Three Houston Companies Named to Global Cleantech 100

Three Houston-area companies—Amperon, Hertha Metals, and Vaulted Deep—have been named to the 2026 Global Cleantech 100 list, which recognizes the world’s most promising privately held clean technology companies. Compiled by Cleantech Group, the unranked list identifies companies most likely to make a meaningful impact on the cleantech market over the next five to ten years. This year’s selection process began with more than 24,000 nominations from nearly 60 countries, which were narrowed to 264 finalists before an expert panel selected the final 100. Houston-based Amperon was recognized for its AI-driven energy forecasting and analytics platform that helps stabilize electric grids and improve energy market performance, supported by recent investments from major global partners. Conroe-based Hertha Metals earned recognition for its innovative single-step process for producing sustainable steel and its successful emergence from stealth backed by venture capital funding. Vaulted Deep, founded in Houston, was honored for its carbon removal technology that injects excess organic waste deep underground, along with its $32.3 million in funding and a long-term agreement with Microsoft to remove up to 4.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.