Top 20 Green Tech Startups

Green Tech Trailblazers Shaping a Sustainable

The green tech sector is booming, with startups leveraging cutting-edge technology to address climate change, reduce waste, and promote sustainable living. Below, I’ve outlined 20 standout companies, each excelling in innovation, scalability, and environmental impact. These profiles include company details, founder backgrounds, product categories, and key features that set them apart in the race to a net-zero future.

1. Apeel Sciences

• Founders: James Rogers
• Founded Year: 2012
• Headquarters: Goleta, California, USA
• Product Categories: Agricultural Biotechnology, Food Preservation
• Description: Apeel Sciences is revolutionizing food preservation with its plant-based coating that extends the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. By mimicking natural protective barriers, Apeel’s technology reduces food waste and greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing produce. The company’s edible coating, derived from plant lipids, is applied to produce to slow spoilage, enabling longer transport and storage without compromising quality. With partnerships across global supply chains, Apeel is tackling the 1.3 billion tons of annual food waste, making it a leader in sustainable agriculture.
• Key Features:
  • Edible, plant-derived coating for fruits and vegetables.
  • Reduces food waste by up to 50% by extending shelf life.
  • FDA-approved and safe, with no impact on taste or appearance.
  • Applied at packing houses, compatible with existing infrastructure.
  • Supports global supply chains, reducing carbon emissions from waste.
  • Backed by investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Oprah Winfrey.

2. Climeworks

• Founders: Christoph Gebald, Jan Wurzbacher
• Founded Year: 2009
• Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
• Product Categories: Carbon Capture, Direct Air Capture
• Description: Climeworks is a pioneer in direct air capture (DAC) technology, removing CO2 from the atmosphere for storage or reuse. Its modular systems use renewable energy to power filters that trap carbon, which can be stored underground or converted into products like fuels. The company’s Mammoth facility in Iceland captures 36,000 tons of CO2 annually, serving clients like Microsoft and Shopify. Climeworks’ scalable approach is critical for achieving net-zero goals, making it a cornerstone of the carbon removal industry.
• Key Features:
  • Captures CO2 directly from ambient air using modular filters.
  • Powered by renewable energy, ensuring low-carbon operations.
  • Permanent CO2 storage in basalt rock formations.
  • Supplies carbon for synthetic fuels and industrial applications.
  • Partners with 160+ corporate clients for carbon credits.
  • Scalable technology with plans for gigaton-scale capture by 2050.

3. Jetti Resources

• Founders: Mike Outwin
• Founded Year: 2014
• Headquarters: Boulder, Colorado, USA
• Product Categories: Sustainable Mining, Resource Extraction
• Description: Jetti Resources is transforming copper mining by extracting metal from low-grade ores, reducing environmental harm. Its catalytic technology enhances heap leaching, enabling efficient copper recovery without the deforestation and water contamination typical of traditional mining. Deployed at major mines like Chile’s El Abra, Jetti’s innovation addresses the rising demand for copper in renewable energy technologies. With over 20 projects planned, Jetti is redefining sustainable resource extraction for a cleaner energy future.
• Key Features:
  • Catalytic leaching for low-grade copper ore extraction.
  • Reduces water usage and environmental impact of mining.
  • Increases copper yield by up to 20% compared to traditional methods.
  • Deployed at large-scale mines, with scalability proven.
  • Supports clean energy by supplying copper for solar and wind tech.
  • Backed by investors like Teck Resources and BHP.

4. Carbon Limit

• Founders: Ravi Mikkelsen
• Founded Year: 2020
• Headquarters: Boca Raton, Florida, USA
• Product Categories: Carbon Capture, Construction Materials
• Description: Carbon Limit is revolutionizing the construction industry with CaptureCrete, a carbon-negative cement additive that captures atmospheric CO2 and stores it permanently in concrete. As concrete is the second-most consumed material globally, responsible for 8% of CO2 emissions, Carbon Limit’s technology offers a scalable solution to decarbonize urban development. The company’s innovative mineral blend not only reduces emissions but also generates carbon credits, making it a game-changer for sustainable infrastructure.
• Key Features:
  • CaptureCrete additive sequesters CO2 in concrete production.
  • Reduces concrete’s carbon footprint by up to 30%.
  • Generates tradable carbon credits for construction projects.
  • Compatible with existing cement manufacturing processes.
  • Enhances concrete durability while maintaining cost-competitiveness.
  • Targets urban markets with high construction demand.

