Tyrese Gibson and Kevin Chou Co-Chair the True Zero Global Prize for Startups Tackling the Planet's Biggest Challenges

SparkLabs' global competition names Tyrese Gibson and Kevin Chou co-chairs and brings together 34 leaders across climate, AI, energy, finance and government as judges ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye

PALO ALTO, Calif. and ANKARA, Türkiye, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SparkLabs Group and SparkLabs True Zero today announced that applications are open for the True Zero Global Prize, a new worldwide startup competition awarding $75,000 to innovators advancing sustainability, regenerative technologies and planetary health. The first-place winner will receive $50,000 and the second-place winner will receive $25,000 as a grant.

More importantly, the contest will connect startup founders and innovators operators, policymakers, venture capitalists and various industry leaders to help these promising companies move faster from innovation to global impact.

"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," stated Taha Saran, Founding Partner at SparkLabs True Zero.

The winners will be announced November 15, during the UN Climate Change Conference COP31, which takes place November 9-20 in Antalya, Türkiye.

Actor, recording artist, author and entrepreneur Tyrese Gibson will serve as Co-chair of the True Zero Global Prize, bringing global visibility to startup founders solving some of the most consequential challenges today. Tyrese has sold over 4 million singles and albums and has been nominated for six Grammy Awards. As an actor, he has had recurring roles in two of the highest-grossing film series in movie history: Fast & Furious and Transformers.

"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," Tyrese Gibson explained.

Tyrese is joined by serial entrepreneur, Kevin Chou, as Co-Chair. Kevin was previously Co-founder and CEO of Kabam, which was initially acquired by Netmarble for $800 million. He turned his efforts to found a nonprofit working to put plug-in solar within reach of ordinary American households.

WHO SHOULD APPLY
The Prize is open to startups and organizations, including nonprofits, worldwide developing solutions across sustainability, regenerative technology and planetary health. Priority sectors include carbon reduction, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, and transportation.

The key dates for the contest are:

Applications opened: September 1, 2026

Application deadline: September 28, 2026

Finalists present to judges: October 5, 2026

Winners announced: November 15, 2026

Apply at: https://www.f6s.com/true-zero-global-prize/apply

A 34-member global judging panel will select the finalists. This will be a multidisciplinary panel spanning climate and energy, artificial intelligence, agriculture, finance, policy, law, media and venture capital.

ABOUT SPARKLABS TRUE ZERO
SparkLabs True Zero is where sustainability, AI and entrepreneurship come together to create global impact. Based in Ankara, Türkiye, it is a joint initiative of Net Zero TEKMER, an innovation hub focused on sustainability, and SparkLabs Group, a global network of startup accelerators and venture capital funds. This global program accelerates sustainable and regenerative technologies by helping world-class founders build and scale high-impact companies.

ABOUT SPARKLABS GROUP
Founded in 2013, SparkLabs Group is a global network of startup accelerators, venture capital funds and innovation programs supporting entrepreneurs across major technology and industry sectors. The group has invested in more than 600 startups around the world.

SOURCE SparkLabs Group