RELX Environmental Challenge 2026
An annual global skill-based competition offering two US$75,000 prizes for innovative projects in sustainable access to safe water/sanitation or ocean-related innovation.
- Funding amount
- ₹62.3L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- RELX (Corporate)
- Application deadline
- Closed (12 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 is an international competition organized by RELX (UK) Limited, a provider of information-based analytics and decision tools. Since 2011, this annual challenge has awarded projects that deliver innovative, sustainable solutions for safe water and sanitation access. Marking its 15th anniversary, the 2026 edition introduces a second prize category focused on ocean innovation.
One award of US$75,000 supports projects that advance sustainable access to safe water or improve sanitation systems in vulnerable regions. The other US$75,000 prize is for initiatives that protect ocean health, preserve marine ecosystems, or create novel ocean-based solutions contributing to environmental sustainability.
The Challenge reflects RELX's Corporate Responsibility program and aims to turn promising ideas into real-world impact.
Highlights
- Two prizes of US$75,000 each
- Focus on clean water, sanitation, and ocean innovation
- Global eligibility - Indian applicants welcome
- In addition to the prize, one year free access to ScienceDirect
Who can apply
The RELX Environmental Challenge is open to individuals, teams, and organizations worldwide, including both for-profit and not-for-profit entities. Applicants must be 21 years of age or older and have internet access along with an email account. Each submission must be original work, and only one entry per person is permitted. Indian applicants are fully eligible to participate.
RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 closed on 12 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Each of the two winning projects receives a US$75,000 prize paid as a single lump sum. This money is intended to launch, sustain, or scale the proposed solution. In addition, both winners receive one year of complimentary access to ScienceDirect, RELX's scientific, technical, and medical full-text database, which contains millions of articles and books to support further research and development.
About the provider
RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 is offered by RELX, a corporate programme. It is delivered directly by RELX as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are initially reviewed by the RELX Environmental Challenge advisory group, which includes internal RELX colleagues and external specialists in water, sanitation, and sustainability. Based on the challenge criteria, this group selects a shortlist of semi-finalists.
These semi-finalists are then presented to an expert judging panel composed of external industry experts and internal RELX leaders. Shortlisted candidates are invited to make a formal presentation to the panel, where they elaborate on their proposal and answer questions. The shortlist is expected to be announced in or after August 2026, with final winners named in or after October 2026. All judging decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to RELX Environmental Challenge 2026, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹62.3L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered by the RELX Environmental Challenge 2026?
The Challenge offers two prizes, each of US$75,000, for a total of US$150,000 awarded across two winning projects. Payment is a single lump sum.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 23:59 GMT on 12 July 2026. The application window opens on 13 March 2026 at 09:00 GMT.
Who is eligible to apply?
The Challenge is open globally to individuals, teams, and organizations (both for-profit and not-for-profit). Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have internet access and an email account. Each applicant may submit only one entry, and it must be original work.
Does the competition take equity or require repayment?
No. The US$75,000 prize is a cash award with no equity taken or repayment required. It is a non-dilutive grant given through a competition.
What kind of projects are preferred?
Projects should demonstrate innovation, strong potential for replication and scalability, practical applicability, and significant community engagement. Preference is given to early-stage ideas that address sustainable access to safe water/sanitation those that aim to protect ocean health, marine ecosystems, or develop ocean-based sustainability solutions.
What are the benefits beyond the cash prize?
Each winner also receives one year of complimentary access to ScienceDirect, a comprehensive database of scientific, technical, and medical literature, to support continued research and development.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
No, the Challenge does not require DPIIT or MSME registration. Any eligible individual, team, or organization can apply.
How do I apply?
You must submit your application online through the official portal at https://relxenvironmentalchallenge.awardsplatform.com. Create an account, review the Official Challenge Rules, fill out the detailed application form, and submit within the window from 13 March 2026 to 12 July 2026. For questions, email environmental.challenge@relx.com.
Who offers RELX Environmental Challenge 2026?
RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 is offered by RELX, a corporate programme. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to RELX Environmental Challenge 2026
Not sure RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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