Water technology companies developing solutions for wastewater monitoring, drinking water production, river management and water recovery have been selected for Blue Earth’s BE100 2026 programme.
The initiative has shortlisted 100 businesses from 1,414 applicants, with finalists due to pitch at the Blue Earth Summit in London on 14 and 15 October. At least one company from each of ten industry categories is expected to be selected for a minimum £100,000 investment, subject to due diligence.
Water technology companies among BE100 finalists
Several businesses within the 2026 cohort are developing technologies directly relevant to water management, wastewater treatment and environmental monitoring.
Lir Labs is developing automated microscopy and artificial intelligence to monitor microorganisms and identify emerging problems in wastewater treatment processes. Meanwhile, Solaq is working on modular systems that use liquid-desiccant technology to extract drinking water from the atmosphere, offering an alternative approach to freshwater production.
Riverkin is developing river monitoring systems that provide live water-level and sediment data for hydropower operators and other water users. Untap Health is also among the finalists, using automated wastewater monitoring to detect signals of infectious disease without requiring individual testing.
Water recovery and environmental innovation
Other selected companies are exploring the relationship between water management, resource recovery and environmental sustainability.
Capture6 is developing technology that combines freshwater recovery from saline and wastewater streams with carbon capture and storage. Vycarb is working on water-based carbon removal systems that capture and store carbon as dissolved bicarbonate while monitoring the process.
Marine and aquatic environmental technologies are also represented. Coral Vita grows corals in land-based farms for reef restoration, while ARC marine develops marine infrastructure designed to protect coastal and offshore assets while creating habitats for wildlife.
These businesses form part of a wider group of finalists working across ten industries, including the blue economy, energy, agriculture, technology and the built environment.
100 companies selected from more than 1,400 applicants
According to Blue Earth, just 7% of the 1,414 applicants secured a place in this year’s BE100 programme. The selection process involved 40 judges drawn from venture capital and industry.
Approximately 60% of the selected companies are based in the UK, with the remaining finalists drawn from international markets. The programme assesses businesses on commercial viability, potential positive impact, innovation, team strength and competitive advantage. Live pitch performance will also contribute to the final assessment.
Guy Hayler, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Blue Earth, said the programme aims to increase the number of businesses receiving investment compared with last year.
“Last year we invested in three winners. This year we’re aiming to back at least ten. We want to help founders turn solutions to major challenges into businesses that can compete and grow.”
“The Summit gives investors a chance to meet all 100 companies, examine what they’ve built and decide where they can help take it further.”
BE100 Fund II targets investment across ten industries
BE100 Fund II is managed in partnership with Haatch and is backed by institutional investors, family offices, exited founders and angel investors.
The fund will continue raising capital throughout October, with an upper cap of £10 million. Blue Earth says last year’s investments in Segura, RAFT Energy and Low Carbon Materials averaged £200,000 per company.
The organisation intends to establish BE100 as an annual investment programme operating alongside venture capital firms and institutional investors, combining access to emerging businesses with specialist investment expertise.
Hayler said the longer-term objective is to support innovations capable of influencing established industries.
“The bigger ambition is to change what customers expect from an entire industry. When cleaner materials or more efficient energy systems become the obvious commercial choice, established businesses have a reason to change too.”
Finalists prepare for Blue Earth Summit in London
The 2026 Blue Earth Summit takes place at Woolwich Works in London from 14–16 October, with BE100 finalist pitches scheduled for 14 and 15 October.
The event will bring together founders, investors and industry representatives to explore emerging technologies and investment opportunities across environmental and sustainability-focused sectors.
For water technology businesses, the programme provides an opportunity to present solutions addressing challenges including water scarcity, wastewater treatment, resource recovery and environmental monitoring.
The complete list of 100 finalists is available on the BE100 2026 website.
Frequently Asked Questions
BE100 is an investment programme that selects 100 businesses developing innovations across ten industries. Finalists pitch at the Blue Earth Summit for potential investment and support.
Water-related finalists include Lir Labs, Solaq, Riverkin, Untap Health, Capture6 and Vycarb, alongside companies developing marine and aquatic environmental technologies.
Blue Earth plans to select at least one winner from each of ten industries for a minimum investment of £100,000 per company, subject to due diligence.
The Blue Earth Summit takes place from 14–16 October 2026 at Woolwich Works in London. BE100 finalist pitches are scheduled for 14 and 15 October.
Blue Earth received 1,414 applications, with 100 companies selected as finalists following assessment by 40 judges.
