Ambient Photonics and Verdagy Listed on America's Top Greentech Companies of 2025
The urgency of climate change solutions is undeniable, and amidst this challenge, a surge of greentech innovators are stepping up. TIME, in collaboration with Statista, has released its annual list of the top 250 sustainability-focused companies in the United States, highlighting those organizations driving impactful change. This recognition underscores the importance of companies not just mitigating waste, but fundamentally working towards reshaping how we operate for a sustainable future.
The list, which evaluates companies based on positive environmental impact, financial strength, and innovation, features a diverse range of pioneers. From reimagining flight with battery-powered planes (BETA Technologies) to extending food freshness with organic wraps (Apeel), these companies are demonstrating that sustainable solutions can be both innovative and commercially viable.
Among these standout companies, two Central Coast innovators, Verdagy and Ambient Photonics, have earned their place on TIME's prestigious list, a testament to their groundbreaking work and collaboration with organizations like Santa Cruz Works. Their inclusion highlights the region's growing reputation as a hub for sustainable technology.
Verdagy: Pioneering Green Hydrogen Technology
Verdagy is a leading clean hydrogen electrolysis company. They are focused on developing and scaling advanced alkaline water electrolysis technology to produce green hydrogen at a cost that competes with traditional fossil fuel-derived hydrogen. Their technology, featuring their eDynamic® electrolyzers, is designed for large-scale production, enabling the transition to a hydrogen-based economy. Verdagy is focused on lowering the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). Recent news highlights their work with projects in Texas, and also with Petron Scientech. These projects demonstrate their focus on large scale green hydrogen production.
Ambient Photonics: Powering Devices with Light
Ambient Photonics is pioneering the development of low-light energy harvesting technology. Their innovative solar cells are designed to efficiently convert ambient light, even indoors, into usable energy, eliminating the need for traditional batteries in a wide range of electronic devices. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce battery waste and the environmental impact associated with battery production and disposal. By enabling self-powered devices, Ambient Photonics is driving the transition towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
Central Coast's Greentech Impact
The inclusion of Verdagy and Ambient Photonics on TIME's list underscores the significant contributions of the Central Coast's greentech ecosystem. These companies, in collaboration with organizations like Santa Cruz Works, are driving innovation and developing solutions that address critical sustainability challenges.
As Jared Lindzon of TIME notes, "America’s top greentech companies are seeking to reinvent industry, forcing us to consider better, cheaper, and ultimately more sustainable alternatives to traditional approaches." Verdagy and Ambient Photonics embody this spirit, demonstrating that innovation and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
The success of these companies serves as an inspiration, showcasing the region’s potential to play a leading role in the global transition towards a more sustainable future. Their achievements highlight the importance of fostering collaboration and innovation to address the urgent challenges of climate change.