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 2026 ICON Award winners represent the very best of Maryland's innovation economy," said Kelly Schulz, CEO of the Maryland Tech Council (MTC). "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. 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.
"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 Frostburg facility 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. Rather than 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, spans 10,000 square feet and will create new green jobs. Clym currently employs 32 people in Maryland. The ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for August 2026 will mark the official launch of the site and the next chapter in Clym's East Coast expansion.
For business and technology leaders, this development signals a shift toward sustainable waste management in the life sciences sector. By eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and enabling material reuse, Clym's technology addresses two critical challenges: environmental impact and waste diversion. The approach could serve as a model for regulated waste management across the industry, potentially reducing carbon footprints and landfill dependency for healthcare and life sciences organizations.
Additionally, Clym co-chairs the Maryland Tech Council's Rural Technology Network steering committee for Western Maryland, highlighting its role in fostering innovation in rural areas. The company, founded in 1998, provides regulated waste management and compliance solutions across the eastern and midwestern United States, supporting healthcare, life sciences, and industrial clients with a focus on safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency. More information is available at clymenvironmental.com.
