Nine Canadian companies make the Global Cleantech List in 2026 marking a “sea change” year where almost half the list from 2025 turned over making way for 48 new companies

“After a truly historic and chaotic 2025, what do we all expect from 2026? The trends of 2025 – the impacts and needs of the AI revolution, the emphasis on affordability, resiliency and security (in all its forms)—look set to continue, of course, but in a world of perma-change, I think we should all also expect surprises, positive, and negative. A new world order is forming; it is not formed. The emphasis on affordability, resiliency and security (in all its forms)—look set to continue, of course, but in a world of perma-change, I think we should all also expect surprises, positive, and negative. A new world order is forming; it is not formed.”

 – Richard Youngman CEO Cleantech Group

Now in its 17th year, The Global Cleantech 100 report developed by San Francisco-based research and consulting firm Cleantech Group showcases private cleantech companies from around the world that a panel of experts predicts will make a substantial impact on the market in the next five to 10 years addressing some of the world’s most urgent environmental and infrastructure changes.

WaterToday highlights statements obtained from Cleantech Group

By Suzanne Forcese

Following a year 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”. This is creating a “pressure cooking” dynamic in which the grow ring becomes more competitive, while the flow and slow become more difficult to break out of.

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 remain significantly more robust than ten years ago and continue to outperform pre-pandemic norms.

A pivot toward economic durability will be grounded in the principles of continuity and predictability.

The 2026 cohort reflects a growing connection between cleantech and national security priorities. This shift aligns with recent geopolitical urgency and expanded government investment in critical minerals and magnet production. As nations reduce reliance on single-source supply chains, decentralized and resource-efficient refining solutions—are gaining momentum.

Predictability is rising in importance as AI-driven power demand accelerates and water stress emerges across more regions. These pressures are driving adoption of technologies that ensure stable access to power, materials, and water—core components of economic resilience.

A decisive shift is underway in AI for climate and industry: generic tools are becoming commoditized, while the leaders use proprietary data to unlock new revenue and scale into adjacent markets. unique datasets and advanced modeling can reveal concealed mineral resources, improve grid efficiency, and enhance forecasting accuracy.

“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.

The Canadian representation on the 2026 Global Cleantech 100 includes returnees like Cyclic Materials, Mangrove Lithium, and Pani Energy, as well as new faces Planetary, Augmenta, CO280 Solutions, and Eavor. Coquitlam, BC-based Moment Energy and Calgary-based Carbon Upcycling, which haven’t been on the Cleantech 100 since 2024, also returned to the list this year.

2025 marked a breakout year for grid resilience, a trend that continues on the 2026 list. Innovators are delivering physical and digital upgrades that expand capacity, mitigate risk, and reduce operational costs.

Climate adaptation remains under-recognized, but companies demonstrate the growing urgency of wildfire detection, prevention, and rapid recovery solutions.

“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 the report here

The Canadian representation on the 2026 Global Cleantech 100 includes returnees like Cyclic Materials, Mangrove Lithium, and Pani Energy, as well as new faces Planetary, Augmenta, CO280 Solutions, and Eavor. Coquitlam, BC-based Moment Energy and Calgary-based Carbon Upcycling, which haven’t been on the Cleantech 100 since 2024, also returned to the list this year