cleantech
n.n. technology that helps protect the environment by using clean energy or reducing waste. It includes things like solar panels, wind power, and electric cars.
n. technological products or services that improve operational performance while reducing costs, inputs, energy consumption, waste, or environmental pollution. Often used as a collective term for the renewable energy and sustainability sector.
The city is investing in cleantech to reduce pollution.
Many venture capital firms are shifting their focus toward cleantech startups that specialize in carbon capture and battery storage.
The rapid advancement of cleantech has transformed the energy landscape, making renewable sources like wind and solar more cost-effective than traditional fossil fuels in many global markets.
A portmanteau formed from the adjective clean and the noun technology. It follows the pattern of earlier industry shorthand such as fintech and edtech.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Often functions as a modifier in compound nouns like 'cleantech sector' or 'cleantech industry'.
Last updated July 22, 2026