The list recognizes early-stage startups innovating toward net zero in five categories: energy, carbon, transport, industry and nature. Read More
Source: Sophia Davirro / Trellis
Climate tech innovation isn’t getting any easier in 2025. Political and economic uncertainty challenge founders and investors. Still, U.S. funding in the first half of 2025 was up 21% compared to the same period a year ago.
The annual Trellis list of 25 Climate Tech Startups to Watch recognizes the most promising of these early stage startups and their climate technologies — and to help keep sustainability leaders at the leading edge of decarbonizing operations. To that end, it features early-stage companies in five sectors: energy, carbon, transport, industry and nature.
2025 Application
Apply below to get showcased — including a video of your “elevator pitch” — on the 2025 list, based on a review by Trellis editors and analysts based on the following criteria: solution uniqueness, traction, team strength and impact potential.
The 25 finalists will also make their pitches to an in-person audience of sustainability and climate executives, investors, and government officials during Trellis Impact 25, our leading event for sustainability professionals developing innovative solutions to the planet’s biggest challenges, Oct. 28-30 in San Jose, Calif.
Five winners from each of five categories will present live to our audience, who will vote on the Climate Tech Startup of the Year. The winner — along with the 25 Climate Tech Startups to Watch in 2025 — will be profiled in an article in the Trellis Briefing newsletter and on Trellis.net. A “people’s choice” winner will also be selected based on online voting.
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Jake Mitchell
Jake Mitchell manages the Accelerate program at Trellis, which includes searching and selecting startups to participate in VERGE programming. He also collaborates on event design, strategy, and content to grow Trellis’ innovation ecosystem.
Prior to Trellis, Jake worked across various industries including film & podcast production, sales & marketing for early stage startups, and non profits in renewable energy and economic development.
Currently, Jake is pursuing his MBA in Sustainability at Bard College. Outside of work, you can find him in the woods playing disc golf, upside down in a handstand, or following the whims of his golden retriever.
