New Delhi, Aug 5: The Earthshot Prize, the world’s most prestigious environmental award, announced the appointment of Smita Rakesh as Director of India. In her role, Smita will lead the Prize’s strategy, partnerships and engagement across the country, working with government, businesses, investors, philanthropists, environmental organisations and innovators to help identify, back and replicate solutions to the world’s most urgent environmental challenges.
Smita brings more than 15 years of experience across climate action, sustainable development and innovation in India and Asia. Her work has focused on building entrepreneurship and investment ecosystems that advance climate mitigation, adaptation and ecosystem restoration while supporting inclusive and equitable development.
Prior to joining The Earthshot Prize, Smita served as Vice President and Partner at Social Alpha, where she led the Climate and Sustainability practice. She built a full-stack innovation curation and venture development platform designed to accelerate high-impact science and technology-based climate solutions from the laboratory to markets and communities. She led the team that supported a portfolio of over 100 early-stage innovations spanning clean energy, circular economy, climate resilience and sustainable rural and urban transition, helping them grow and scale.
Smita has also worked with and advised leading global, multilateral and development organisations, including the United Nations Environment Programme, Waverley Street Foundation, Tata Trusts, the International Center for Research on Women, Ashden and The Energy and Resources Institute.
Jason Knauf, CEO, The Earthshot Prize, said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Smita to The Earthshot Prize team. India is home to more Earthshot Prize Winners and Finalists than any other country, reflecting the extraordinary innovation and leadership emerging across its environmental ecosystem. Smita’s experience building partnerships and supporting climate leaders will be invaluable as we deepen our engagement across India and help more breakthrough solutions scale their impact.’’
Smita Rakesh, Director of India, The Earthshot Prize, said:
“India is demonstrating that environmental action and economic development can advance together. Across the country, innovators and communities are creating solutions rooted in science, entrepreneurship and lived experience, but many still need the right partnerships and capital to reach their full potential. I am honoured to join The Earthshot Prize and look forward to helping connect India’s environmental leaders with the networks, resources and global platforms they need to scale their impact.”
Smita’s appointment reflects The Earthshot Prize’s commitment to deepening its engagement with India’s environmental ecosystem and building a lasting platform to support solutions across its five Earthshots: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World and Fix Our Climate.
The appointment comes ahead of The Earthshot Prize Summit and Awards Night in Mumbai in November 2026, marking the first time the Prize’s flagship annual event will take place in India. The event will bring together global leaders, innovators, funders, investors, philanthropists, businesses, communities and policymakers from India and around the world. Five Earthshot Prize Winners will each receive £1 million to help advance or replicate their work.