Why we’re watching these climate tech companies

MIT Technology Review has released its 2026 Climate Tech Companies to Watch list, highlighting innovative firms driving the global transition to sustainable energy. The report identifies several key trends, most notably China's continued dominance in renewable energy and battery innovation, with companies like Envision Energy and WeLion New Energy leading in wind power and solid-state battery development. In the United States, the focus has shifted toward supporting the massive energy demands of data centers. Firms like Fervo Energy, which is advancing geothermal power, and X-energy, which is developing small modular nuclear reactors, are gaining momentum through partnerships with major tech companies. Additionally, the report emphasizes the critical role of long-duration energy storage, citing Form Energy’s iron-air battery technology as a vital component for stabilizing grids increasingly reliant on intermittent solar and wind power. These companies represent a broader effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through scalable, high-impact technological solutions.