Recognition underscores shift toward economic durability, resource security, and resilient infrastructure

Gross-Wen Technologies, a provider of algae-based sustainable wastewater treatment solutions, has been named to Cleantech Group’s 2026 Global Cleantech 100, an annual list recognizing companies positioned to deliver market-ready innovations that advance a cleaner and more resilient global economy.

Now in its 17th year, the Global Cleantech 100 highlights companies tackling urgent environmental and infrastructure challenges amid tightening macroeconomic conditions and intensifying competition across the cleantech sector. The list is sponsored by Chubb.

A More Competitive Cleantech Landscape

The 2026 cohort reflects a cleantech market under growing pressure, shaped by geopolitical volatility, resource security concerns, and capital discipline. Growth is increasingly concentrated in areas tied to AI infrastructure and critical minerals, which dominate Cleantech Group’s “Grow” category, while other technologies face longer commercialization paths.

Despite near-term headwinds, long-term indicators remain strong. Venture investment trends over the past decade show cleantech activity remains significantly more robust than a decade ago and above pre-pandemic levels, signaling continued confidence in the sector’s long-term fundamentals.

This year’s Global Cleantech 100 emphasizes a new mandate for the sector: economic durability, grounded in continuity and predictability.

Continuity: Cleantech Meets National Security

Many companies on the 2026 list reflect a deepening link between cleantech and national security priorities. Technologies that reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities, decentralize production, and strengthen domestic capacity—particularly in critical minerals and materials—are gaining momentum amid increased government investment and geopolitical urgency.

Predictability: Stable Systems for Power, Materials, and Water

As AI-driven power demand accelerates and water stress spreads across more regions, predictability has become a central theme. Solutions that ensure reliable access to power, materials, and water are increasingly viewed as foundational to economic resilience—placing technologies like sustainable wastewater treatment squarely at the center of future infrastructure strategies.

Industry Perspectives

“This year’s Global Cleantech 100 reflects a market in transition—more disciplined, more selective, and ultimately more resilient,” said Richard Youngman, CEO of Cleantech Group. “While parts of the ecosystem have faced painful adjustments, we are seeing powerful innovation responding to new sources of demand, from AI-driven power needs to critical materials security.”

“Being named to the 2026 Global Cleantech 100 is a tremendous honor and a strong validation of our impact,” said Martin Gross, Founder and CEO of Gross-Wen Technologies. “Our team is committed to delivering scalable, sustainable solutions that address some of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges, and this recognition reinforces that we’re on the right path.”

Anthony DeOrsey, Research Manager at Cleantech Group, added: “Governments and industries are no longer innovating for efficiency alone—they are innovating for durability. This year’s honorees reflect that shift, whether through securing critical resources, strengthening grids, or transforming water and industrial systems.”

About Gross-Wen Technologies

Gross-Wen Technologies is a climate and wastewater treatment company that uses algae—rather than bacteria or chemicals—to recover nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater. During treatment, algae consume CO₂ and other greenhouse gases, making the process one of the most sustainable approaches to wastewater management. The harvested algae can be reused as slow-release fertilizer, biofuels, or other products. The company’s patented Revolving Algal Biofilm (RAB) system is widely regarded as a leading algae-based treatment technology globally.

About Cleantech Group

Cleantech Group is the human intelligence authority on global cleantech innovation. Through proprietary data, expert analysis, and a global network built over more than 20 years, Cleantech Group delivers insights and guidance to investors, corporations, and governments navigating the clean technology transition.