At Getting Ecological, we understand the crucial role that startups play in driving positive change. Their fresh perspectives and bold initiatives have the power to reshape industries, inspire communities, and, most importantly, leave a lasting impact on our planet. With an unwavering focus on sustainability, these startups are not just creating businesses; they are forging a path towards a greener and more sustainable future.
In this exclusive feature, our judges at GettingEcological have analysed a broad range of sectors – from energy and waste management to agriculture and transportation – to find the most promising companies of the year. This Top 50 Eco and Sustainability startups demonstrate diverse approaches needed to tackle the complex challenges our world faces. Join us as we highlight these trailblazing companies, each contributing to a shared vision of a more eco-conscious and sustainable tomorrow.
1. FUERGY
Sector: Energy
FUERGY leads the charge in energy innovation, offering in-house developed software and hardware to transform conventional power grids into intelligent smart grids. With their groundbreaking products developed in Slovakia, including smart energy storage solutions and dispatch systems for energy retailers, FUERGY empowers users to become green power prosumers.
FUERGY envisions a future where renewable energy is economically compelling, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and contributing significantly to the fight against climate change.
2. Entomo Farms
Sector: Food
Entomo Farms is reshaping the food industry with an unconventional protein source: crickets. Their diverse product line includes protein powders, snacks and pet foods, rich in essential nutrients like protein and iron.
With a mission to elevate cricket-based foods through their excellent products and education, they aspire to make sustainable protein the primary choice for individuals committed to a high-quality and eco-conscious diet.
3. AMP
Sector: Waste Management
AMP Robotics, headquartered in Colorado, pioneers AI and automation in waste management. They are revolutionizing the recovery of valuable materials from waste. Their application of machine learning, for instance, has enabled the recognition of over 75 billion objects, enabling companies to differentiate waste for efficient recycling.
Their technology is now deployed globally, meaning AMP Robotics isn’t just enhancing recycling rates in the US, but is a key player in global supply chain sustainability.
4. Biome Makers
Sector: Farming
Biome Makers is at the forefront of sustainable farming, utilizing cutting-edge technology to decode soil biology and enhance soil health. Powered by the world’s largest database of 14 million microorganisms, their technology employs soil microbiome DNA and machine learning to not only identify present microbes but also understand their functions.
Based in Silicon Valley, Biome Makers has emerged as a global agriculture tech leader, setting high standards for soil health.
5. Emitwise
Sector: Energy
Offering a platform for businesses and their suppliers, Emitwise enables the setup of automated workflows for monitoring carbon footprints. Emitwise addresses current and future environmental concerns by empowering companies to automate carbon accounting through AI, helping to measure, track and report their carbon emissions.
The platform not only provides accurate emission measurements but also facilitates the implementation of effective carbon emissions reduction strategies, thereby influencing supply chain sustainability.
6. Aurora Solar
Sector: Energy
Aurora Solar, based in California, is a trailblazer in the solar energy sector, offering cloud-based software that revolutionizes solar design, sales and delivery. Their innovative approach not only makes solar power more accessible but also enhances its efficiency.
With Aurora Solar, businesses can confidently design and quote solar systems, generate bankable Shade Reports, and streamline the entire solar project lifecycle for faster execution and increased revenue. Trusted by over 7,000 industry organizations globally, Aurora Solar has facilitated the design of over ten million solar projects worldwide, solidifying its impact in the renewable energy landscape.
7. Currensea
Sector: Ecommerce
Currensea, a London-based sustainability startup, offers a direct debit travel card seamlessly connected to your existing bank account and provides a convenient solution for travelers.
In a groundbreaking move, Currensea has partnered with Plastic Bank, enabling users to utilize their savings to contribute to ocean cleanup efforts. The company empowers customers to offset their environmental impact associated with travel. With every spend, users can remove plastic from the oceans and contribute to tree planting, pledging to eliminate 2.5 times more plastic than they produce each year.
8. Hempitecture
Sector: Sustainable Materials
Hempitecture stands out by making use of the versatility of hemp for sustainable construction solutions. They provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional insulation with their product HempWool.
HempWool is a hypoallergenic fiber insulation with a low carbon footprint. The company’s commitment to sustainability extends to manufacturing with renewable energy, and they continue to expand their product line with upcoming additions like new paneling and noise-absorbing materials.
9. Skeleton Technologies
Sector: Energy
Skeleton Technologies, a high-power energy storage company, represents a monumental leap in energy storage technology. Their ultracapacitor cells, modules and systems have garnered attention for their ability to help companies save energy.
