Startups Technology

25 Climate Tech Startups to Watch 2024: Last day to apply

The competition has started for Trellis’ annual 25 Climate Tech Startups to Watch list and pitch competition. Read More

By Elsa Wenzel July 31, 2024 (Updated on September 17, 2024)

Source: Sophia Davirro / Trellis

The world is counting on climate tech. More than one-third (35%) of the emissions cuts needed to reach net zero will come from technologies still in development, according to the International Energy Agency.

That’s why Trellis showcases 25 cutting-edge climate solutions on its annual list of Climate Tech Startups to Watch. The 25 early-stage startups — with seed or series A funding and a product ready — will be featured on Trellis.net in September and go on to present their products at our annual climate tech event, VERGE Oct. 29-31 in San Jose, Calif.

Apply now to 25 Climate Tech Startups to Watch.

How it works

The 25 Climate Tech Startups to Watch are organized in five categories: energy, land use / water drawdown, transport, industry and buildings. A team of Trellis climate experts review applicants based on strength in six criteria: the solution, business model, customer need, customer traction, team and pitch presentation. All companies are required to be incorporated, have already developed a product and employ at least one person full-time.

The winner of an online vote will be named in the days after 25 Climate Tech Startups to Watch as well as during VERGE. The in-person pitch competition will whittle down to five finalists who will each have 2.5 minutes to pitch on the main stage; the audience will select a 2024 Climate Tech Startup of the Year.

Last year’s standout: Carbon-capturing concrete

In 2023, Carbon Limit was the ultimate winner for its CO2-absorbing concrete. It promises to innovate materials used for buildings and construction. Since then, the company has attracted $19.5 million more in funding.

The other 2023 finalists were: BLIXT (energy storage maximization tech); Cascadia Seaweed (aquaculture tech); ElectricFish (a battery-integrated fast EV charger); Bedrock Energy (building decarbonization tech); and Intropic Materials (plastic degrading enzymes).

Apply to 25 Climate Tech Startups to Watch by August 7 (deadline extended three days).

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Elsa Wenzel

Elsa Wenzel is a special projects editor and former managing editor at GreenBiz Group. She previously covered business, technology and sustainability for PCWorld, CNET, the Associated Press and MotherJones. Elsa holds an MS from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern and a BA from the University of Iowa.