Evaluation
Learn more about how applications are evaluated.
Peer-to-Peer Review
During Peer-to-Peer Review, each applicant will score and comment on five other applications using the four criteria included in the scoring rubric: effective, game-changing, feasible, and scalable. This is the same scoring rubric that the Evaluation Panel will use in their review.
Scores will be calculated using an algorithm that ensures a level playing field for all applicants. In addition to scoring each application on the four criteria in the scoring rubric, Peer-to-Peer reviewers will also provide a final numerical score, ranging between 0-100, representing an overall impression of the entire application. We ask that each Peer-to-Peer reviewer carefully read the applications given to them and provide meaningful feedback. Completion of Peer Review from mid-August to early September 2026 is required to remain eligible for the prize and to receive your anonymized peer feedback.
Peer-to-Peer Review will result in a rank order of all valid submissions. Based on the rank order of scores, a subset of top-scoring applications will move forward to the Evaluation Panel. Note: Scores and feedback from Peer Review will not be shared with the Evaluation Panel or publicly—only the ZERO 2050 team and applicants will have access to their anonymized scores and feedback.
Evaluation Panel
Evaluation Panel judges will score and provide feedback on the applications assigned to them using the scoring rubric, and each valid application will receive five sets of anonymized reviews with scores that have been statistically normalized to ensure a level playing field.
Informed by the resulting rank order of applications after Evaluation Panel review, up to five Finalists will be selected for site visits from November – December 2026.
Selection Committee
The Selection Committee will review the top-scoring submissions. Based on considerations that may include, but are not limited to, Evaluation Panel resulting rank order and a diversity of solutions, geography, and feasibility, the Selection Committee will recommend up to two Winners to each receive $1 million. McElhattan Foundation reserves the right to make final decisions to select the Winners.
