The Zero Prize 2026 has extended its application deadline from August 31 to September 13, 2026. The extension is confirmed on the official Zero Prize website and gives eligible applicants additional time to submit their applications.
About the Zero Prize
The Zero Prize is a national environmental challenge focused on identifying and supporting solutions that can demonstrate measurable reductions in pollution and environmental impact in India.
The programme has a total prize pool of ₹5 crore and covers three principal challenge areas:
Air Quality
Water Pollution
Land Pollution
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to eligible India-based organisations and innovators, including NGOs, community-based organisations, startups, entrepreneurs, research institutions, universities and other eligible entities.
Applicants should have a solution or initiative capable of demonstrating measurable environmental impact.
Key Focus Areas
The challenge looks for practical solutions addressing:
Air pollution and PM2.5 exposure
Water pollution and wastewater
Waste, recycling and land pollution
Nature-based and community-led solutions
Technology, monitoring and innovative approaches to pollution reduction
Prize
The three main challenge areas each carry a prize of ₹1 crore, within the overall ₹5 crore prize pool. Additional recognition categories are also part of the programme.
Important Deadline Update
Original deadline: August 31, 2026
Extended deadline: September 13, 2026
This extension is particularly important for organisations that may have missed the original August 31 deadline.
How to Apply
Applicants should review the latest eligibility requirements, evaluation framework and application instructions on the official Zero Prize website before applying.
Official Zero Prize Website:
Zero Prize – Official Website
Official Prize and Application Information:
Zero Prize – The Prize
Important Note
The Zero Prize is a results-based environmental challenge/prize rather than a conventional NGO grant programme. NGOs and community-based organisations are among the applicant groups, but eligibility and programme requirements should be checked carefully before applying.
Application Deadline: September 13, 2026
Last Verified: September 1, 2026
Conclusion : The extension of the Zero Prize 2026 deadline provides eligible organisations and innovators with additional time to apply for this ₹5 crore environmental challenge. Organisations working on measurable solutions to air, water or land pollution should review the official programme information promptly.
Disclaimer: NGOportal only disseminates information about grants, prizes, fellowships and other funding opportunities. We do not guarantee eligibility, funding, approval or selection. Programme details, eligibility requirements, deadlines and application procedures may change. Applicants should verify the latest information directly with the official programme organiser before applying