This category recognises growth-stage enterprises translating innovative climate solutions into viable and scalable businesses. The emphasis is on climate action embodied in the solution, innovation, measurable impact and business viability.
Assessment takes place in two stages, ensuring only credible and impactful businesses are considered for recognition.
To move forward, enterprises must meet basic eligibility checks:
Entity eligibility – Must be a recognised business type (e.g., Pvt Ltd, LLP, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship). Any ceiling on size or age is to be confirmed with JSW Foundation and The Times of India.
Scale-up stage – Must meet the EBCA scale-up definition: an enterprise beyond the early stages of developing and validating its solution, with market validation, commercial traction, operational maturity, demonstrated climate impact, potential for scale and business sustainability. Solutions at idea or pilot stage do not qualify.
Alignment with eligible climate areas – Must align with at least one of the seven thematic areas in the category description.
Completeness of submission – All mandatory questions must be filled.
Evidence of operation – The enterprise must be operating with commercial sales and not remain only as a planned idea.
Only businesses meeting these requirements proceed to Stage 2 for detailed scoring.
| Applications that pass the first stage are scored across six weighted criteria using a Likert scale (1–3–5), where 1 = weak, 3 = moderate, 5 = strong. |
| 1. Climate action in the solution (20%) |
| Focus: How directly and effectively the product, service or technology mitigates emissions or builds climate resilience, rather than the sustainability of the business’s own operations. |
| 2. Innovation and uniqueness (15%) |
| Focus: Distinctiveness of technology, product, or business model; its potential to disrupt conventional practices. |
| 3. Measurable climate impact (25%) |
| Focus: Evidence of environmental outcomes such as GHG reductions, resource savings or resilience. Priority is given to achieved and verified outcomes over projections. |
| 4. Scalability and market potential (15%) |
| Focus: The potential for replication across geographies or industries, and clarity of pathways for scaling. |
| 5. Business maturity and viability (15%) |
| Focus: Market traction, revenue growth, financial sustainability and operational maturity of a growth-stage enterprise. |
| 6. Leadership and collaboration (10%) |
| Focus: The enterprise’s role in sectoral leadership, partnerships, and collaborations that strengthen the ecosystem. |
