Mumbai will host The Earthshot Prize in November 2026, marking the first time the prestigious environmental award will be held in India.
MUMBAI – The Earthshot Prize, one of the world’s most prestigious environmental awards, will take place in Mumbai in November 2026. This announcement, made on February 17, signifies a significant milestone for India as it enhances its role in global climate leadership.
Founded in 2020 by Prince William, the Prince of Wales, The Earthshot Prize draws inspiration from John F. Kennedy’s iconic 1962 Moonshot speech. The initiative aims to foster urgent environmental solutions over a ten-year period. Now five years into what organizers refer to as the Earthshot decade, the prize has identified over 5,600 environmental innovations from 156 countries, awarded £25 million to winners, and facilitated more than $500 million in investments and philanthropic support for finalists.
In his statement regarding the selection of Mumbai as the host city, Prince William expressed his delight, highlighting India as a crucial player in the global climate and nature conversation. He noted that successful solutions developed in India could serve as a source of inspiration for worldwide progress. The urgency and optimism needed to repair and restore the planet by 2030 must guide these efforts, he emphasized.
The multi-day celebration in Mumbai will culminate in an awards ceremony where five environmental leaders will each receive £1 million to advance their innovative solutions. The event is expected to attract business leaders, investors, philanthropists, and environmental innovators, serving as a broader summit focused on practical climate action.
India has demonstrated a strong commitment to the goals of The Earthshot Prize, boasting more winners and finalists than any other nation, including four winners. Notable Indian recipients include S4S Technologies, recognized in 2023 for its innovative approach to reducing food waste through solar-powered processing for small farmers, and Boomitra, which promotes regenerative agriculture and soil carbon capture. Other honored Indian innovators, such as Kheyti and Takachar, have made significant strides in climate-resilient farming and reducing agricultural burning.
Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, remarked that hosting The Earthshot Prize would draw global attention to India’s leadership in sustainability and its dedication to translating climate goals into actionable results.
With this announcement, Mumbai joins the ranks of previous host cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, Singapore, Boston, and London, all of which have served as global platforms for environmental ambition.
According to India-West, the upcoming event in Mumbai is poised to be a landmark occasion for both the city and the nation as they continue to address pressing environmental challenges.