Karan Johar has been confirmed as the host of The Earthshot Prize Awards Night 2026, making him the first Indian to host the prestigious environmental awards ceremony. The event is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on November 17, 2026.The Earthshot Prize recognises innovative solutions aimed at addressing some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. The annual award was founded by Prince William.The Earthshot Prize 2026 will bring together environmental innovators, business leaders, investors and other global figures in Mumbai. Earlier this year, Mumbai was announced as the host city, marking the first time the Indian city will host the event.
Karan Johar Becomes First Indian Earthshot Prize Host
Karan Johar has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 Earthshot Prize Awards Night. The Indian filmmaker and broadcaster is known for shows and programmes including Koffee with Karan and The Traitors India.
Johar has spoken about the significance of becoming the first Indian to host the Earthshot Prize and described the opportunity to host the awards in Mumbai as a unique experience.
His involvement also brings a prominent Indian entertainment personality to an international event focused on environmental innovation and sustainability.
Earthshot Prize 2026 – When and Where Will It Happen?
The Earthshot Prize Awards Night 2026 will take place in Mumbai on November 17, 2026. It will be the first time the ceremony is held in India.
The Earthshot Prize announced Mumbai as the host city for its 2026 edition in February. Previous editions of the event have been held in Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, Singapore, Boston and London.
The 2026 edition will bring together environmental leaders and innovators, culminating in a televised Earthshot Prize Awards Night in Mumbai.
Prince William’s Earthshot Prize Makes Its Way to India
The Earthshot Prize was founded in 2020 by Prince William with the aim of supporting solutions that can help repair and protect the planet.
The prize is based on five categories: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World and Fix Our Climate.
According to the Earthshot Prize, the 2026 edition features 15 finalists selected from nearly 7,000 nominations, with teams spanning 169 countries. Five winners will be announced during the Mumbai ceremony, with each winner receiving a £1 million prize.
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Earthshot Prize 2026 – 15 Finalists Announced
The Earthshot Prize 2026 finalists include organisations and initiatives working across conservation, clean energy, waste reduction, ocean protection and climate technology.
| Earthshot Category | Examples of 2026 Finalists |
|---|---|
| Protect and Restore Nature | Bhutan, Indigenous Desert Alliance, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative |
| Clean Our Air | Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, AirQo, Satellites on Fire |
| Revive Our Oceans | Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance, The City of Barcelona, Niue Ocean Wide Trust |
| Build a Waste-Free World | PFAS-Free France, South Korea Zero Waste Movement Network, Mother Earth Foundation |
| Fix Our Climate | Pula, Ørsted |
India’s Representation at Earthshot Prize 2026
India has a notable presence among the Earthshot Prize 2026 finalists. Mahindra Last Mile Mobility has been selected in the Clean Our Air category, while Mahila Housing Trust is among the finalists under Fix Our Climate.
The Earthshot Prize states that India is home to more of its winners and finalists than any other country. Hosting the 2026 ceremony in Mumbai is expected to provide an international platform for Indian environmental initiatives and innovators.
What Does Karan Johar’s Role Bring to the Table?
Karan Johar’s hosting role will connect India’s entertainment industry with an international environmental awards platform. The filmmaker has extensive experience in entertainment and television, including hosting the long-running celebrity chat show Koffee with Karan and The Traitors.
For the 2026 Earthshot Prize, Johar will host an awards ceremony focused on people and organisations developing solutions to environmental challenges.
Additional presenters and performers for the Mumbai Earthshot Prize event are expected to be announced ahead of the ceremony.
Earthshot Prize 2026 – What Can We Expect?
The Mumbai Earthshot Prize ceremony will celebrate all 15 finalists before announcing five winners across the five Earthshot categories. The event is also expected to bring together innovators, funders, businesses, environmental experts and communities.
The Earthshot Prize says its finalists receive mentorship and resources, along with the opportunity to win the £1 million prize. The initiative aims to help expand the impact of environmental solutions developed by the finalists.
With Karan Johar confirmed as the host, the November 17, 2026 ceremony will mark a notable occasion for India’s entertainment industry as the Earthshot Prize comes to Mumbai for the first time.
Conclusion
Karan Johar will host the Earthshot Prize Awards Night 2026 in Mumbai on November 17, becoming the first Indian to host the prestigious environmental awards ceremony. The event will feature 15 finalists competing across five categories, with five winners set to receive £1 million each.
The Mumbai ceremony will also highlight India’s growing representation at the Earthshot Prize, with Indian organisations among the 2026 finalists. More presenters and performers are expected to be announced ahead of the event.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When will Karan Johar host the Earthshot Prize? | Karan Johar will host The Earthshot Prize Awards Night in Mumbai on November 17, 2026. |
| Is Karan Johar the first Indian to host the Earthshot Prize? | Yes. Karan Johar has been confirmed as the first Indian to host The Earthshot Prize Awards Night. |
| Where will the Earthshot Prize 2026 be held? | The 2026 Earthshot Prize Awards Night will be held in Mumbai, India. |
| How much does each Earthshot Prize winner receive? | Each of the five 2026 winners will receive £1 million to help scale their environmental solutions. |
| Who founded The Earthshot Prize? | The Earthshot Prize was founded by Prince William in 2020 to support solutions aimed at repairing and protecting the planet. |
