Geo40, Aspiring Materials and ZIncovery are the three Kiwi cleantech companies that have made the top 25 list of start-ups to watch out for within Asia Pacific.

Compiled by a multi-national panel of experts and curated by the Cleantech Group, an international cleantech market research and events business advisory and consultancy, the APAC Cleantech 25 is an annual list of private sustainable innovation companies that have gained the attention of market experts

By making the list, the experts and the Cleantech group are stating these are the companies that will make “significant impact” over the next five years.

The three Kiwi start-ups are hoping to follow the in the footsteps of Nasdaq-listed waste-to-value leader Lanzatech.

“It’s great to see these ambitious Kiwi cleantech ventures recognised again on the world stage hot on the heels of Neocrete, Tectonus and bspkl. making the 2023 CleanTech Forum 50 to Watch list of the most promising startups globally,” says Phil Anderson, Callaghan Innovation Business Innovation Advisor, and New Zealand Cleantech Mission Lead.

Zincovery, based in Christchurch, is using technology to help recycle zinc that will disrupt the industry, becoming the world’s only producer low-carbon, high-purity, and fully recycled zinc. 

Read more: Kiwi cleantech ventures attract Silicon Valley investors

Geo40, based in Taupō, have created a unique and innovative technology for mineral technologies or mineral recovery from underground fluids for deployment in the global transition towards cleaner energy.

Aspiring Materials, also based in Christchurch is working towards creating the country’s first carbon mineralisation facility. 

All three start-ups are also part of Cleantech Trek USA, a New Zealand Cleantech Mission that connected Kiwi cleantech ventures with corporates and investors at networking events in Silicon Valley.

“Having three of these startups make the APAC25 shows how important it is to have a physical presence internationally at trade shows, and other cleantech industry events,” adds Anderson.

“The quality of our science and technology is up there with the very best but Kiwi cleantech founders also need to overcome distance from markets, and limited access to capital at home. Additionally, the small size of our domestic market means most of our cleantech founders need to look off-shore from day one. This is why it is crucial that they’re represented at big in-market events where they can gain such great exposure.”