Shelton, CT – Two Connecticut businesses have earned spots among the world’s 50 most innovative companies of 2025, according to Fast Company.
Budderfly, an energy efficiency firm based in Shelton, ranks at No. 25, while Athletic Brewing, a nonalcoholic beer company from Milford, takes No. 32.
Budderfly has built its reputation by overhauling how businesses manage energy. The company takes over customers’ utility bills, implements artificial intelligence to monitor energy consumption, and funds facility upgrades. It helps companies cut energy use through solutions like solar carports, EV chargers, and advanced heating and cooling systems.
The company’s portfolio includes major brands such as McDonald’s, Applebee’s, and Orange Theory. With these partnerships, Budderfly has generated more than $200 million in revenue.
Athletic Brewing, headquartered in Milford with another facility in San Diego, has carved out a growing market for nonalcoholic beer. The company distributes its beverages globally and continues to expand.
Fast Company reported that Athletic Brewing was projected to sell nearly 15 million cans within the first few weeks of the year.
The company is also on track to launch an online platform by the end of 2025, broadening its reach even further.
