SparkLabs launches $75k global prize for sustainability and planetary health startups
SparkLabs Group, a global startup accelerator and venture investment network, and SparkLabs True Zero, its sustainability-focused initiative, have opened applications for the True Zero Global Prize, a new worldwide competition offering $75k in grants to startups and organisations developing solutions for sustainability, regenerative technology and planetary health.
The competition will award $50k to the first-place winner and $25k to the second-place winner. Beyond the financial support, the prize will connect founders and innovators with operators, policymakers, venture capitalists and industry leaders to help promising solutions progress from innovation to global impact.
The inaugural competition also marks an early step toward the launch of SparkLabs True Zero in Türkiye. The winners will be announced in November during COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.
Taha Saran, Founding Partner, SparkLabs True Zero: “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.”
Actor, recording artist, author and entrepreneur Tyrese Gibson will serve as Co-chair of the True Zero Global Prize, bringing his international profile to a competition focused on startups addressing major global challenges. Gibson has sold more than four million singles and albums and has received six Grammy Award nominations. His acting career includes recurring roles in the Fast & Furious and Transformers film franchises, two of the highest-grossing movie series in history.
“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 said.
Tyrese will co-chair the prize alongside serial entrepreneur Kevin Chou, who previously co-founded and served as CEO of Kabam. The company was initially acquired by Netmarble for $800 million. Chou subsequently founded a nonprofit focused on making plug-in solar technology accessible to ordinary American households.
The True Zero Global Prize is open for application to startups and organisations worldwide, including nonprofits, developing solutions in sustainability, regenerative technology and planetary health. Priority areas include carbon reduction, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage and transportation.
The competition provides participants with an opportunity to gain financial support while connecting with investors, policymakers, industry executives and other stakeholders working to accelerate the development and adoption of technologies addressing environmental and planetary challenges.
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