Tyrese Gibson and Kevin Chou to Lead True Zero Global Prize for Eco-Innovation
On September 7, 2026, SparkLabs Group and SparkLabs True Zero unveiled the True Zero Global Prize, a global initiative focused on startups making strides in sustainability, regenerative technologies, and planetary health. The competition will award a total of $75,000, including a $50,000 grant for the first-place winner and a $25,000 grant for the second-place winner. This innovative prize aims to recognize and promote startups tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet today.
The contest is expected to create valuable connections among startup founders, policymakers, venture capitalists, and industry leaders, accelerating the path from idea to impactful application. "We are thrilled to initiate this journey during a pivotal time, just before the UN Climate Change Conference, COP31, in Antalya, Türkiye," said Taha Saran, Founding Partner at SparkLabs True Zero. He invited entrepreneurs globally to apply and attend the conference, emphasizing the opportunity for exchange and collaboration.
The announcement has garnered significant attention, especially as Tyrese Gibson takes on the role of Co-chair for the competition. Known for his successful music career and roles in blockbuster franchises such as Fast & Furious and Transformers, Gibson aims to bring heightened visibility to the issues of sustainability and innovation. "I believe in harnessing my platform for meaningful work. Partnering with SparkLabs through the True Zero Global Prize is a way to empower visionaries shaping our future through sustainable practices," he remarked.
Alongside Gibson, Kevin Chou, a serial entrepreneur and previous co-founder of Kabam, will also serve as co-chair. Chou's focus on making solar energy accessible to everyday Americans aligns perfectly with the prize's goals and mission.
The True Zero Global Prize welcomes applications from diverse startups and nonprofit organizations working on solutions related to sustainability, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and more. With an application deadline set for September 28, 2026, finalists will present their innovations to judges on October 5, and winners will be announced on November 15, 2026.
A diverse judging panel composed of leaders in climate, energy, artificial intelligence, and venture capital will evaluate the candidates. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that all applications are assessed from various perspectives, enhancing the potential for groundbreaking innovations to emerge.
SparkLabs True Zero represents a strategic shift towards a more sustainable and tech-savvy future, uniting sustainable development and entrepreneurship to foster significant global impact. Based in Ankara, Türkiye, the initiative emerges from a partnership with Net Zero TEKMER and SparkLabs Group. With over 600 startups backed globally, SparkLabs Group is well positioned to drive this new sustainability-focused endeavor.
As the world grapples with escalating climate challenges, competitions like the True Zero Global Prize not only incentivize innovation but also add urgency to the mission of creating impactful, sustainable solutions. Entrepreneurs from around the world are encouraged to engage, innovate, and potentially change the course of our environmental future for the better.
The contest is expected to create valuable connections among startup founders, policymakers, venture capitalists, and industry leaders, accelerating the path from idea to impactful application. "We are thrilled to initiate this journey during a pivotal time, just before the UN Climate Change Conference, COP31, in Antalya, Türkiye," said Taha Saran, Founding Partner at SparkLabs True Zero. He invited entrepreneurs globally to apply and attend the conference, emphasizing the opportunity for exchange and collaboration.
The announcement has garnered significant attention, especially as Tyrese Gibson takes on the role of Co-chair for the competition. Known for his successful music career and roles in blockbuster franchises such as Fast & Furious and Transformers, Gibson aims to bring heightened visibility to the issues of sustainability and innovation. "I believe in harnessing my platform for meaningful work. Partnering with SparkLabs through the True Zero Global Prize is a way to empower visionaries shaping our future through sustainable practices," he remarked.
Alongside Gibson, Kevin Chou, a serial entrepreneur and previous co-founder of Kabam, will also serve as co-chair. Chou's focus on making solar energy accessible to everyday Americans aligns perfectly with the prize's goals and mission.
The True Zero Global Prize welcomes applications from diverse startups and nonprofit organizations working on solutions related to sustainability, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and more. With an application deadline set for September 28, 2026, finalists will present their innovations to judges on October 5, and winners will be announced on November 15, 2026.
A diverse judging panel composed of leaders in climate, energy, artificial intelligence, and venture capital will evaluate the candidates. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that all applications are assessed from various perspectives, enhancing the potential for groundbreaking innovations to emerge.
SparkLabs True Zero represents a strategic shift towards a more sustainable and tech-savvy future, uniting sustainable development and entrepreneurship to foster significant global impact. Based in Ankara, Türkiye, the initiative emerges from a partnership with Net Zero TEKMER and SparkLabs Group. With over 600 startups backed globally, SparkLabs Group is well positioned to drive this new sustainability-focused endeavor.
As the world grapples with escalating climate challenges, competitions like the True Zero Global Prize not only incentivize innovation but also add urgency to the mission of creating impactful, sustainable solutions. Entrepreneurs from around the world are encouraged to engage, innovate, and potentially change the course of our environmental future for the better.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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