Skeleton’s energy storage solutions play a vital role in decarbonizing heavy equipment in industrial sectors such as ports, mines and car production, showcasing their commitment to revolutionizing the energy storage industry.
10. Coral Vita
Sector: Conservation
Coral Vita pioneers commercial coral farms utilizing renewable energy and aquaculture technologies. Their land-based facilities grow resilient coral up to 50 times faster than ocean reefs, providing a groundbreaking solution to restore damaged reefs efficiently.
Beyond conservation, Coral Vita engages in community education and eco-tourism visits, raising awareness about the importance of coral reefs. Located in The Bahamas, Coral Vita’s mission extends beyond restoration, offering opportunities for individuals to adopt a coral and actively contribute to the revival of Earth’s endangered coral reefs.
11. Loam Bio
Sector: Carbon Emissions
Loam Bio, based in Australia, collaborates with farmers and scientists to pioneer high-quality carbon removal at scale. Their innovative technology facilitates plants in absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere, converting it into stable forms of soil carbon, effectively transforming croplands into massive carbon sinks.
Loam Bio not only delivers superior CO2 removal but also enhances agricultural productivity. The company fosters environmental co-benefits, providing growers with unique tools and connecting them with leaders driving the global path to net-zero.
12. LevelTen Energy
Sector: Energy
LevelTen Energy is a trailblazer in renewable transaction infrastructure, accelerating the clean energy transition as the world’s largest marketplace for buying and selling renewable energy and assets. Offering accessibility to smaller companies, LevelTen enables proportional investments in cleaner energy based on individual needs.
LevelTen Energy provides a comprehensive platform for renewable energy buyers, sellers and financiers. Their sophisticated real-time project planning tools and instant data empower companies to easily discover the best deals.
13. Bottle+
Sector: Sustainable Products
Bottle+ is leading the long-overdue transformation of the beverage industry towards sustainability by rendering single-use plastic bottles obsolete. Their innovative approach promotes the use of local water resources, offering a sustainable alternative to bottled sparkling waters and sodas.
The reusable Bottle+ contains a carbonation system that injects tap water with CO2, enabling users to enjoy sparkling water on demand. This user-friendly solution eliminates the need for transporting cases of bottled drinks, significantly reducing plastic waste.
14. Grow a Wish
Sector: Sustainable Products
Grow a Wish, based in the Netherlands, pioneers in extending the life cycle of greeting cards. Each card is embedded with seeds, and when planted, blossoms into a flower, creating a long-lasting memory. Committed to sustainability, the startup uses 100% recycled paper for its seed paper, ensuring no new trees are sacrificed. Beyond eco-friendly cards, Grow a Wish allocates a portion of its profits to charitable causes, demonstrating a holistic approach to both environmental conservation and social impact.
15. Xampla
Sector: Product Design
Xampla, a University of Cambridge spin-out, leads in product design with breakthrough technology that produces natural and biodegradable materials to replace polluting plastics. Their plant protein materials decompose organically without harming the environment, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics.
Xampla’s goal is to eliminate items like sachets and flexible packaging films, as well as microplastics in liquids and lotions. At the end of their life, Xampla’s materials can be ‘bio-assimilated’ as food for microorganisms in the soil, transforming packaging into fertilizer.
16. Pure Harvest Smart Farms
Sector: Farming
Pure Harvest Smart Farms, based in UAE, is at the forefront of redefining agriculture through controlled-environment agriculture. Their technology-enabled approach ensures year-round, sustainable production of premium-quality produce, setting new standards in the field.
By shortening the distribution chain through local purchasing, Pure Harvest Smart Farms not only minimizes emissions but also invests in the community. Their innovative farming methods address regional challenges, making them a significant player in advancing sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
17. Library of Things
Sector: Ecommerce
Library of Things aims to combat consumerism by encouraging borrowing instead of buying. Offering a diverse range of items for borrowing, from electrical devices to local event opportunities, the Library of Things fosters community connection and reduces wasteful consumerism. By promoting borrowing, renting or sharing products, the startup contributes to ecosystem protection and a reduction in the carbon-intensive manufacturing and shipping of new items.
18. EcoCart
Sector: Ecommerce
EcoCart, a browser extension startup, enables users to offset their carbon emissions for free from select businesses. This eco-friendly startup has already offset 4 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, saved over 8,000 trees and powered more than 700 homes. EcoCart’s innovative approach empowers consumers to make environmentally conscious choices while seamlessly integrating carbon offsetting into their online shopping experience.