5. Mi Terro

• Founders: Robert Luo
• Founded Year: 2018
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Product Categories: Biodegradable Materials, Sustainable Packaging
• Description: Mi Terro tackles microplastic pollution by transforming agricultural waste into biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics. Its bio-based replacement for polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is used in products like detergent pods and food packaging, reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-derived materials. By upcycling plant leftovers, Mi Terro addresses both waste management and environmental sustainability, offering scalable solutions for consumer goods industries aiming to eliminate microplastics.
• Key Features:
  • Biodegradable materials from food and paper industry waste.
  • Replaces PVA in applications like detergent pods and films.
  • Compostable products leave no microplastic residue.
  • Scalable production for consumer goods and packaging.
  • Reduces plastic waste by up to 90% in targeted applications.
  • Partners with brands like Unilever for sustainable packaging.

6. Moment Energy

• Founders: Sumreen Rattan, Edward Chiang
• Founded Year: 2020
• Headquarters: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Product Categories: Energy Storage, Battery Recycling
• Description: Moment Energy repurposes retired electric vehicle batteries into affordable, sustainable battery energy storage systems (BESS) called Flora. These systems support applications from EV charging to utility-scale projects, reducing reliance on new battery production. By extending battery lifecycles, Moment Energy minimizes waste and supports the transition to renewable energy, offering a circular economy solution for the growing EV market.
• Key Features:
  • Flora BESS uses second-life EV batteries for energy storage.
  • Reduces battery waste by up to 70% through repurposing.
  • Supports renewable energy integration with cost-effective storage.
  • Scalable for residential, commercial, and utility applications.
  • Partners with automotive companies for battery sourcing.
  • Enhances grid reliability with long-lasting storage solutions.

7. Nutrition Technologies

• Founders: Nick Piggott, Tom Berry
• Founded Year: 2015
• Headquarters: Johor, Malaysia
• Product Categories: Insect-Based Products, Sustainable Agriculture
• Description: Nutrition Technologies uses Black Soldier Fly larvae to convert agro-industrial by-products into sustainable animal feed and organic fertilizers. This biotech startup addresses food security and waste management by upcycling organic waste into high-value products. Its low-energy, scalable process reduces environmental impact while supporting sustainable agriculture, making it a leader in circular economy solutions for livestock and crop production.
• Key Features:
  • Produces protein, oil, and fertilizers from insect larvae.
  • Upcycles agro-industrial waste, reducing landfill use.
  • Low-energy process with 80% less energy than traditional feed production.
  • Enhances soil health with organic fertilizers.
  • Scalable model for global agricultural markets.
  • Backed by investors like Openspace Ventures and Hera Capital.

8. Ecovative

• Founders: Eben Bayer, Gavin McIntyre
• Founded Year: 2007
• Headquarters: Green Island, New York, USA
• Product Categories: Biodegradable Materials, Sustainable Packaging
• Description: Ecovative pioneers mushroom-based materials to replace petroleum-based plastics like Styrofoam. Its mycelium technology creates biodegradable packaging, fashion materials, and even food products. By growing mycelium in patented chambers, Ecovative produces sustainable alternatives that decompose naturally, reducing plastic waste. With plans for a new 20,000-square-foot facility, the company is scaling to meet global demand for eco-friendly materials.
• Key Features:
  • Mycelium-based packaging decomposes in months.
  • Replaces polystyrene foam in applications like wine shippers.
  • Used in fashion for sustainable leathers and insoles.
  • Scalable production with global licensing agreements.
  • Partners with brands like Ulta Beauty and IKEA.
  • Reduces plastic waste by up to 90% in targeted applications.

9. Running Tide

• Founders: Marty Odlin
• Founded Year: 2017
• Headquarters: Portland, Maine, USA
• Product Categories: Carbon Capture, Ocean-Based Solutions
• Description: Running Tide leverages kelp’s natural carbon sequestration to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Its wood buoys, coated with ground seashells, grow kelp that captures carbon via photosynthesis before sinking to the ocean floor for long-term storage. Backed by Shopify and Stripe, Running Tide’s scalable ocean-based solution could sequester gigatons of carbon, making it a vital player in global carbon removal efforts.
• Key Features:
  • Kelp-based carbon sequestration with sinking buoys.
  • Captures up to 270 gigatons of CO2 at scale.
  • Uses sustainable, carbon-rich wood materials.
  • Supported by major carbon credit buyers like Shopify.
  • Minimal environmental disruption with natural processes.
  • Scalable for global ocean deployment.

