The CAIRD Award, an annual award instituted in 2006, recognizes those outstanding S&T innovations that have helped transform the lives of rural people or generate employment. The award consists of a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh, a citation and a plaque.

CAIRD Award for the year 2017

CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad

For development of highly compact, low-cost water purification systems for providing safe drinking water in rural India especially the fluoride affected areas. 

CAIRD Award for the year 2018

M/s Watsan Envirotech Private Limited, Thoraipakkam, Chennai

For innovating cost-effective modular toilets to provide rural masses with better sanitation facilities. An innovative solution to improve rural hygiene. 

CAIRD Award for the year 2019

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai

For designing a low-cost portable solar study lamp with back up of 6-8 hours for rural school children. The innovation has already been implemented in 17,400 villages across 10 states in India, providing eco-friendly, clean light to 6.2 million rural school students in India.