19. Heliogen
Sector: Energy
Heliogen focuses on decarbonizing the hardest sectors by providing innovative solutions for storage and dispatchability, making renewable energy a viable option for heat-intensive processes. Their suite of products utilizes sunlight to replace fossil fuels in industrial processes and power generation, contributing to the global effort to combat CO2 emissions.
By harnessing the power of sunlight, Heliogen aims to revolutionize the way we approach energy production, creating carbon-free alternatives for essential industries like steel, cement and petrochemicals.
20. Handprint
Sector: Greentech
Handprint connects companies with consumer demands for sustainable practices by providing a platform to align businesses with various causes through its software. Offering support for causes like habitat preservation, mangrove reforestation, coral reef reconstruction and ocean plastics, Handprint enables businesses to contribute to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals.
By facilitating small contributions to each cause, Handprint empowers businesses to engage in sustainable practices while fostering environmental and social impact.
21. Laska
Sector: Waste Management
Laska employs an innovative process to convert end-of-life tires into energy and upcycled carbon black, addressing environmental and economic goals. By transforming waste tires into valuable resources, Laska significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions and mitigates negative impacts on the environment.
The company’s mission extends beyond waste management, aiming to create a product that satisfies the need for energy and raw materials while contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy.
22. Apeel
Sector: Product Design
Apeel introduces an innovative protective coating made from plant materials that extends the shelf life of produce. The invisible extra “peel” created by their product slows water loss and oxidation, the main causes of spoilage. By reducing waste across the supply chain, Apeel’s edible protection ensures that coated produce stays fresher for longer, aligning with the global goal of minimizing food waste and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
23. Rheaply
Sector: Ecommerce
Rheaply operates an online marketplace facilitating the circular sharing of used lab instruments and supplies within the research community. By connecting asset owners with buyers and streamlining logistics and transactions, Rheaply maximizes the utilization of resources like microscopes, centrifuges and refrigerators.
Through smart inventory management and connected nationwide marketplaces, Rheaply brings reuse back to the table, reducing waste and promoting sustainability in research and development.
24. TEKNTRASH
Sector: Waste Management
TeknTrash pioneers a revolutionary approach to waste management by leveraging data from discarded items. This innovative technology empowers consumer product companies to gain profound insights into consumer behavior, promote recycling, and establish income sources for vulnerable communities.
By bridging the gap between sales and consumption through geolocation tracking, TeknTrash envisions a shift in recycling, where the sales of valuable consumer data become a sustainable incentive for responsible product disposal.
25. Carbominer
Sector: Energy
Carbominer, a Ukrainian hardware environmental startup, focuses on innovative technology for local CO₂ capture from the ambient air, aiming to eliminate at least 35% of CO₂ supply costs. With a dual mission of CO₂ removal and food production, Carbominer addresses the urgent need to counteract the greenhouse effect and climate change.
26. Treepoints
Sector: Sustainable Business
Treepoints offers a membership service that facilitates businesses and individuals in taking action on climate change by understanding and regulating their carbon emissions. Subscribers contribute to reducing harmful pollutants and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
As a transparent platform, Treepoints publicizes all portfolio purchases and involves clients in the calculation process, fostering a deeper understanding of their business carbon footprint. With a focus on transparency and tangible impact, Treepoints aims to empower businesses to reduce emissions, plant trees, offset carbon and recycle plastic in an accessible and accountable manner.
27. Grove Collaborative
Sector: Ecommerce
Operating from San Francisco, Grove Collaborative offers a diverse range of over 200 sustainable brands, spanning from cleaning products to wellness items. Through its Beyond Plastic initiative, Grove is the world’s first plastic-neutral retailer, making every order 100% plastic neutral and actively working towards eliminating plastic from its products.
As a leader in reshaping consumer habits, Grove Collaborative encourages a more eco-friendly lifestyle, with the average order removing the equivalent of 26 plastic water bottles from the environment.
28. Bluebird Climate
Sector: Climate Consultancy
Bluebird Climate is dedicated to helping global brands measure their sustainability practices to forge partnerships with other businesses. Focusing on the consumer products industry, which contributes significantly to carbon emissions, Bluebird aims to decarbonize the sector by enabling consumer brands to produce and market products with minimal carbon emissions. The software provides transparency on-site and to retailers, engaging customers and demonstrating a commitment to measuring climate impact before product launch.
29. FuelGems
Sector: Nanotech
FuelGems is a nanotechnology company that stands out by focusing on making traditional fuels more sustainable instead of producing electric or hybrid vehicles. FuelGems develops a fuel additive that reduces emissions from diesel, gasoline and biofuels. Their mission is to transform the fuel industry by leveraging cutting-edge technology to create a powerful, easy-to-use, and game-changing product, making fuel cleaner and more efficient.
