Climate-tech startups supported by Gyeonggi Province have demonstrated their technological competitiveness by winning two Gold Awards and two Silver Awards at the 2026 Edison Awards.
According to Gyeonggi Province on the 23rd, four startups supported by the province received awards at the Edison Awards, recently held in Florida, USA. FirstLab, selected as part of the province’s first cohort in 2024, and OAPE, selected as part of the second cohort in 2025, each won a Gold Award. Plantner and PM Energy Solution each received a Silver Award.
Established in 1987 to honor the legacy of Thomas Edison, the Edison Awards recognize outstanding innovation by evaluating technological excellence, social impact, and market potential. The awards are often referred to as the “Oscars of Innovation.”
FirstLab received the Gold Award in the Water, Food & Agriculture category for “Cavitox,” a water treatment solution that uses advanced oxidation technology to remove persistent pollutants. Plantner, which won the Silver Award in the same category, was recognized for its natural coating fertilizer technology, demonstrating the competitiveness of eco-friendly agriculture.
In the Energy & Climate Resilience category, OAPE won the Gold Award for “STEON,” a biodegradable plastic made from plant waste, presenting an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics. PM Energy Solution also received the Silver Award in the same category for “Terravitz,” a smart lithium battery for industrial equipment designed to maximize energy storage efficiency.
Since 2024, Gyeonggi Province has been selecting promising climate-tech startups with technological innovation and market potential. The province selected 33 companies in both 2024 and 2025, providing support such as commercialization funding and global expansion consulting.
Source: Seoul Economic Daily
https://www.sedaily.com/article/20036094