True Zero Prize Opens for Global Startups

Tyrese Gibson, Co-Chair.

SparkLabs Group and SparkLabs True Zero have opened applications for the True Zero Global Prize, a worldwide startup competition offering $75,000 in grants for sustainability, regenerative technology and planetary health solutions. Actor, recording artist and entrepreneur Tyrese Gibson and serial entrepreneur Kevin Chou will co-chair the programme. The first-place winner will receive $50,000, with $25,000 awarded to the second-place winner. Winners are due to be announced on 15 November during the UN Climate Change Conference COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.

Prize Focuses On Sustainable Solutions

The competition is open to startups and organisations, including nonprofits, developing solutions worldwide. Priority sectors include carbon reduction, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage and transportation.

Applications opened on 1 September and close on 28 September 2026. Finalists will present to judges on 5 October, ahead of the November announcement. Entrepreneurs can apply for the True Zero Global Prize online.

Co Chairs Bring Global Reach

Gibson joins the initiative with a career spanning music, film, authorship and entrepreneurship. He has sold more than 4 million singles and albums, received six Grammy Award nominations, and held recurring roles in the Fast & Furious and Transformers film series.

Tyrese Gibson, Co-Chair of the True Zero Global Prize, said:

“I've always believed in using my platform for work that truly matters. Teaming up with SparkLabs as Co-Chair of the True Zero Global Prize is all about empowering visionaries who are reshaping our global future through sustainability. I'm looking forward to celebrating these game-changing leaders,”

Chou previously co-founded and served as chief executive of Kabam, which was initially acquired by Netmarble for $800 million. He later founded a nonprofit focused on making plug-in solar accessible to ordinary American households.

Global Panel Will Select Winners

A 34-member judging panel will select the finalists. Its members span climate and energy, artificial intelligence, agriculture, finance, policy, law, media and venture capital.

The prize also aims to bring startup founders and innovators together with operators, policymakers, venture capitalists and industry leaders, supporting companies as they progress from innovation towards global impact.

Taha Saran, Founding Partner at SparkLabs True Zero, stated:

“We are excited that this will be our first step towards the launch of SparkLabs True Zero in Türkiye. It is fortunate our country is hosting the UN Climate Change Conference, COP31, and the launch of our global sustainability startup accelerator will be soon after the conference. So we welcome all entrepreneurs across the world to apply and we will be your gracious hosts at COP31 in Antalya,”

Türkiye Launch Sets Programme Direction

Based in Ankara, SparkLabs True Zero is a joint initiative between Net Zero TEKMER, an innovation hub focused on sustainability, and SparkLabs Group. The programme combines sustainability, AI and entrepreneurship to help founders build and scale sustainable and regenerative technology companies.

SparkLabs Group, founded in 2013, operates a global network of startup accelerators, venture capital funds and innovation programmes. The group has invested in more than 600 startups worldwide.