A Year Defined by Intensifying Competition, Resource Security, and the Rise of Economic Durability as Cleantech’s New Mandate
San Francisco, CA – January 14, 2026 — Econic Technologies, a deep tech company focused on renewable carbon, has been named on Cleantech Group’s 2026 Global Cleantech 100 for the fourth consecutive year. This annual list recognizes companies poised to deliver market-ready solutions that advance a cleaner, more resilient global future.
Now in its 17th year, the report highlights innovators addressing some of the world’s most urgent environmental and infrastructure challenges. The Global Cleantech 100 is sponsored by Chubb.
A More Competitive Landscape Amid Tightening Macroeconomic Conditions
Following a 2025 marked by geopolitical volatility and shifting economic signals, the global cleantech ecosystem enters 2026 with slightly greater certainty—yet heightened competitive pressure. Growth is concentrating around two dominant themes: AI infrastructure and critical minerals.
These areas dominate this year’s “Grow” ring, while many other technologies remain in “Flow” or recede into “Slow”. The result is a “pressure-cooking” dynamic in which competition intensifies among growth-stage solutions, while pathways to scale become more challenging for others.
Long-Term Signals Remain Encouraging
Despite headwinds, long-term indicators remain encouraging. When viewed over the past decade, venture investment levels—often a proxy for growth expectations—show the themes remains significantly more robust than ten years ago and continues to outperform pre-pandemic norms.
As a result, the sector is increasingly pivoting toward economic durability, grounded in two core principles: continuity and predictability.
“This year’s Global Cleantech 100 reflects a market in transition—one that is becoming more disciplined, more discerning, and ultimately more resilient. While the adjustment phase has been painful for some parts of the ecosystem, we are also witnessing remarkable bursts of innovation responding to new sources of demand, from AI-driven power needs to critical materials security,” remarked Richard Youngman, CEO at Cleantech Group.
Econic’s Continued Momentum
“Being recognized on the Global Cleantech 100 for a fourth consecutive year reflects not only the strength of our technology, but the growing global demand for durable, scalable industrial solutions,” said Keith Wiggins, CEO of Econic Technologies. “Across Asia in particular, we’re seeing strong momentum from manufacturers seeking to improve the sustainability of materials without compromising performance or cost. Econic’s renewable-carbon platform is well suited to support the region’s ambitions around industrial growth, resource efficiency, and long-term resilience.”
A Shift Toward Durability and Resilience
“The 2026 Global Cleantech 100 arrives at a pivotal moment. Around the world, governments and industries are no longer innovating for efficiency alone—they are innovating for durability. This year’s honorees reflect that shift,” said Anthony DeOrsey, Research Manager at Cleantech Group.
“Whether securing critical minerals, strengthening the grid, transforming industrial processes, or unlocking new value through AI, these companies are redefining resilience,” he added.
Download your complimentary copy of the 2026 Global Cleantech 100.
About Econic Technologies
Econic Technologies is a UK-based deep tech company focused on renewable carbon. Its innovative catalyst and process technology allows manufacturers to produce polymers based on CO2 instead of petrochemicals. The use of CO2 enhances sustainability while creating more cost-effective, higher-performing end products. Econic licenses its technology to polyols and surfactants manufacturers that supply some of the world’s most iconic consumer brands. Econic was founded in 2011 by Dr. Charlotte Williams at Imperial College London. The company is part of Cleantech Group’s Global Cleantech 100. Its global headquarters are in Alderley Park, UK just outside of Manchester.
About Cleantech Group
Cleantech® Group is the human intelligence authority on global cleantech innovation. By blending our intelligence, proprietary data, and the global network we’ve cultivated for more than 20 years, we deliver insights you can trust and guidance you can act on.
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