Eight EIT Community Innovators Listed on the 2026 Global Cleantech 100
The Cleantech Group has unveiled its annual Global Cleantech 100 list, featuring the most promising innovators poised to disrupt industries worldwide, eight of which are part of the EIT Community.
The list highlights private companies that share Cleantech Group’s vision of a cleaner, more resilient future. This year it includes innovations supported by Climate KIC, InnoEnergy and EIT Urban Mobility.
Now in its 15+ year history, the Global Cleantech 100 is selected through global nominations, expert review and data reflecting real market performance and innovation progress, led by Cleantech Group, which today leads one of the world’s largest cleantech ecosystems.
Companies supported by Climate KIC
MASH Makes
Indo–Danish company MASH Makes is the developer of a biofuel and carbon removal platform designed to convert agricultural waste into usable energy and long-term carbon storage. The company offers a specialised heat-based process, small production units located close to raw materials, and certified carbon credits, enabling shipping operators and heavy industry to lower emissions and credibly document carbon removal.
Kraftblock
The German company Kraftblock provides modular thermal energy storage systems that help heavy industries such as steel, glass, chemicals and food reduce carbon emissions. Using a storage material made largely from recycled content, the system stores large amounts of heat at very high temperatures (up to 1 300 °C) so renewable energy or previously wasted heat can be used instead of fossil fuels. The technology can also be deployed as transportable units, allowing stored heat to be moved and used where it is needed.
Econic Technologies
United Kingdom-based Econic Technologies is an innovative, fast-growing chemical technology company that develops and commercialises catalyst technologies that incorporate CO₂ into polyurethanes and other polymers. Econic’s catalysts enable manufacturers to produce a new generation of everyday plastics – used in cars, mattresses and running shoes – that are both profitable and more environmentally sustainable. By using this waste gas instead of some oil-based ingredients, manufacturers lower costs, use fewer natural resources, and stop CO₂ from going straight into the air by turning it into part of the plastic.
Companies supported by InnoEnergy
Aerones
Aerones has developed innovative robotic winch systems for wind turbine blade maintenance. With a combination of a lifting system and multiple robotic arms, the Latvian company provides safe maintenance, testing and other optimisation methods without exposing personnel to risks.
CorPower Ocean
CorPower Ocean develops wave energy technology that converts ocean wave motion into clean electricity using a heart-inspired pumping principle. Its Wave Energy Converter and Power Take-Off system are designed to maximise energy efficiency and withstand harsh ocean conditions by becoming transparent to extreme waves. The Swedish company aims to deliver reliable, large-scale renewable energy from the ocean, supporting decarbonisation and diversification of the energy sector.
Instagrid
German company Instagrid offers advanced portable power supplies. These durable, lightweight systems provide clean, mobile energy comparable to standard outlets, with extended run times. They serve as an alternative to combustion generators, supporting cleaner, safer workplaces and a reduced carbon footprint.
Altris
Founded in 2017, Swedish company Altris has become a key player in battery development. Its sodium-ion batteries offer an alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Made from abundant and easily recyclable materials such as salt, wood, iron and air, Altris’ patented Prussian White cathode material aims to make batteries safer, more sustainable and more cost-effective.
Company supported by EIT Urban Mobility
Circu Li-Ion
Luxembourg-based startup Circu Li-ion provides a green solution to meet Europe’s growing demand for lithium batteries. Its battery dismantling technology recovers up to 90% of battery cells for second-life use. By maximising the value of each lithium-ion cell, the startup reduces the need for new battery production. The upcycling process cuts CO₂ emissions by 48% compared to traditional battery life cycles, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to lithium battery manufacturing.