30. NatureDots
Sector: AI
NatureDots, based in New Delhi, stands at the intersection of nature-based systems and artificial intelligence. The startup’s system utilizes AI to create more sustainable fisheries, fostering higher revenue while prioritizing the well-being of farmers. Their system transforms aquaculture-based food systems, ensuring healthy fisheries, contributing to food and protein security, and actively participating in the restoration, conservation and protection of ecosystems.
31. Worn Again Technologies
Sector: Product Reuse
Worn Again Technologies addresses the environmental impact of waste plastics and textiles by converting clothing into raw materials. The startup focuses on eliminating textile overproduction and waste, advocating for the regular recirculation of resources.
Using advanced recycling technology, Worn Again separates, cleans and removes polyester and cellulose from old textiles, repurposing non-recyclable materials in the fashion sector. This approach contributes to the recovery of raw materials, fostering sustainability and reducing the environmental footprint of the textile industry.
32. Treeapp
Sector: Apps
Treeapp offers a convenient solution for users to plant trees worldwide directly from their phones in just one minute. In its first year, Treeapp planted 230,000 trees globally. Users can select reforestation projects to support, plant trees, and track the global impact for free through Treeapp’s partnerships with businesses and organizations passionate about sustainability.
The app provides tools for users to calculate their carbon footprint and determine the number of trees needed to achieve carbon neutrality, promoting environmental awareness and engagement.
33. Algenesis
Sector: Materials
Algenesis addresses the issue of plastic pollution by producing fully biodegradable plastic made from algae. Through their technology, Algenesis creates a renewable and high-performance material, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. This eco-friendly startup contributes to mitigating pollution caused by fossil fuel-derived products, showcasing the potential of plant-based materials in reducing environmental impact.
34. Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Sector: Energy
Commonwealth Fusion Systems collaborates with MIT to commercialize fusion energy and address the world’s growing energy demands while combating climate change. Utilizing groundbreaking high-temperature superconducting magnet technology, the company is develping a fusion energy device with the goal of transforming the energy landscape.
Commonwealth Fusion System’s commitment to deploying fusion power plants aligns with global decarbonization objectives, positioning them as a key player in advancing future energy solutions.
35. AquiPor Technologies
Sector: Water
AquiPor Technologies takes actionable steps to combat water pollution globally with its innovative surface technology that filters water runoffs. The permeable concrete technology manages stormwater naturally, reducing flooding and promoting thriving water ecosystems. AquiPor’s material utilizes low-carbon cement, requiring a fraction of the energy and emitting a fraction of the CO2 compared to traditional concrete.
36. Next Gen
Sector: Food
Next Gen, a plant-based food startup, addresses the environmental impact of the agricultural industry by providing alternatives to animal products. Their alternative products claim to use less land, less water and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional farming methods.
With over 25 years of plant-based expertise and cutting-edge technology, Next Gen’s research and development center aims to deliver exceptional plant-based products that replicate the taste, texture and cooking experience of meat made from animals.
37. Krill Design
Sector: Product Design
Krill Design embraces the circular economy by transforming food chain waste into eco-design products. Their innovative approach allows for the creation of unique items, such as lamps made from orange peels.
By converting organic waste into new biomaterials, Krill Design collaborates with businesses to produce customized products. This eco-friendly startup demonstrates the potential for sustainability and creativity in utilizing resources that would otherwise contribute to environmental waste.
38. Inspire
Sector: Energy
Inspire provides renewable energy systems such as solar panels and home batteries, coupled with smart energy optimization. Their digital platform empowers homeowners with control over clean energy production and consumption whilst allowing them to minimize energy costs.
Inspire sources clean energy from 100% U.S.-made wind, solar and hydropower generators. This commitment extends to partnering with local power generators to source clean energy, making a direct impact on local communities.
39. REEF Technology
Sector: Urban Solutions
REEF Technology is at the forefront of transforming underutilized urban spaces into hubs for sustainable solutions. Through connected real estate solutions, REEF bridges the gap between digital demand and physical access, ensuring accessibility to brands, goods, and services in every neighborhood.
The startup integrates renewable energy sources such as solar panels and green hydrogen production facilities to power its operations, actively contributing to carbon emissions reduction.
40. Windscape AI
Sector: Energy
Windscape AI utilizes smart technology to predict wind speed, enhancing the efficiency of wind energy production. Through specialized computer programs, a network of Wi-Fi connections, and sensors in wind farms, Windscape AI accurately forecasts wind speed changes within seconds to minutes. This predictive capability allows wind farm operators to optimize turbine performance, maximizing energy output and extending the lifespan of the turbines.
