Carrot is partnering with the McElhattan Foundation to launch ZERO 2050, a new national challenge program designed to eliminate preventable workplace deaths through bold, engineering-driven solutions.
The first initiative under this platform, the Zero Electrocution Challenge, will award up to $2 million to innovations that can eliminate fatal electrocution risks on the job—moving beyond incremental safety improvements toward solutions that make deadly exposure physically impossible.
Workplace electrocution remains a persistent issue. More than 150 workers per year have died from electrical contact in the U.S. over the past decade—primarily laborers, maintenance workers, and tree trimmers performing routine tasks. Despite existing regulations and safety protocols, progress has plateaued.
ZERO 2050 is designed to change that trajectory.
Rather than focusing on risk mitigation, the program is structured to accelerate practical, scalable technologies that remove hazards entirely—aligning safety outcomes with operational efficiency and productivity.
“The goal is not to manage the risk of electrocution—it’s to eliminate it,” said Kent McElhattan, Chairman and CEO of McElhattan Foundation.
The Zero Electrocution Challenge is open to a broad range of applicants, including nonprofits, companies, academic institutions, and tribal governments. Submissions will be evaluated on effectiveness, feasibility, and ability to scale in real-world environments.
Program Timeline
Prospective applicants are encouraged to complete the Readiness Tool to assess fit before applying.
At Carrot, we design and manage challenge programs that translate ambition into execution. ZERO 2050 reflects a growing shift in how funders approach impact—prioritizing outcomes that are measurable, deployable, and capable of scaling across industries.
This is not about incremental improvement. It’s about redefining what “safe work” means.
Learn more and apply at the Zero Electrocution Challenge website.
