Save The Waves named #6 in Economic Development, a reflection of efforts to use and expand upon Surfonomics to protect surf ecosystems; and joins the ranks of Google, Nvidia, Adidas, and more.
Santa Cruz, California — Save The Waves Coalition is proud to have been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026.
This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations. Alongside the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 720 honorees across 59 sectors and regions.
“Save The Waves has been striving to innovate and find new ways to accomplish our mission, using economics and finance to further our conservation goals. I’m excited that our organization is receiving this recognition, it’s truly a marker for how far we’ve come as a nonprofit. I’m proud of our staff and team that made it possible,” said Nik Strong-Cvetich, CEO of Save The Waves.
The selection and ranking of #6 in the “Economic Development” category is a reflection of Save The Waves’ efforts to expand, emphasize and use “Surfonomics” to help protect surf ecosystems.
In September 2025, they released a groundbreaking report on Surfonomics and Surf Break Vulnerability in Santa Cruz, California. Their research found that surfing contributes $194 million annually to the local economy. Additionally, the study outlined the risk sea level rise has to the region economically with adaptation approaches to best preserve the city’s iconic surf breaks.
Save The Waves has also recently launched a pilot program, called Surf Ecosystem Insurance, which is a financial tool that protects surf ecosystems and the coastal communities that depend on them from climate-fueled extreme weather events.
“Our mission is to protect surf ecosystems and that means we need to think outside of the box and consider new ways to make surf breaks and their surrounding communities more resilient to climate change. We have amazing programs and projects at Save The Waves, and building solutions to better deal with climate-related risks is a way to ensure the longevity of all conservation efforts,” says Diego Sancho, Director of Conservation Programs at Save The Waves Coalition.
The World’s Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world.
“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies is about spotlighting organizations that don’t just adapt to change—they drive it,” said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. “The companies we honor this year are redefining what leadership looks like in 2026, pairing bold ideas with measurable impact and turning breakthrough innovation into real-world value. They are setting the pace for their industries and offering a blueprint for what sustained innovation can achieve.”
The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 31, 2026.
Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on May 19 in New York City. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation.
ABOUT SAVE THE WAVES COALITION
Save The Waves Coalition is an international nonprofit with a mission to protect surf ecosystems across the globe. Their conservation efforts have led to the protection and preservation of surf breaks and coastlines from California to Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Chile and beyond. Learn more at www.savethewaves.org
ABOUT FAST COMPANY
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.
