Zero Prize

THE PRIZE

How the Zero Prize Works

A transparent, rigorous process that identifies and rewards real environmental impact

1Launch

Launch &
Open Call

Nationwide call for proven solutionsfrom innovators, startups, civic bodies, researchers, and youth teams.

2Verification

Independent
Verification

Scientific validation of real-world performance and impact.

3Evaluation

Expert
Evaluation

Judges assess verified outcomes, scalability, innovation, and sustainability.

4Awards

Awards &
Scale-Up

Winners gain funding, visibility, mentorship, corporate partnerships, and government adoption pathways.

Prize Structure

₹10 Crore for Verified Impact

₹2.5 Crores

Air Quality Challenge

Air Quality
Goal

Achieve a 15% reduction in PM2.5/ PM10 within a defined pilot area in 12 months.

  • Measurable air quality improvement
  • 12-month pilot period
  • Independent verification

₹2.5 Crores

Water Pollution Challenge

Water Quality
Goal

A river or lake stretch becomes 30% cleaner, measured via BOD, COD, and dissolved oxygen improvements.

  • BOD & COD reduction
  • Dissolved oxygen improvement
  • Verified water quality tests

₹2.5 Crores

Land Pollution Challenge

Land Pollution
Goal

Reduce, recycle or sustainably prevent 50,000 tonnes of waste per year from reaching landfills to city.

  • Waste reduction tracking
  • Recycling & sustainable disposal
  • Annual impact verification
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Want to know about the Evaluation Framework?

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Special Categories

Special Categories

Celebrating innovation across diverse groups and recognizing breakthrough solutions

Youth Innovation

Students and young innovators making impact

College Solutions

University-led research and projects

Civic Innovation

Community-driven environmental solutions

Popular Vote

Public recognition for impactful solutions

Rollout Timeline

Expected timeline of the roll out of the prize

1

February 2026

Prize Launched, Application Portal Open

2

August 2026

Application Submission August 31, 2026

3

September 2026 to October 2026

Pilot Establishment

4

November 2026

Review & Finalist Selection

5

December 2026 to January 2027

Monitoring & Evaluation

6

February 2027

Awards Ceremony & Zero Prize Winners Revealed

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Zero Prize

The Prize is open to innovators, startups, entrepreneurs, research labs, universities, technical institutions, government bodies, ULBs, civic agencies, NGOs, community-based organisations, youth groups, school/college teams, and industry innovators. Essentially, any India-based team capable of delivering measurable environmental impact may apply.
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Join the mission for a
Cleaner India

Be part of a movement that rewards real impact and transforms India's environmental future.