Strengthening Global Cleantech Ecosystems to Advance a Greener Future

Connecting Global Cleantech Leaders

WHO WE ARE

The International Cleantech Network (ICN) is a global alliance of 22 leading cleantech clusters across four continents. Together with members and partners like C40 Cities, ICLEI, and the Solar Impulse Foundation, we help cities, regions, and global companies tackle their most pressing environmental challenges.

With fast access to over 7,000+ cleantech SMEs, 250+ knowledge institutions, and 130+ public authorities, ICN accelerates the path from challenge to solution. As an official observer to COP30, we stay at the forefront of global climate policy — and we understand how to navigate international funding mechanisms to turn ambition into action.

Specialized in thematic groups covering energy, circular economy, and watertech solutions — and continually expanding into emerging areas of cleantech innovation.

WORK WITH US

130+

CITIES AND REGIONS

Connecting local authorities with cleantech expertise and solutions.

250+

UNIVERSITIES

Our network creates a strong knowledge base for innovation and cleantech development.

7,000+

START-UPS & SMES

Innovators are engaged through ICN clusters, pioneering green technologies and scaling global impact.

Empowering Global Cleantech Collaboration Since 2009

Our Story and Mission

The International Cleantech Network (ICN) began in 2009 as an EU-funded initiative to foster collaboration among leading cleantech clusters across the world. When the project concluded, its members carried the vision forward, establishing a permanent secretariat in Copenhagen to continue building a strong global platform for cooperation.

Today, ICN is an independent, non-profit organization connecting the world’s foremost cleantech clusters to accelerate the sustainable transition. We strengthen ecosystems by enhancing collaboration, building capacity, and fostering cross-border innovation partnerships — ensuring that clean technologies move faster from idea to implementation.

Guided by our vision to be the global hub for cleantech ecosystems, ICN drives collaboration, knowledge exchange, and internationalization to advance a greener future.

Partnerships

Collaborating Across Sectors and Borders

ICN drives global impact through powerful partnerships that unite public and private leaders in cleantech innovation. Together, we accelerate the transition to sustainable industries, open new markets for green technologies, and create lasting value for our clusters and their members. Some of our valued past and present partners include:

Since 2018, the International Cleantech Network (ICN) has been collaborating closely with C40 Cities, a global network of 100 world-leading cities committed to tackling the most pressing urban sustainability challenges.

Together, ICN and C40 launched the City Solutions Platform (CSP) — a collaborative initiative that connects innovative cleantech companies with major cities seeking practical solutions to complex environmental and climate-related issues.
In 2020, the International Cleantech Network (ICN) partnered with the Solar Impulse Foundation (SIF) to support its mission of identifying 1,000 efficient and sustainable solutions worldwide.

Leveraging its extensive network of innovative cleantech SMEs, ICN contributed to expanding SIF’s portfolio by sourcing high-impact technologies and business cases from around the globe.

Through this collaboration, ICN enabled its member clusters to showcase pioneering solutions - including helping SIF label its first-ever efficient solution from Argentina - reinforcing the shared commitment to advancing clean, profitable innovation for a sustainable future.
International Cleantech Network (ICN) has entered a strategic partnership with ICLEI South America - Local Governments for Sustainability, aiming to bridge cleantech innovators with city-level implementation across South America.
The alliance will support joint projects, innovation procurement and commercialization, and the integration of ICN’s cluster network with local and regional governments to advance urban sustainability and climate action.
In 2021, the International Cleantech Network (ICN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to strengthen collaboration in advancing clean energy innovation and investment.

Through this partnership, ICN supports NYSERDA’s mission to accelerate New York’s clean energy transition by connecting international cleantech expertise with local stakeholders - including businesses, researchers, and investors - to attract private capital and drive sustainable economic growth.

Connecting the World’s Leading Cleantech Regions

Our Members

The members of ICN are defined by strong public–private partnerships, bringing together SMEs, public authorities, and research institutions across sectors such as energy, water, and circular economy.
Together, ICN’s 22 member clusters mobilize powerful regional ecosystems that drive sustainable innovation and cross-border collaboration.

They meet regularly, build personal relationships based on trust, and share knowledge to accelerate real-world impact. Representing some of the world’s most advanced cleantech regions, ICN members collectively connect thousands of organizations working toward a cleaner, more resilient future.

Country

Member

WeBSITE

Austria

Green Tech Valley

Strengthening Global Cleantech Ecosystems to Advance a Greener Future

Connecting Global Cleantech Leaders

WHO WE ARE

130+

CITIES AND REGIONS

250+

UNIVERSITIES

7,000+

START-UPS & SMES

Empowering Global Cleantech Collaboration Since 2009

Our Story and Mission

Partnerships

Collaborating Across Sectors and Borders

C40 Cities

Solar Impulse Foundation

ICLEI

NYSERDA

Connecting the World’s Leading Cleantech Regions

Our Members

Country

Member

WeBSITE

Board of Directors

DAVID HUTCHINSON

Henrik Bjørnager Jensen

Isabelle Dubé-Côté

Frederik Loeckx

Mike Mulcahy

Maria Dominguez

Ingrid Milcent