True Zero Global Prize Launches for Sustainable Startups

SparkLabs Group and SparkLabs True Zero have launched the True Zero Global Prize, a new worldwide competition aimed at identifying and supporting startups tackling climate and sustainability challenges. The inaugural prize will award $75,000 to the winning startup, with $50,000 going to the first-place winner and $25,000 to the second-place winner. The competition is designed to connect innovative founders with key industry leaders, policymakers, and venture capitalists, accelerating the impact of their solutions.

The contest will convene a multidisciplinary panel of 34 judges, including leaders in climate, AI, energy, finance, and government, to select the finalists. The winners will be announced on November 15 during the UN Climate Change Conference COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.

Tyrese Gibson, a renowned actor, recording artist, author, and entrepreneur, will serve as Co-Chair of the True Zero Global Prize. With over 4 million singles and albums sold, Gibson has been nominated for six Grammy Awards. His role as Co-Chair highlights his commitment to using his platform for meaningful change. "I've always believed in using my platform for work that truly matters," said Gibson. "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."

Kevin Chou, a serial entrepreneur, will also serve as Co-Chair. Previously the Co-founder and CEO of Kabam, Chou has since focused on founding a nonprofit working to make solar technology more accessible. "The True Zero Global Prize is a significant step in accelerating the adoption of sustainable technologies," stated Chou. "We are thrilled to be a part of this initiative, which will bring together a diverse and influential group of leaders to support and celebrate innovative startups."

The True Zero Global Prize is open to startups and organizations, including nonprofits, working on solutions in carbon reduction, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, and transportation. The competition is seen as a crucial step towards the launch of SparkLabs True Zero in Türkiye, which will host the country's first global sustainability startup accelerator after COP31.

Taha Saran, Founding Partner at SparkLabs True Zero, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event. "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," said Saran.

The True Zero Global Prize aims to connect promising startups with the resources and support they need to achieve global impact. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the competition seeks to accelerate the development of sustainable technologies and solutions that can address some of the planet's biggest challenges.