10. Arcadia

• Founders: Kiran Bhatraju
• Founded Year: 2014
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
• Product Categories: Energy Data Analytics, Software
• Description: Arcadia’s software platform, Arc, simplifies access to energy data, enabling consumers and businesses to optimize clean energy usage. By aggregating data from utilities, Arcadia supports carbon accounting and renewable energy adoption. Its user-friendly interface helps companies like JPMorgan Chase manage energy costs and emissions, driving the transition to a low-carbon economy through data-driven decisions.
• Key Features:
  • Aggregates utility data for real-time energy insights.
  • Supports carbon footprint tracking for businesses.
  • Enables renewable energy adoption with cost analysis.
  • User-friendly interface for non-technical users.
  • Partners with major corporations for sustainability goals.
  • Reduces energy costs by up to 20% for clients.

11. Antora Energy

• Founders: Andrew Ponec, Justin Briggs
• Founded Year: 2017
• Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, USA
• Product Categories: Thermal Energy Storage, Renewable Energy
• Description: Antora Energy develops thermal batteries that store renewable energy as heat, addressing industrial energy demands that account for 20% of global energy use. With 40% efficiency—10% above industry standards—Antora’s batteries provide a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels for high-heat industrial processes, supporting decarbonization in sectors like manufacturing and cement production.
• Key Features:
  • Stores renewable energy as heat for industrial use.
  • 40% efficiency, surpassing industry benchmarks.
  • Reduces industrial carbon emissions by up to 30%.
  • Scalable for heavy industries like steel and cement.
  • Backed by the U.S. Department of Energy.
  • Supports 24/7 renewable energy supply.

12. Enpal

• Founders: Mario Kohle, Viktor Wingert, Jochen Mattner
• Founded Year: 2017
• Headquarters: Berlin, Germany
• Product Categories: Solar Energy, Energy Storage
• Description: Enpal, Germany’s first green tech unicorn, rents solar panels to homeowners, bundling installation, maintenance, and smart software into an affordable package. Serving 65,000 customers and installing 2,000 panels monthly, Enpal makes solar energy accessible without upfront costs. Its model reduces energy bills and carbon footprints, driving Europe’s renewable energy transition.
• Key Features:
  • Rent-to-own solar panel model with no upfront costs.
  • Includes energy storage and smart management software.
  • Installs 2,000 solar systems monthly across Germany.
  • Reduces household carbon emissions by up to 25%.
  • Scalable model for residential solar adoption.
  • Backed by SoftBank and TPG.

13. NotCo

• Founders: Matias Muchnick, Pablo Zamora, Karim Pichara
• Founded Year: 2015
• Headquarters: Santiago, Chile
• Product Categories: Plant-Based Foods, Food Technology
• Description: NotCo uses AI to create plant-based alternatives to animal products, like milk, burgers, and ice cream. Its algorithm, Guiseppe, analyzes molecular structures to replicate animal-based foods using plants, reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. Operating in the U.S. and Canada, NotCo is South America’s fastest-growing food tech, competing with giants like Beyond Meat.
• Key Features:
  • AI-driven formulation of plant-based foods.
  • Replicates taste and texture of animal products.
  • Reduces land use by up to 74% compared to traditional farming.
  • Available in major markets like the U.S. and Canada.
  • Partners with retailers like Whole Foods.
  • Scalable for global food supply chains.

14. GrowUp Farms

• Founders: Kate Hofman, Tom Webster
• Founded Year: 2013
• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Product Categories: Vertical Farming, Sustainable Agriculture
• Description: GrowUp Farms pioneers vertical farming to produce fresh leafy greens and herbs year-round in controlled environments. By minimizing water and land use, the company reduces food miles and environmental impact. Its urban-focused approach delivers fresher produce to consumers, cutting transport emissions and supporting sustainable food systems in cities.
• Key Features:
  • Vertical farming with 95% less water than traditional methods.
  • Year-round production unaffected by weather.
  • Reduces food miles by locating farms near urban centers.
  • Uses renewable energy for climate-controlled systems.
  • Produces high-quality greens with minimal pesticide use.
  • Scalable for urban and peri-urban markets.

