2025 Edition of the French Cleantech Business Observatory

PEXE, the national network of solutions for the ecological transition, is pleased to announce the release of the new edition of the French Cleantech Business Observatory!

Launched in 2023, with the aim of better understanding and supporting the sectors involved in the ecological, energy, and circular transition, the Observatory offers a dynamic analysis of Cleantech Businessesand the economic fabric across the regions.

To build the French Cleantech Business Observatory, data is drawn from companies listed in the national directory of Cleantech Businesses, compiled in partnership with our networks that bring together companies from various regions and sectors of the ecological transition. This 2025 edition focuses on 822 Cleantech Businesses featured in the observatory.

Key Findings of the Observatory

Cleantech Businesses are primarily found in the sectors of water, waste, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

Between 2024 and 2025, the eco-design and eco-materials category grew by 12%, making it the leading sector among Cleantech Businesses.

Regarding company types, 45% of Cleantech Businesses are startups, 12% identify as purpose-driven companies (entreprises à mission), and 5% are social and solidarity economy (SSE) organizations.

Over 50% of the solutions provided by Cleantech Businesses fall within the circular economy. However, further progress is needed in biodiversity preservation.

From an economic perspective, 68% of Cleantech Businesses are seeking to recruit, and this figure rises to 76% among startups, which face challenges finding qualified profiles such as sales professionals, data specialists, and export managers. Additionally, 40% of Cleantech Businesses are expanding internationally, and 85% are targeting Europe.

Finally, in terms of gender equality, 66% of SMEs among Cleantech Businesses are led exclusively by men, whereas 55% of SSE organizations have at least one woman on their executive team.