Startups to Watch is a fast-pitch competition featuring entrepreneurs with innovative climate technologies across three strategic categories. Finalists competed in Trellis webinars (see below). The winners of each category pitched in person during Startup Day at Trellis Impact 26.
Meet the 2026 Trellis Climate Tech Startup of the Year
This virtual pitch featured five entrepreneurs presenting cutting-edge data center solutions — from clean energy and efficiency innovation to cooling breakthroughs and next-generation infrastructure.
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This virtual pitch featured five entrepreneurs pitching cutting-edge material innovations — from next-generation battery and energy storage materials to critical mineral recovery, sustainable polymers, and smart building coatings.
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This virtual session featured pitches from five entrepreneurs developing cutting-edge climate adaptation solutions — from climate-resilient food systems and built environment adaptation to AI-powered risk intelligence, precision agriculture, and aquatic biosurveillance.
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Finalists pitched live at Trellis Impact 26 in San Francisco, showcasing their solutions to an audience of sustainability leaders, investors, corporate innovators and climate-tech practitioners.
Following the event, finalists had the opportunity to present directly to members of the Trellis Network, expanding connections with corporate sustainability leaders and decision-makers.
Entrepreneurs received live feedback from industry experts, gaining valuable perspectives and exposure to investors, corporate leaders and experienced startup advisors.
Throughout Trellis Impact 26, finalists connected with attendees, corporate partners, investors and fellow founders through formal and informal networking opportunities.
Participating startups benefited from exposure across Trellis editorial channels, including coverage through the Climate Tech Startups to Watch program and Startup of the Year recognition.
Many startups also showcased their organizations within the Trellis Impact Expo Hall, creating additional opportunities for visibility, conversations and partnership development.
Solutions related to energy storage, batteries, grid-optimization, generation, software/AI demand flexibility, cooling, energy efficiency, water solutions. AI-enabled solutions and circular economy innovations are woven throughout each category as appropriate.
Solutions related to low-carbon cement, steel, and building materials; circular materials recovery, sustainable mining for critical minerals, captured GHG to materials, and bio-based materials.
Solutions that help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate extremes—including severe storms, floods, droughts, wildfires, and extreme heat. This includes AI-enabled forecasting and risk analytics, sensing hardware (air quality, water, soil), emergency response platforms, and ecosystem protection and restoration technologies.
