Watercycle Technologies Named One of the North West's 30 Most Exciting Companies for 2026

Watercycle Technologies has been recognised as one of the North West's 30 Most Exciting Companies for 2026 by Insider Media, joining a group of businesses helping to shape the future of innovation, industry and economic growth across the region.

The recognition came during a significant week for the North West, with the region also being named one of the UK's leading places to start and scale a business.

For Watercycle Technologies, it is a reminder of the important role that regional innovation ecosystems play in supporting the development of technologies capable of addressing some of the world's biggest industrial and environmental challenges.

Today, the company operates from both Manchester and Runcorn, with its operational plant in Runcorn playing a key role in demonstrating and scaling its proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction and Crystallisation (DLEC™) technology.

On being named in the top 30 companies, our co-Founder Dr Seb Leaper, said:

"We are incredibly proud to be recognised alongside so many innovative businesses from across the North West. This region has a long history of industrial leadership and today it continues to provide the talent, partnerships and infrastructure needed to develop the technologies that will support the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy.

"From our roots at The University of Manchester through to our operations in Manchester and Runcorn, the North West has been instrumental in our growth journey. We are excited about what comes next as we continue to develop technologies that help recover critical resources and strengthen supply chain resilience."

The North West has long been recognised as a region that builds and manufactures at scale. Increasingly, it is also becoming a centre for clean technology, advanced materials, battery innovation and circular economy solutions.

For Watercycle Technologies, collaboration remains central to that vision. Over the past year the company has continued to expand its network of industrial, academic and international partnerships, helping accelerate the deployment of technologies designed to recover valuable materials while reducing waste and environmental impact.

The company was recognised alongside a number of other high-growth Northern businesses, reflecting the breadth of innovation emerging from the region across sectors including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology and sustainability.

As demand grows for secure and sustainable supplies of critical raw materials, Watercycle Technologies believes the North West is well positioned to play a leading role in developing the industries and infrastructure of the future.

The full Insider Media list of the North West's 30 Most Exciting Companies for 2026 can be viewed here.