Ecolab's AI-driven acquisition of CoolIT Systems positions it as a leader in data center cooling solutions, making it a top pick for Bill Gates' 2026 portfolio.

Ecolab (ECL) is a water treatment company that has become a new AI play with its recent acquisition of CoolIT Systems for $4.75 billion. The company's closed-loop technology could solve the water-based cooling problem for data centers, making it an essential provider for tech and industrial businesses in the future. ECL ranks 7th in Bill Gates' 2026 portfolio.