15. Molekule

• Founders: Dilip Goswami, Jaya Rao
• Founded Year: 2014
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA
• Product Categories: Air Purification, Health Technology
• Description: Molekule redefines air purification with its PECO technology, which destroys pollutants at the molecular level rather than trapping them. Targeting allergens, mold, bacteria, and viruses, Molekule’s devices improve indoor air quality, addressing health and environmental concerns. Its sleek design and innovative approach make it a leader in clean air solutions.
• Key Features:
  • PECO technology destroys pollutants, not just traps them.
  • Eliminates 99.9% of allergens, bacteria, and viruses.
  • Sleek, modern design for residential and commercial use.
  • Real-time air quality monitoring via app.
  • Reduces indoor air pollution by up to 95%.
  • Backed by venture capital for rapid expansion.

16. Watershed

• Founders: Taylor Francis, Christian Anderson
• Founded Year: 2019
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA
• Product Categories: Carbon Management, Software
• Description: Watershed provides a software platform for corporations to track and reduce their carbon footprints in real time. By integrating emissions data across supply chains, Watershed enables companies like Airbnb and Carlyle to align sustainability with business goals. Its actionable insights drive decarbonization strategies, making it a vital tool for corporate net-zero commitments.
• Key Features:
  • Real-time carbon footprint tracking for businesses.
  • Integrates with supply chain and financial data.
  • Supports compliance with global sustainability regulations.
  • Enables up to 20% emissions reductions through insights.
  • Used by major corporations like Airbnb and Visa.
  • Scalable for small to enterprise-level businesses.

17. Algenesis

• Founders: Stephen Mayfield
• Founded Year: 2016
• Headquarters: San Diego, California, USA
• Product Categories: Biodegradable Materials, Sustainable Plastics
• Description: Algenesis develops biodegradable plastics from algae using its patented Soleic™ technology. These high-performance materials compete with traditional plastics while fully decomposing in the environment. Targeting applications like packaging and textiles, Algenesis reduces plastic pollution in oceans and landfills, offering a renewable solution for consumer goods industries.
• Key Features:
  • Algae-based biodegradable plastics with high performance.
  • Fully decomposes, leaving no microplastics.
  • Suitable for packaging, textiles, and consumer goods.
  • Reduces plastic pollution by up to 90% in targeted uses.
  • Renewable raw materials lower carbon footprint.
  • Scalable for global manufacturing supply chains.

18. Fuergy

• Founders: Radoslav Stompf, Branislav Safarik
• Founded Year: 2018
• Headquarters: Bratislava, Slovakia
• Product Categories: Energy Management, Renewable Energy
• Description: Fuergy’s AI-powered brAIn platform optimizes energy consumption by enabling peer-to-peer energy trading. Consumers with solar panels can sell excess energy to neighbors, reducing costs and reliance on fossil fuels. By integrating with IoT devices, Fuergy enhances energy efficiency, making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for communities.
• Key Features:
  • AI-driven energy trading platform for renewables.
  • Reduces energy costs by up to 30% for users.
  • Integrates with smart appliances for efficiency.
  • Enables community-based renewable energy sharing.
  • Supports carbon footprint reduction through clean energy.
  • Scalable for urban and rural energy markets.

19. Power Ledger

• Founders: David Martin, Jemma Green
• Founded Year: 2016
• Headquarters: Perth, Australia
• Product Categories: Energy Trading, Blockchain
• Description: Power Ledger’s blockchain platform enables peer-to-peer energy and carbon credit trading. Consumers can sell surplus solar energy to others, eliminating fraud and double-counting risks. Operating in markets like Australia and Japan, Power Ledger drives renewable energy adoption by making clean energy transactions transparent and efficient.
• Key Features:
  • Blockchain-based energy and carbon credit trading.
  • Eliminates fraud in energy transactions.
  • Enables surplus solar energy sharing.
  • Reduces energy costs for consumers by up to 25%.
  • Partners with utilities in multiple countries.
  • Scalable for global energy markets.

20. ZunRoof

• Founders: Pranesh Chaudhary, Sushant Sachan
• Founded Year: 2016
• Headquarters: Gurugram, India
• Product Categories: Solar Energy, Home Technology
• Description: ZunRoof brings solar energy to Indian households by installing rooftop solar systems across 75 cities. With over 10,000 installations, the company helps homeowners generate clean electricity, reducing bills and emissions. Its smart monitoring systems optimize energy use, making solar accessible and affordable in a high-growth market like India.
• Key Features:
  • Rooftop solar systems for residential use.
  • Smart monitoring for real-time energy optimization.
  • Reduces electricity bills by up to 50%.
  • Installed in over 75 Indian cities.
  • Supports India’s renewable energy goals.
  • Scalable for emerging markets.