Clym Environmental Services, LLC (Clym) has been named the Life Sciences Innovation of the Year winner at the Maryland Tech Council's 2026 ICON Awards, presented at its 38th Annual Industry Awards Celebration. The recognition arrives as Clym prepares for the formal ribbon-cutting of its new 10,000-square-foot Frostburg, Maryland facility, scheduled for August 2026.
The award underscores Clym's role in advancing sustainable waste management in the life sciences sector. According to the Maryland Tech Council (MTC), the 2026 ICON Award winners represent the best of Maryland's innovation economy. Kelly Schulz, CEO of the MTC, stated, 'These leaders and organizations are developing groundbreaking technologies, advancing healthcare solutions, strengthening national security, and inspiring the next generation of innovators.' The MTC is the largest technology and life sciences trade association in the state, and its annual ICON Awards recognize organizations setting the standard across Maryland's technology and life sciences sectors. The Life Sciences Innovation category spotlights companies advancing the science, infrastructure, or practices of the industry at large—a notable distinction in a field defined by compliance requirements and operational consistency.
Central to Clym's recognition is its Frostburg facility, built around proprietary technology that generates ozone from ambient air, powered by solar energy. This process treats regulated byproducts from life sciences and patient care activities without the greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional thermal treatment. Instead of converting materials, Clym's process preserves plastics and other materials for reuse, diverting them from landfills. The facility, located in the Frostburg Industrial Park in Allegany County, is expected to create new green jobs and add to the company's existing 32 Maryland employees.
'This facility reflects where our industry needs to go,' said Clym's president, Charles Watts. 'We're working to demonstrate that environmental responsibility, innovation, and economic growth can coexist. Western Maryland is the right place to bring that vision to life.' The August ribbon-cutting will mark the official launch of the site and the next chapter in Clym's East Coast expansion. Clym also serves as co-chair of the Maryland Tech Council's Rural Technology Network steering committee for Western Maryland.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond Clym's operations. By showcasing a scalable, solar-powered ozone treatment system that eliminates greenhouse gas emissions and enables material reuse, Clym sets a new benchmark for sustainable waste management in the life sciences industry. This could influence regulatory standards and operational practices across the sector, encouraging other companies to adopt similar technologies. For the local community, the facility brings job creation and positions Western Maryland as a hub for environmental innovation. For the broader world, it demonstrates that environmental responsibility and economic growth can go hand in hand, potentially inspiring similar initiatives globally. To learn more, visit clymenvironmental.com.
