If you're planning on embarking on a high-impact, sustainability-led career path, any of the companies featured here could be a great place to start.
