Apply for the True Zero Global Prize

Deadline: 28-Sep-2026

The True Zero Global Prize is a worldwide competition supporting startups developing innovative solutions in sustainability, regenerative technology, and planetary health. Organized by SparkLabs True Zero, the prize awards $50,000 USD to two selected startups annually to help accelerate the development and impact of their innovative solutions.

About the True Zero Global Prize

The True Zero Global Prize is a global competition organized by SparkLabs True Zero for startups working to address critical challenges related to sustainability, regenerative technology, and planetary health. The initiative aims to identify groundbreaking companies developing innovative solutions that can create positive impact and contribute to a more livable future. The programme coincides with COP31, scheduled to take place from November 9–20, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye. What Is the Purpose of the Prize? The True Zero Global Prize seeks startups developing unique and transformative solutions for major global challenges.

The competition aims to:

- Support innovative sustainability solutions. - Promote regenerative technologies. - Advance planetary health. - Identify groundbreaking startups. - Encourage positive environmental and societal impact. - Help innovative companies transform their industries. - Accelerate solutions that contribute to a more livable future. Who Can Apply? The True Zero Global Prize is open to startups from around the world. The competition is intended for companies developing innovative solutions in areas such as: - Sustainability. - Regenerative technology. - Planetary health. Applicants should have a unique solution with the potential to transform their industry and contribute to addressing critical global challenges. How Much Is the Prize? A prize of $50,000 USD is awarded to two selected startups annually. The funding is intended to help winning companies accelerate the development and impact of their innovative solutions. With two startups selected each year, the prize provides financial support and recognition to companies working on transformative sustainability and planetary health solutions. What Types of Startups Are Sought? The competition seeks groundbreaking startups developing solutions that can create positive impact. Companies should be able to demonstrate how their innovation can: - Address an important global challenge. - Transform an industry. - Improve how people respond to critical challenges. - Advance sustainability or regenerative technology. - Contribute to planetary health. - Create a more livable future. What Information Must Applicants Submit? Applicants are required to provide information about their company and innovative solution.

The submission should include:

- Company name. - Short description of the startup. - Explanation of what makes the company unique. - Explanation of how the company is transformative for its industry. - Company website or prototype access. - Video introduction of the team and product or idea. - Company deck. - Information about team members. - Company location. - Number of employees. - Competitors. - Details of any prior financing raised. Startup Description Applicants should provide a clear and concise description of their startup. The description should explain what the company does and how its solution addresses a relevant sustainability, regenerative technology, or planetary health challenge. Applicants should also clearly communicate what differentiates their company from other businesses operating in the same field. Website or Prototype Access Applications must include access to the startup’s website or prototype. This gives applicants an opportunity to demonstrate their product, technology, or solution and provide additional context about how their innovation works. Team and Product Video Applicants must submit a video introduction of the team and product or idea. The video must be under three minutes. Applicants should use the video to clearly introduce their team and explain their product or innovative idea. Company Deck A company deck is also required as part of the submission. The deck should provide relevant information about the startup and help demonstrate the company’s solution, development, and potential to create transformative impact. Company and Team Information Applicants must provide additional information about their company and team.

This includes:

- Team members. - Company location. - Employee count. - Competitors. - Previous financing raised. Providing this information allows the competition to understand the startup’s team, market position, and development stage. Why the True Zero Global Prize Matters Startups play an important role in developing new approaches to global sustainability and planetary challenges. The True Zero Global Prize is designed to identify companies developing innovative solutions and provide financial support that can help accelerate their development and impact. The competition also provides international recognition to startups working to create positive change in sustainability, regenerative technology, and planetary health. Connection With COP31 The True Zero Global Prize coincides with COP31, which is scheduled for November 9–20, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye. The timing places the competition within a major global period of discussion around climate and sustainability challenges and highlights the importance of innovative solutions for creating a more livable future. How to Prepare a Strong Application Startups should present their innovation clearly and explain why their solution is unique and transformative. A strong submission should clearly communicate: - The problem the startup is addressing. - The proposed solution. - What makes the company unique. - How the solution can transform its industry. - The potential sustainability or planetary health impact. - The team’s capabilities. - The current product or prototype. - The company’s competitive landscape. - An