Clym Environmental Services, LLC (Clym) has been awarded the Life Sciences Innovation of the Year at the Maryland Tech Council's 2026 ICON Awards, recognizing its contributions to sustainable waste management. The accolade comes as the company prepares for the formal ribbon-cutting of its new 10,000-square-foot facility in Frostburg, Maryland, scheduled for August 2026.
The Maryland Tech Council (MTC), the largest technology and life sciences trade association in the state, presented the award at its 38th Annual Industry Awards Celebration. Kelly Schulz, CEO of MTC, stated, "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 Life Sciences Innovation category specifically highlights companies that advance the science, infrastructure, or practices of the industry, a notable distinction in a field defined by compliance and operational consistency.
Clym's Frostburg facility is built around proprietary technology that uses ozone generated from ambient air and powered by solar energy to treat regulated byproducts from life sciences and patient care activities. This process avoids the greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional thermal treatment and preserves plastics and other materials for reuse, diverting them from landfills. The facility, located in the Frostburg Industrial Park in Allegany County, will create new green jobs and adds to Clym'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 upcoming ribbon-cutting in August 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, further integrating into the local innovation ecosystem.
This recognition underscores the importance of sustainable waste management solutions in the life sciences sector. By offering a method that reduces emissions and enables material reuse, Clym's technology could set a new standard for handling regulated medical waste, potentially influencing industry practices and regulatory approaches. The expansion into Western Maryland also signals economic growth in rural areas, demonstrating that innovation can thrive outside major urban centers.
For more information, visit clymenvironmental.com.
