3 Houston-area companies named to Global Cleantech 100
Three Houston-area startups—Amperon, Hertha Metals, and Vaulted Deep—have been named to the 2026 Global Cleantech 100, an annual list by Cleantech Group highlighting the private companies most likely to shape the global cleantech market over the next five to ten years. This year’s list was selected from more than 24,000 nominations across nearly 60 countries. After multiple evaluation stages and expert review, only 100 companies were chosen. Amperon, founded in 2018, develops an AI-powered energy forecasting platform that helps stabilize electric grids. The Houston-based company has received venture funding from National Grid Partners, Tokyo Gas, and most recently Samsung Ventures. Hertha Metals, founded in 2022 and based in Conroe, focuses on sustainable steel production using a single-step process. The startup exited stealth mode last year and raised over $17 million in venture capital. Vaulted Deep, founded in 2023, removes carbon dioxide by injecting organic waste underground. The Houston company raised $32.3 million last year and signed a 12-year agreement with Microsoft to remove up to 4.9 million metric tons of CO₂. Vaulted Deep also appeared on last year’s list. Previously, other Houston companies such as Syzygy Plasmonics and Fervo Energy have been recognized, with Fervo earning Cleantech Group’s 2025 North American Company of the Year.