FEBRUARY 11TH 2026
Good news for River Cleanup: Founder and CEO, Thomas de Groote, has been selected as an Ashoka Fellow. He now joins the world’s largest network of social entrepreneurs. We are proud to see his work and our approach recognised internationally.
His Fellowship was officially celebrated on 11 February at the Ashoka Social Impact Night 2026 in Brussels, where Ashoka Belgium brought together its community of social entrepreneurs, partners, and changemakers.
With this recognition, Thomas joins Ashoka’s international Fellowship, united around the vision “Everyone a Changemaker”. Ashoka has more than 4,000 Fellows across 100 countries. The global network includes well-known Fellows such as Jimmy Wales (Wikipedia founder) and Muhammad Yunus (Grameen Bank). Over the past 20 years, five Ashoka Fellows have received the Nobel Peace Prize.
As an Ashoka Fellow, Thomas will receive long-term support, including tailored guidance, access to a global peer network, and connections to pro bono partners.
“Our ambition is to make 1,000 rivers plastic-free by 2050. Through Ashoka, we can learn from entrepreneurs who have already achieved system change. That helps us scale faster and smarter,” says Thomas de Groote.
“Rivers connect all of us, and so does Thomas. He is building a movement where everyone, from schoolchildren to policymakers, becomes part of the solution. We recognise his work at River Cleanup and his holistic, science-based approach to tackling plastic pollution. We are delighted to welcome him into our community of changemakers,” says Romain Gustot, Director of Ashoka Belgium.
This inauguration marks an important milestone for River Cleanup as it works to expand and embed the Clean River Model internationally to prevent river pollution in a lasting and structural way.
Want to learn more or get involved? Discover the Clean River Model and how you can join as a partner, donor, or volunteer.
