Clym Environmental Services, LLC has been named the Life Sciences Innovation of the Year winner at the Maryland Tech Council's 2026 ICON Awards, an honor that comes as the company prepares to open its new 10,000-square-foot facility in Frostburg, Maryland, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for August 2026.
The ICON Awards, presented at the Maryland Tech Council's 38th Annual Industry Awards Celebration, recognize organizations that set the standard across the state's technology and life sciences sectors. The Life Sciences Innovation category highlights companies advancing the science, infrastructure, or practices of the industry, a notable distinction in a field defined by compliance requirements and operational consistency.
Kelly Schulz, CEO of the Maryland Tech Council, said, "The 2026 ICON Award winners represent the very best of Maryland's innovation economy. These leaders and organizations are developing groundbreaking technologies, advancing healthcare solutions, strengthening national security, and inspiring the next generation of innovators."
The Frostburg facility, located in the Frostburg Industrial Park in Allegany County, is built around Clym's proprietary technology: ozone generated from ambient air and powered by solar energy. The 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.
Clym's president, Charles Watts, emphasized the significance of the facility: "This facility reflects where our industry needs to go. 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 facility is expected to create new green jobs, joining Clym's existing 32 employees in Maryland. The August ribbon-cutting will mark the official launch of the site and the next chapter in Clym's East Coast expansion. Additionally, Clym serves as co-chair of the Maryland Tech Council's Rural Technology Network steering committee for Western Maryland.
The award and upcoming facility opening underscore the growing importance of sustainable waste management solutions in the life sciences sector. By using solar-powered ozone technology, Clym aims to reduce the environmental footprint of regulated waste treatment, potentially setting a new standard for the industry. The company's approach not only addresses compliance requirements but also aligns with broader sustainability goals, offering a model that could be replicated in other regions.
