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Greentown Go Make 2026: Champions of Climate Innovation

On May 21, 2026, Greentown Labs, recognized globally as the largest climatetech and energy incubator, unveiled its latest startup cohort for the Greentown Go Make 2026 initiative. This program is a collaboration with prominent industry leaders Shell Catalysts Technologies and Technip Energies. Focused on pioneering catalytic technology, the initiative aims to facilitate the transition towards sustainable industrial practices and reduce carbon emissions across various sectors.

A Platform for Change

The Go Make 2026 program is designed to foster open innovation, specifically targeting process technologies and catalytic solutions for low-carbon fuels, alternatives to traditional chemical manufacturing, and effective CO2 removal methods. With catalysts being crucial for nearly 90 percent of industrial chemical processes, the momentum towards finding fossil-free, energy-efficient methods is more vital than ever.

After a competitive selection process involving 148 applicants from 35 different countries, five standout startups were chosen to join the cohort:

1. Biosimo (Houston, TX): This startup specializes in producing scalable biochemicals from ethanol, meticulously matching the cost, performance, and scale of traditional petrochemicals.
2. Catylyxx (Chesterfield, MO): Catalyxx innovates by converting bioethanol into drop-in, cost-competitive, and carbon-negative chemical alternatives.
3. HydGene Renewables (Sydney, Australia): They utilize a modular biocatalyst platform to generate low-carbon hydrogen and industrial chemicals from waste biomass, fostering a decentralised approach to energy.
4. TreaTech (Lonay, Switzerland): With a unique method for transforming waste into renewable gas, clean water, and minerals, TreaTech employs catalytic hydrothermal gasification technologies.
5. Unifuel (Los Altos, CA): This company focuses on a multifunctional catalyst technology that aims to decarbonize chemicals and fuel production economically.

Kickoff Event and Opportunities

The official kickoff event for the cohort will be held on June 9 at The Ion in Houston, Texas. This marks the first step for these startups as they embark on a journey aimed at addressing urgent climate challenges through collaboration.

Throughout the program, participants will benefit from structured interactions with technical teams at Shell Catalysts Technologies and Technip Energies. The focus will be on various crucial areas like technical validation, scaling processes for market deployment, and operational implementation. Additionally, startups will have the chance to enhance their business prospects through networking events, mentorship, and visibility in marketing initiatives.

Expertise and Commitment

Shell Catalysts Technologies brings an impressive portfolio of catalyst expertise and R&D capabilities to the table, having a proven track record in developing advanced catalysts and processes. Their global perspective on refining and petrochemical operations sets the stage for innovation in low-impact methodologies. Meanwhile, Technip Energies is recognized as a global pioneer in energy infrastructure, specializing in decarbonization and sustainable solutions. By bridging innovation with execution, Technip aims to ensure industrial viability while fostering environmental sustainability.

Industry Impact

Georgina Campbell Flatter, CEO of Greentown, stated, "Catalysis is critical for achieving a sustainable chemical industry, directly impacting global emissions." The collaboration between Greentown Labs, Shell, and Technip will aim to expedite the transition towards greener practices by marrying innovative startup ideas with the extensive knowledge and scale of established corporations.

Greentown Labs runs several programs under its Greentown Go initiative, spanning various sectors, including manufacturing and transportation, each targeting significant climate issues through industry partnerships.

About Greentown Labs

As a nonprofit organization, Greentown Labs is committed to accelerating climate technology innovation to forge a better future for both the planet and its inhabitants. They provide entrepreneurs access to essential resources, including labs, equipment, and capital. Since its inception in 2011, Greentown has supported over 700 startups, resulting in the generation of more than 16,600 jobs and facilitating more than $12.5 billion in funding.

For more insights into the Greentown Go Make 2026 initiative and to register for the kickoff event, interested parties can visit Greentown Labs.