Earthshot Prize 2026 Comes to Mumbai

Earthshot Prize 2026 will take place in Mumbai on November 16 and 17, 2026, marking the first time this international environmental award event will be held in India. The sixth annual Awards Night is scheduled for November 17. The event will bring together environmental experts, business leaders, investors, philanthropists and other influential people to support solutions to some of the world’s biggest environmental problems.

Mumbai was announced as the host city during the first Mumbai Climate Week on February 17, 2026. The event will place India at the centre of an international discussion on climate action, nature protection and sustainable development. It will also provide an opportunity to highlight environmental solutions developed in India and other countries.

What Is the Earthshot Prize?

The Earthshot Prize is an international environmental award launched in 2020 by Prince William. It aims to find, support and expand practical solutions to major environmental challenges.

The prize was created around the idea that the world needs effective action to protect nature and address climate change. Instead of focusing only on environmental problems, it recognises people and organisations that are developing solutions that can make a real difference.

The award supports projects working in areas such as clean energy, waste reduction, ocean conservation, air quality and the restoration of natural environments. By providing financial support and international attention, the prize helps selected solutions reach more people and places.

Each year, five winners are selected, with one winner from each of the five categories. Every winner receives £1 million to help develop and expand their environmental solution.

Five Categories of the Earthshot Prize

The Earthshot Prize has five main categories. Each one focuses on a different environmental challenge.

1. Protect and Restore Nature

This category recognises solutions that protect forests, wildlife, biodiversity and other natural ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems support human life by providing clean water, food, fertile soil and other essential resources.

Projects in this category may focus on restoring damaged habitats, protecting endangered species and improving the way people manage natural resources. Nature conservation is especially important as forests, wetlands and other ecosystems face pressure from pollution, land-use changes and climate change.

2. Clean Our Air

Air pollution affects human health and the environment. This category supports solutions that reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality.

Possible areas of action include cleaner transport, low-pollution technologies, improved industrial practices and cleaner energy systems. Such solutions can help cities reduce pollution and create healthier places to live.

3. Revive Our Oceans

Oceans support marine life, provide food and help regulate the global climate. However, plastic pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction and rising ocean temperatures threaten marine ecosystems.

This category recognises projects that protect marine environments, reduce ocean pollution and support the recovery of marine life. It also highlights the importance of using ocean resources responsibly.

4. Build a Waste-Free World

Waste management is a major environmental challenge for cities and industries. Plastic waste, discarded products and poorly managed rubbish can pollute land and water.

This category supports solutions that reduce waste, improve recycling, reuse materials and develop more sustainable production systems. A waste-free approach encourages businesses and consumers to use resources more carefully and reduce unnecessary disposal.

5. Fix Our Climate

This category focuses on solutions that help address climate change. It includes efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the transition to cleaner energy.

Solutions may involve renewable energy, energy efficiency and other technologies that reduce the use of fossil fuels. Climate action is important for limiting global warming and reducing the risks associated with extreme weather, rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns.

India’s Participation in the Earthshot Prize

India has established a strong presence in the Earthshot Prize programme. According to the figures provided, India has had seven finalists, including four winners, more than any other country.

Indian participation reflects the range of environmental challenges and solutions emerging across the country. These may include work related to clean energy, waste management, sustainable materials, air pollution and the protection of natural resources.

India faces several environmental challenges because of its large population, growing cities, expanding industries and changing energy needs. At the same time, the country has opportunities to develop solutions that can be used in other parts of the world.

The Mumbai event will provide a platform for international participants to learn about environmental work in India and explore opportunities for cooperation. It may also help connect innovators with investors and organisations that can support the growth of promising projects.

Earthshot Prize 2026 Summit in Mumbai

The 2026 programme will include a Summit on November 16, followed by the Awards Night on November 17. The Summit is expected to bring together people from the environmental, business and investment communities.

The programme aims to encourage discussion about environmental solutions and how they can be expanded. Bringing innovators and investors together can help environmental projects gain access to funding, technical knowledge and international partnerships.

The Serum Institute of India is the principal sponsor of the 2026 Summit. Its involvement highlights the participation of major Indian organisations in an event focused on global environmental action.

The Summit and Awards Night will also draw attention to the role of businesses and institutions in supporting sustainable development. Environmental progress often requires cooperation between governments, private companies, researchers, communities and financial organisations.

Celebrities and Performances at the Awards Night

The Earthshot Prize 2026 Awards Night will feature performances by British pop group Take That, singer Shreya Ghoshal and music composer Shashwat Sachdev. Filmmaker Karan Johar is scheduled to host the ceremony.

Expected attendees include Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, actor Alia Bhatt, actor and producer Sonam Kapoor, actor Rami Malek and actor Simone Ashley.

The participation of public figures can help bring environmental issues to a wider audience. Well-known personalities can use their platforms to raise awareness about climate change, conservation and sustainable living.

However, the main purpose of the event remains the recognition of environmental solutions and the people working to make them successful. The award winners will receive financial support to help expand their work.

Global Broadcast Through Prime Video

The Awards Night will be streamed globally on Prime Video, reaching audiences in more than 240 countries and territories and in over 40 languages.

International broadcasting will allow viewers from different regions to learn about the selected environmental solutions. It will also help the prize reach people who may not be able to attend the event in person.

Global access is important because environmental challenges cross national borders. Air pollution, climate change, ocean pollution and biodiversity loss affect countries in different ways, but they require cooperation and shared knowledge.

By presenting environmental innovators to an international audience, the Earthshot Prize aims to encourage more people and organisations to support practical solutions.

Why the Earthshot Prize 2026 Is Important

Hosting the Earthshot Prize in Mumbai is significant for India’s role in international environmental discussions. The event connects environmental innovation with business, investment, public awareness and global cooperation.

The financial awards can help winners expand their projects, while international recognition may attract additional support. The Summit can also create opportunities for partnerships between innovators, companies and investors.

The event comes at a time when countries are working to reduce emissions, improve energy systems, protect biodiversity and manage waste more effectively. India is also pursuing renewable energy expansion, cleaner transport, improved waste management and other sustainability initiatives.

The Earthshot Prize does not solve environmental problems on its own. However, by supporting effective projects and sharing their work with a global audience, it can help promising ideas grow and encourage wider environmental action.

With Mumbai hosting the 2026 programme, India will have an opportunity to showcase its environmental innovation and take part in international efforts to build a cleaner and more sustainable future.