What is Cleantech?
A Comprehensive Guide for Founders and Ventures
Defining Cleantech
What what is cleantech? Cleantech, or clean technology, involves using innovative technology to decarbonize and advance sustainability.
It overlaps with terms like climate tech, eco-tech, and sustainability but focuses specifically on reducing environmental impact through technology.
In 2022 alone, the cleantech market saw investments worth $70 billion, contributing to a market valued at over $400 billion.
Key Sectors of Cleantech
Energy
• Renewable Energy Generation: Innovations in solar, wind, and hydro power.
• Energy Storage (Batteries): Advanced battery technologies for storing renewable energy.
• Transmission: Efficient systems to transmit energy from production sites to consumers.
Industry
• Natural Resources: Sustainable mining, forestry, and fisheries practices.
• Green Chemicals: Eco-friendly chemical production methods.
• Materials: Development of sustainable materials.
Transportation
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Innovations in electric cars, trucks, and buses.
• Air Travel: Sustainable aviation fuels and electric aircraft.
• Marine: Eco-friendly ships and marine technology.
Food & Agriculture
• Precision Agriculture: Technologies for efficient and sustainable farming.
• Alternative Proteins: Innovations in plant-based and lab-grown meats.
• Sustainable Fertilizers: Environmentally friendly fertilizer solutions.
Nature-Based Solutions
• Biological Innovation: Harnessing biological processes for environmental benefits.
• Land Use & Biodiversity: Sustainable land management practices.
• Natural Carbon Sinks: Enhancing natural methods to capture and store carbon.
Engineered Carbon Removal & Storage
• Direct Air Capture (DAC): Technologies to capture carbon dioxide directly from the air.
• Enhanced Weathering: Accelerating natural processes to absorb CO2.
• BECCS: Combining bioenergy production with carbon capture and storage.
Buildings & Cities
• Concrete Innovations: Sustainable concrete and construction materials.
• Building Efficiency: Technologies to enhance energy efficiency in buildings.
• Alternative Heating Solutions: Innovations in geothermal energy and heat pumps.
Circular Economy
• Upcycling Waste Products: Transforming waste into valuable products.
• Product Life Extension: Strategies to extend the life of products.
• Circular Design: Designing products with their entire lifecycle in mind.
Why Cleantech Matters
Cleantech is not just about large-scale infrastructure projects; it spans across software (Bits), hardware/energy (Atoms), and chemistry/biotech (Molecules).
This field is pivotal in revolutionizing sustainability and environmental responsibility, providing vast opportunities for entrepreneurs, founders, and investors.
Interested in support for your cleantech venture?
Learn how Cleanramp can help you scale your cleantech venture with fractional marketing services, go-to-market consulting and fundraising support.
