The fight against climate change continues to spark innovation across industries, with startups at the forefront of transformative solutions. From rethinking how we produce energy and fuel to finding creative ways to decarbonize agriculture and heavy industry, these companies are developing scalable, impactful technologies to address the planet’s most pressing challenges. This list highlights 15 climate tech startups to watch in 2025, spanning five continents and diverse sectors, showcasing the ingenuity and determination driving the transition to a sustainable future.
- BYD
Founded: 1995
A global leader in electric vehicles, BYD continues to scale rapidly, outselling Tesla in fully battery-powered EVs and accelerating the global transition to sustainable transportation.
- LanzaJet
Founded: 2020
CEO: Jimmy Samartzis
This U.S.-based company opened a facility capable of producing nine million gallons of alternative jet fuel annually, a significant step in reducing aviation emissions.
- First Solar
Founded: 1999
CEO: Mark Widmar
A key player in solar manufacturing, First Solar launched a $1.1 billion factory in Alabama, with plans for another in Louisiana by 2025, reinforcing domestic solar supply chains.
- Sublime Systems
Founded: 2020
Founders: Leah Ellis
This innovative startup is scaling its electrochemical cement production process, offering a lower-emission alternative to conventional cement manufacturing.
- Solugen
Founded: 2016
Founders: Gaurab Chakrabarti & Sean Hunt
Operating a bio-based chemical factory in Houston, Solugen produces essential chemicals without fossil fuels, addressing the hidden climate challenges of industrial emissions.
- Rumin8
Founded: 2021
CEO: David Messina
This Australian company develops supplements for livestock that significantly reduce methane emissions from cattle, a crucial step in mitigating agricultural greenhouse gases.
- Pano AI
Founded: 2019
CEO: Sonia Kastner
Combining AI and camera technology, Pano AI improves early wildfire detection, helping mitigate the increasing threat of climate-driven wildfires.
- Charm Industrial
Founded: 2018
CEO: Peter Reinhardt
Collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service, Charm converts forest waste into bio-oil, sequestering carbon by injecting it underground, creating a scalable carbon removal solution.
- Pivot Bio
Founded: 2011
CEO: Chris Abbott
This startup replaces synthetic fertilizers with nitrogen-producing microbes, cutting emissions and runoff in agriculture while boosting crop productivity.
- Masdar
Founded: 2006
CEO: Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi
In partnership with Emsteel Group, Masdar leads the UAE’s green hydrogen pilot to produce sustainable steel, paving the way for decarbonized industrial sectors.
- ENGIE
Founded: 2008
CEO: Catherine Fiamma MacGregor
By signing a 10-year PPA for the 40.5 MW Dama de Baza wind project in Spain, ENGIE advances renewable energy development and supports Spain’s climate goals.
- Nostromo Energy
Founded: 2017
CEO: Yoram Ashery
Backed by a $305.5 million DOE loan guarantee, Nostromo is scaling IceBrick, a thermal energy storage system that enhances grid stability and renewable energy integration.
- Oriana Power Ltd
Founded: 2013
Founder: Anirudh Saraswat
Committed to India’s green transition, Oriana Power plans to invest INR 10,000 crores in solar, green hydrogen, and energy storage across six locations in Rajasthan.
- BlueOval SK LLC
Founded: 2022
CEO: Michael Adams
Supported by a $9.63 billion DOE loan, this joint venture will establish three EV battery plants, bolstering U.S. manufacturing and job creation in clean energy.
- PG&E
Founded: 1905
CEO: Patti Poppe
With a $15 billion U.S. loan, PG&E is upgrading its grid infrastructure and enhancing climate resilience, ensuring energy security amid intensifying climate impacts.
Climate Insider Notes
Here are the key takeaways from this list:
- Global diversity: Startups from multiple continents demonstrate the widespread push for climate solutions.
- Cross-sector impact: Companies are making strides in energy, transportation, agriculture, chemicals, and more.
- Scalability focus: Many featured startups are working on solutions with the potential to significantly scale in the coming years.
- Innovation in adaptation and resilience: New technologies like wildfire AI and sustainable steel reflect a growing focus on preparing for climate impacts while reducing emissions.
Stay tuned to see how these startups navigate challenges, secure funding, and scale their operations in 2025.
