The Download: climate tech companies to watch and AI’s discovery problem

This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology.

Coming soon: our 2026 list of Climate Tech Companies to Watch

With the planet nearing 1.5 °C of warming, climate policies being unraveled, and Big Tech backpedaling on its climate ambitions, it can be tempting to give in to climate doom and defeatism. But despite the headwinds, the world has still made incredible progress. That’s why MIT Technology Review publishes its annual list of Climate Tech Companies to Watch.

Once a year, we compile a list of 10 companies that we believe have done the most, or have the best chance, to make a real dent in emissions or improve public safety and health. We’ve now finalized our 2026 list and will publish it on October 6.

It features companies making strides in energy storage, nuclear power, transportation and other areas despite today’s regressive climate politics. …