Switzerland has demonstrated its leadership in the global fight against climate change, with four of its startups securing spots in the prestigious Time World’s Top 250 Greentech Companies of 2025 ranking. Notably, Climeworks and Planted Foods have achieved remarkable success, ranking second and fourth, respectively. The inclusion of two additional Swiss companies in the list further highlights the country’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable technologies and addressing environmental challenges.

The ranking, published by Time in collaboration with data analytics firm Statista, evaluated over 8,000 companies from 30 countries across six continents. These companies develop products, services, and technologies aimed at mitigating the negative impact of human activities on the planet. The evaluation criteria included the company’s positive environmental impact, financial strength, and innovative capabilities. Out of these, the top 250 companies were selected, with American firms dominating the top 20. However, Switzerland stood out with two of its companies securing positions in the top 5, reinforcing its strong reputation in the green technology sector.

Climeworks: Pioneering Carbon Capture Technology

Climeworks, a Swiss company founded in 2009, claimed the second position in the rankings. Known for its groundbreaking work in direct air capture (DAC) technology, Climeworks offers solutions to companies striving to achieve net-zero emissions targets. The company’s innovative carbon capture technology filters CO2 directly from the air, which is then stored underground or repurposed for various industrial uses.

Climeworks’ state-of-the-art Mammoth facility in Hellisheidi, Iceland, is a testament to its commitment to large-scale carbon capture. The facility, which is the largest of its kind, has the capacity to capture up to 36,000 tons of CO2 annually at peak capacity. Climeworks has gained the trust of major corporations worldwide, with over 160 customers, including tech giants like Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, Stripe, Shopify, and Lego, purchasing carbon credits from the company to offset their emissions.

Planted Foods: Revolutionizing Plant-Based Meat Alternatives

Ranking fourth on the list is Planted Foods, a Swiss startup that is transforming the food industry with its innovative plant-based meat alternatives. Established in 2019 as a spinoff from ETH Zurich, Planted Foods has made significant strides in developing sustainable and healthy meat alternatives that mimic the taste and texture of traditional meat.

The company uses proprietary structuring and fermentation technologies to create products that not only satisfy meat lovers but also contribute to reducing the environmental impact of conventional meat production. Planted’s products are now available in over 6,100 restaurants and 8,700 retail outlets across Europe, including countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, the UK, and the BeNeLux region.

To meet the rising demand for its products, Planted Foods has also expanded its production capacity by opening a new facility in Germany, complementing its main production site in Kemptthal, Switzerland.

Other Swiss Startups in the Top 250 Greentech List

In addition to Climeworks and Planted Foods, two other Swiss companies—H55 and Insolight—also secured spots in the top 250 list, ranking 178 and 188, respectively.

H55: Based in Sion, Valais, and with operations in Canada, H55 specializes in developing sustainable and certified electric propulsion and battery management systems for the aviation industry. The company’s cutting-edge technology has positioned it as a key player in the future of electric aviation, offering eco-friendly solutions that reduce carbon emissions in air travel.

Insolight: Lausanne-based Insolight focuses on developing advanced agrivoltaic systems through its innovative product, Insolagrin. The system replaces traditional plastic tunnels used in agriculture with translucent solar modules, which generate solar energy while allowing enough light to support plant growth. This unique combination of solar energy production and agricultural efficiency has enabled Insolight to secure strategic partnerships across Europe, leading to the deployment of over 30,000 square meters (equivalent to 2 MWp) of Insolagrin installations.

Switzerland’s Leadership in Greentech Innovation

The inclusion of four Swiss companies in the Time World’s Top 250 Greentech Companies of 2025 underscores the country’s dedication to fostering innovation in the fight against climate change. Switzerland’s robust research ecosystem, combined with government support and private sector initiatives, has enabled the development of technologies that have a tangible positive impact on the environment.

As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, Switzerland’s contribution to greentech innovation serves as a beacon of hope. The success of Climeworks, Planted Foods, H55, and Insolight not only reflects the country’s technological prowess but also highlights the potential for sustainable solutions to drive positive change globally. With continued investment in research and development, Switzerland is poised to remain a leader in the green technology sector, inspiring other nations to follow suit.