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

₹5 Crore for Verified Impact

₹1 Crore

Air Quality Challenge

Air Quality
Goal

Achieve a verified 15–25% reduction in population-weighted PM₂.₅ exposure within a defined pilot area, measured over a 2–3 month period.

  • Measurable air quality improvement
  • 2–3 month pilot period
  • Independent verification

₹1 Crore

Water Pollution Challenge

Water Quality
Goal

Demonstrate a verified 20–30% reduction in wastewater pollution load at defined source points or discharge clusters within a 2–3 month period.

  • Reduction in BOD, COD, TSS and nutrient pollution load (kg/day)
  • Wastewater treated, reused, or prevented from discharge (MLD)
  • Verified water quality monitoring using CPCB-aligned sampling protocols

₹1 Crore

Land Pollution Challenge

Land Pollution
Goal

Reduce, recycle or sustainably prevent 15,000 tonnes of waste per quarter in cities.

  • Waste reduction tracking
  • Recycling & sustainable disposal
  • Quarterly 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 (< 18 yrs) making impact

Civic Innovation

Government-led environmental solutions

Popular Vote

Public recognition for impactful solutions

Rollout Timeline

Expected timeline of the roll out of the prize

Early Submissions by 31 May 2026 will receive feedback. Applications submitted later will proceed directly for evaluation.Early Submissions by 31 May 2026 will receive feedback. Applications submitted later will proceed directly for evaluation.Early Submissions by 31 May 2026 will receive feedback. Applications submitted later will proceed directly for evaluation.
1

February 2026

Prize Launched

2

March 2026

Applications Portal
Opens - 15 March 2026

3

August 2026

Application Submission Closes - 31 August 2026

4

September & October 2026

Baseline Establishment & Pilot Approvals for Shortlisted Applications

5

November & December 2026

Pilot Implementation, Monitoring & Data Submission

6

January & February 2027

Evaluation & Finalist Selection

7

March 2027

Finalist's Pitch Day & Awards Ceremony

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.