Three 16-year-old Indian students—Vivan Chhachharia, Ariana Agrawal, and Avyana Mehta—have brought pride to the nation by winning the global title at Earth Prize 2026. The trio received the prestigious award for their innovative project, 'Plas-Stick,' which offers an affordable, eco-friendly, and effective solution for removing microplastics from water. With this achievement, India has become the global winner of the prestigious competition for the first time.
The competition accepted registrations and project submissions from September 2025 to February 2026. In April 2026, the Indian team was selected as the regional winner for Asia. This was followed by a global public vote in the final week of May, where nearly 23,000 people voted to choose the overall winner from seven regional finalists. After the voting, the Indian team was officially declared the global winner during an online award ceremony held in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 29, 2026.
How Does 'Plas-Stick' Work?
The students developed a biodegradable magnetic powder using discarded tamarind seeds. When added to contaminated water, the powder binds with microplastic particles, allowing them to be easily removed using a magnet. The process does not require electricity, making it a practical solution for rural and resource-limited areas.
Another key feature of the technology is that the extracted microplastics are not discarded. Instead, they are converted into durable products such as tiles and coasters, preventing them from re-entering the environment while promoting waste reduction.
What Is Earth Prize?
Earth Prize is one of the world's leading environmental innovation competitions for students aged 13 to 19. It aims to encourage young people to develop practical and sustainable solutions to climate change and environmental challenges. The success of the Indian team is being seen as a significant example of the country's growing youth innovation and scientific talent.
