Tyrese Gibson and Kevin Chou to Lead True Zero Startup Competition

SparkLabs Group is positioning the competition as a bridge between early-stage innovation and large-scale policy implementation. The program targets startups working in carbon reduction, energy storage, and renewable technology, with a 34-member jury panel consisting of experts from finance, artificial intelligence, and international government sectors. Winners will be announced on November 15, following the conclusion of the UN Climate Change Conference.

Gibson, known for his work in the Fast & Furious and Transformers franchises, joins the venture alongside Kevin Chou, the former CEO of Kabam who shifted his focus toward solar energy advocacy. According to Taha Saran, a founding partner at SparkLabs True Zero, the contest serves as a precursor to the launch of a new sustainability-focused accelerator in Türkiye. Startups have until September 28 to submit their applications for the prize, which distributes $50,000 to the first-place winner and $25,000 to the runner-up.