By making wind energy more affordable and efficient, Windscape AI contributes to advancing clean energy technology and sustainability in the renewable energy sector.
41. Homeboy Electronics Recycling
Sector: Waste Management
Homeboy Electronics Recycling stands out as an innovative environmental startup with a nationwide recycling program. Specializing in the recycling of electronic devices, the company accepts anything with a cord, cable or battery. With the ever-growing demand for tech and only 20% of global electronic waste being recycled, this startup addresses e-waste and data destruction needs, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Beyond environmental impact, Homeboy Electronics Recycling has a social mission, providing employment opportunities to individuals facing systemic barriers to work.
42. Olio
Sector: App
Olio is a free app fostering community and sustainability by connecting neighbors to share surplus food and other items. Olio has evolved into a global sharing movement, preventing food waste. Users can list and share unwanted food, reducing CO2 emissions and promoting a circular economy. With 1.8 million users worldwide and over 3.4 million portions of food shared, Olio exemplifies the power of technology in creating positive environmental impact.
43. Culdesac
Sector: Real Estate
Culdesac is redefining urban living with the development of the first car-free neighborhood built from scratch in the U.S. Their real estate projects prioritize community, open space and mobility, offering residential units integrated with local retail, commercial spaces and nature areas.
Culdesac embraces walking, biking and transit, creating vibrant urban lifestyles without the reliance on private vehicles. By fostering sustainable urban planning, Culdesac contributes to a future where environmental and community well-being coexist.
44. Scindo
Sector: Recycling Innovation
Scindo is at the forefront of recycling innovation, focusing on recycling the traditionally unrecyclable. Leveraging the power of enzymes, the startup has developed a biological platform to convert low-value plastic landfill waste into high-value molecules. Addressing the challenge of plastics that can’t be recycled using current methods, Scindo is contributing to a more circular economy by offering an alternative to landfills and incineration.
45. Redaptive
Sector: Energy Efficiency
Redaptive introduces a novel approach to energy efficiency. The company guides clients in planning and implementing clean energy solutions while charging for energy usage with a monthly utility bill.
Redaptive manages funding, project installation and maintenance of various energy-saving programs, including LED, geothermal and solar. By overcoming contractual barriers, Redaptive empowers organizations to achieve quick energy-saving benefits and meet sustainability goals across their real estate portfolios.
46. Viva Maris
Sector: Food
Viva Maris, based in Germany, is a green startup committed to ocean protection through nutrition, education and awareness. The company utilizes algae to create high-quality, ultra-sustainable food products. The addition of algae in its purest form preserves essential nutrients and minerals, offering a unique and environmentally conscious approach to food production.
47. CLIMATE X
Sector: Finance
CLIMATE X focuses on notifying organizations about potential risks arising from extreme weather events. Their risk analytics platform employs AI-powered 360-view models to assess the probability and impact of climate change-induced extreme weather phenomena. With up to 95% accuracy in climate-risk evaluations up to the year 2100, Climate X hopes to aid organizations in building forward-looking strategies and understanding potential financial losses.
48. Agreena
Sector: Farming
Agreena, a Dutch startup, plays a crucial role in promoting regenerative farming practices by selling carbon credits generated by farmers adopting these sustainable practices. Regenerative agriculture transforms soil into natural carbon sinks, capturing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the soils.
Agreena’s financial reward scheme incentivizes farmers on their journey toward sustainable carbon farming, addressing the costs associated with transitioning to regenerative practices.
49. MPOWERD
Sector: Energy
Founded in 2012, MPOWERD contributes to creating a sustainable future by providing light to those without access to electricity. The startup offers a suite of green products, collaborating with over 650 NGOs and non-profits to distribute clean energy solutions. MPOWERD’s focus on clean energy not only improves health, creates education equality, and economic empowerment but also combats climate change through environmentally friendly approaches.
50. Brightest
Sector: Corporate Responsibility
Brightest is a global leader in measuring and simplifying operational sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and social impact for purpose-driven organizations. The startup designs intelligent software to help organizations measure, report, and improve their emissions. With AI-powered recommendations and productivity tools, Brightest aids organizations in enhancing their corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives.
Commitment To A Sustainable Tomorrow
These groundbreaking startups exemplify a collective commitment to transformative change. From revolutionizing farming practices to developing renewable energy solutions, tackling climate risks, and fostering corporate responsibility, they embody innovation with a purpose. As we enter the year ahead, these pioneers offer a hopeful glimpse into a future where sustainability and positive impact drive global progress.
