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Programs That Prepare Startups for Global Growth

SparkLabs True Zero runs acceleration programs and international entrepreneurship programs to discover and develop startups aligned with its investment focus and prepare them for global growth.

Three-Month Program

SparkLabs True Zero Accelerator Program

The SparkLabs True Zero Accelerator Program is a three-month startup development program, run in cohorts, supporting startups developing solutions in Planetary Health and sustainable technologies across product validation, business model, corporate partnerships, investment readiness and global growth.

Duration3 Months
Program ModelAcceleration and Investment Readiness
FormatHybrid
Program LanguageTurkish and English

What the Program Offers

The Support You Need to Grow Your Startup

Capital & Investor Access

Direct investment evaluation and access to a global investor network.

Mentorship

Development support from local and global experts.

Corporate Access

Pilot and corporate partnership opportunities.

Global Growth

Access to new markets and international partners.

Capital & Investment

Investment Evaluation

Startups that stand out during the program are evaluated by SparkLabs True Zero for potential direct investment opportunities; eligible startups are also introduced to our global network of investors and co-investors.

  • Alignment with at least one of the nine focus areas
  • A scalable product, technology or business model
  • A strong and complementary founding team
  • National or international growth potential

Focus Areas

Nine Focus Areas for Planetary Health

  • Climate Technologies
  • Renewable Energy
  • Food & Agriculture Technologies
  • Water Technologies
  • Nature & Biodiversity
  • Healthy & Smart Cities
  • Circular Economy & Advanced Materials
  • Sustainable Industry
  • AI & Digital Technologies

Who Can Apply?

Early-stage startups developing a scalable product, service or technology in Planetary Health and sustainable technologies can apply to the program.

  • Alignment with at least one of the nine focus areas
  • A scalable business model
  • Motivation for product development and growth
  • Potential to expand into national or international markets

Program Process

  1. Application
  2. Pre-evaluation
  3. Interview
  4. Three-Month Program
  5. Demo Day

The program concludes with a Demo Day where startups meet investors and potential partners.

A Separate Global Program

True Zero Global Prize

The True Zero Global Prize is an international startup competition designed to discover and develop high-impact startups in Planetary Health and sustainable technologies and connect them with global investors. The program's international meetings will take place in Antalya as part of COP31.

The Global Prize is a global competition with its own application process, run separately from the SparkLabs True Zero Accelerator Program. Startups selected through the competition will also take part in a competition-specific preparation phase.

Explore the True Zero Global Prize

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the program?

The program lasts three months.

Who can apply?

Early-stage startups developing a scalable product, service or technology in Planetary Health and sustainable technologies can apply.

How is the program delivered?

The program is hybrid: in-person sessions take place at NetZero TEKMER's facilities in Ankara, and part of the mentoring is held online. The program is delivered in Turkish and English.

When do applications open?

Application periods are published on the application page when announced; applications are evaluated separately for each cohort.

Is it the same program as the True Zero Global Prize?

No. The Global Prize is a separate international competition held as part of COP31; applications are made through the official competition website.