Inside the Rise of Climate Tech: Startups Saving the Planet
As the world faces intensifying climate challenges — from record heatwaves to biodiversity loss — a new generation of startups is emerging to take action. These climate tech innovators are using data, AI, materials science, and renewable energy breakthroughs to build solutions for a sustainable future.
In 2025, climate tech is no longer just an ethical pursuit — it’s big business. Global investment in climate-focused startups surpassed $80 billion in 2024, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing.
What Is Climate Tech?
“Climate tech” encompasses any technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, helps adapt to climate impacts, or promotes environmental restoration. It spans multiple sectors — energy, agriculture, construction, transport, and manufacturing — all ripe for disruption.
Unlike traditional green initiatives, these startups combine hard science and digital innovation to make sustainability scalable and profitable.
1. Climeworks – Capturing Carbon from Thin Air
Switzerland-based Climeworks is one of the pioneers in direct air capture (DAC) technology. Its massive facilities use specialized filters to extract CO₂ from the atmosphere, storing it underground or repurposing it for industrial use.
Why it matters: It’s one of the few carbon removal methods that can operate independently of trees or land area.
2. Twelve – Turning CO₂ into Useful Products
California startup Twelve transforms captured carbon dioxide into essential materials like fuels, plastics, and chemicals using electrochemical conversion.
Why it matters: It replaces fossil carbon in manufacturing, creating a closed-loop carbon economy.
3. Notpla – Seaweed-Based Packaging
UK-based Notpla produces biodegradable packaging made from seaweed. Its products are already used by major food delivery services as an alternative to plastic.
Why it matters: A low-cost, scalable solution to one of the biggest sources of pollution — single-use plastics.
4. Rumin8 – Reducing Methane from Livestock
Australian startup Rumin8 develops feed additives that reduce methane emissions from cows, one of agriculture’s largest greenhouse gas contributors.
Why it matters: Tackles one of the most overlooked emissions sources while supporting global food production.
5. Living Carbon – Supercharged Trees
Living Carbon, a U.S. biotech startup, is genetically engineering trees that grow faster and absorb more CO₂. They’re also exploring biochar integration to lock carbon in soil.
Why it matters: A powerful blend of nature and technology that amplifies the planet’s natural carbon sinks.
6. Electric Hydrogen – Reinventing Clean Energy
Electric Hydrogen (EH2) builds electrolyzers that produce green hydrogen — a clean fuel made from water and renewable energy.
Why it matters: Hydrogen could power heavy industries and transport sectors that are hard to electrify, from steel to shipping.
Why Investors Are Betting Big
Investors view climate tech as the next frontier after software and fintech. Unlike social apps or consumer tech, these companies solve existential problems — and governments worldwide are providing incentives through carbon credits, green bonds, and subsidies.
VCs like Lowercarbon Capital and Breakthrough Energy Ventures (founded by Bill Gates) are doubling down on startups that blend science with business scalability.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the momentum, climate tech faces hurdles:
- High upfront costs for infrastructure projects
- Long R&D cycles before commercialization
- Regulatory uncertainty across global markets
Yet, collaboration between governments, investors, and innovators is accelerating progress faster than ever.
The Road to a Greener Future
Climate tech startups are proving that sustainability and profitability aren’t mutually exclusive. They’re building a world where clean energy, circular design, and regenerative agriculture form the foundation of the global economy.
In 2025 and beyond, these companies won’t just help save the planet — they’ll define the next industrial revolution.Inside the Rise of Climate Tech: Startups Saving the Planet
As the world faces intensifying climate challenges — from record heatwaves to biodiversity loss — a new generation of startups is emerging to take action. These climate tech innovators are using data, AI, materials science, and renewable energy breakthroughs to build solutions for a sustainable future.
In 2025, climate tech is no longer just an ethical pursuit — it’s big business. Global investment in climate-focused startups surpassed $80 billion in 2024, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing.
What Is Climate Tech?
“Climate tech” encompasses any technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, helps adapt to climate impacts, or promotes environmental restoration. It spans multiple sectors — energy, agriculture, construction, transport, and manufacturing — all ripe for disruption.
Unlike traditional green initiatives, these startups combine hard science and digital innovation to make sustainability scalable and profitable.
1. Climeworks – Capturing Carbon from Thin Air
Switzerland-based Climeworks is one of the pioneers in direct air capture (DAC) technology. Its massive facilities use specialized filters to extract CO₂ from the atmosphere, storing it underground or repurposing it for industrial use.
Why it matters: It’s one of the few carbon removal methods that can operate independently of trees or land area.
2. Twelve – Turning CO₂ into Useful Products
California startup Twelve transforms captured carbon dioxide into essential materials like fuels, plastics, and chemicals using electrochemical conversion.
Why it matters: It replaces fossil carbon in manufacturing, creating a closed-loop carbon economy.
3. Notpla – Seaweed-Based Packaging
UK-based Notpla produces biodegradable packaging made from seaweed. Its products are already used by major food delivery services as an alternative to plastic.
Why it matters: A low-cost, scalable solution to one of the biggest sources of pollution — single-use plastics.
4. Rumin8 – Reducing Methane from Livestock
Australian startup Rumin8 develops feed additives that reduce methane emissions from cows, one of agriculture’s largest greenhouse gas contributors.
Why it matters: Tackles one of the most overlooked emissions sources while supporting global food production.
5. Living Carbon – Supercharged Trees
Living Carbon, a U.S. biotech startup, is genetically engineering trees that grow faster and absorb more CO₂. They’re also exploring biochar integration to lock carbon in soil.
Why it matters: A powerful blend of nature and technology that amplifies the planet’s natural carbon sinks.
6. Electric Hydrogen – Reinventing Clean Energy
Electric Hydrogen (EH2) builds electrolyzers that produce green hydrogen — a clean fuel made from water and renewable energy.
Why it matters: Hydrogen could power heavy industries and transport sectors that are hard to electrify, from steel to shipping.
Why Investors Are Betting Big
Investors view climate tech as the next frontier after software and fintech. Unlike social apps or consumer tech, these companies solve existential problems — and governments worldwide are providing incentives through carbon credits, green bonds, and subsidies.
VCs like Lowercarbon Capital and Breakthrough Energy Ventures (founded by Bill Gates) are doubling down on startups that blend science with business scalability.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the momentum, climate tech faces hurdles:
- High upfront costs for infrastructure projects
- Long R&D cycles before commercialization
- Regulatory uncertainty across global markets
Yet, collaboration between governments, investors, and innovators is accelerating progress faster than ever.
The Road to a Greener Future
Climate tech startups are proving that sustainability and profitability aren’t mutually exclusive. They’re building a world where clean energy, circular design, and regenerative agriculture form the foundation of the global economy.
In 2025 and beyond, these companies won’t just help save the planet — they’ll define the next industrial revolution.