The Aletheia Climate Prize, explained: who it’s for and how to apply

Applications are open until Sunday 15 November 2026. Five finalists will each receive $25,000 in flexible, non-dilutive funding, plus access to our network. Here’s everything you need to know.

A prize for Pakistan’s climate builders

Across Pakistan, founders are building businesses that answer climate challenges in practical ways. Solar for homes and farms. Smarter ways to use and deliver water. New uses for waste. Better warning before floods and heatwaves.

Many of these businesses are early. Their teams are small, their first customers are close to home, and they are ready for the next step.

The Aletheia Climate Prize is for them. We created it to back Pakistan’s homegrown climate builders at the stage where the right support can make the biggest difference.

“The innovators have always been here. What they need now is the backing to grow.” Zoya Shabir Siddiqui, Trustee, Aletheia Impact

What you get

• $25,000 in funding. Five finalists will each receive $25,000.
• No equity taken. The funding is non-dilutive. You keep full ownership of your business.
• Flexibility. Use it where it will help you grow most: scaling production, reaching new markets and customers, or strengthening your team.
• Our network. Introductions to the funders, partners and advisers in Aletheia’s network who can help you grow.
• A wider stage. We’ll help share your story with the people and organisations who can take your work further.

Who should apply

You’re a good fit if:

• Your business is based in Pakistan. 
• Climate is the point of your business, not a side benefit.
• You’re early-stage, with a working solution, a pilot or your first customers, and you’re ready to scale.
• Your business is climate positive, with a real impact on local communities and the environment. That could be energy, water, agriculture or waste, but also sustainable fashion, tourism, or something we haven’t thought of yet

You don’t need to be big. You need to be building. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, apply. We would rather hear from you.

How it works

1. Apply. Complete the application here by Sunday 15 November 2026.
2. Assess. Every application is reviewed against the same criteria. Shortlisted founders are invited to a 15-minute video call with our team in late November, so we can hear about your business in your own words.
3. Award. Five finalists are selected with our panel. We’ll celebrate them at an award ceremony in Islamabad on 18 December. Before funds are transferred, we’ll complete some simple due diligence and agree how we’ll work together.
4. Scale. Alongside the funding, finalists get access to our network and support to help take their business to the next stage.

What we look for

• A clear climate problem. Who is affected, where, and why it matters.
• Evidence that your solution works. A viable product, customers, early results or data.
• A team that can deliver. The people behind the business and what they bring.
• A plan for the funding. What $25,000 would change for your business, and what comes next.

Tips for a strong application

• Be specific. Numbers, places and customers tell us more than adjectives.
• Show progress, not polish. We’re looking for proof that you’re building something real, not a perfect pitch.
• Say what the money changes. Tell us the one or two things $25,000 would unlock for your business.
• Don’t wait for the deadline. Applying early gives you time to get it right.

Key dates

• Sunday 15 November 2026: applications close
• Late November: video calls with shortlisted founders
• 18 December 2026: award ceremony, Islamabad

Frequently asked questions

Does Aletheia take equity in my business?
No. The funding is non-dilutive. You keep full ownership.

Does my business need to be registered?
Yes, your business should be registered.

Can I apply if I’ve already received other funding or been part of an accelerator?
Yes, you can definitely apply if you have received funding or been part of an accelerator.

Not sure your business counts? Should I still apply?
If it’s good for the climate, local communities and the environment, and you have a working product, apply.

How long does the application take?
The application takes around 10-15 minutes to complete. 

What happens after I apply?
Shortlisted founders will hear from us in late November.

Who is Aletheia Impact?
Aletheia Impact is a venture platform for climate innovation in Pakistan. We back early-stage climate businesses with capital, networks and the stories that take their work further.

Ready to apply?
If you’re building a climate business in Pakistan, this prize is for you. Applications close on Sunday 15 November 2026.

Apply here.