KPMG Nature Positive Challenge is on the hunt for eco startups with a $100,000 prize up for grabs

• 5 finalists receive help to grow their nature-positive impact
• $100,000 Nature Positive Prize to the winner
• A $20,000 People’s Choice Prize chosen by KPMG staff
• A new First Nations category
• Two new themes: regenerative economy and sustainable food systems

Applications for the annual KPMG Nature Positive Challenge for 2024 are now open to startups in Australia, Fiji and PNG that have a positive impact on nature and the environment.

The program helps the startups involved accelerate positive outcomes for nature and biodiversity in the region and this year is focused on two key themes:

• Regenerative economy – Startups with solutions that support nature regeneration and practices that rebuild natural capital and ecosystems. This includes ventures scaling regenerative economies such as biodiversity carbon credit infrastructure and restoration projects; and
• Sustainable food systems – Startups helping to track or prevent generation of food waste, enhancing nature and biodiversity while maximising productive landscapes. This includes ventures promoting sustainable agriculture and responsible consumption and production, in harmony with nature.

Applications close on November 8, with the KPMG Nature Positive Prize, worth $100,000 in cash, awarded in early 2025.

All up five startups be chosen to sharein  a $250,000 pool of services, including access to KPMG business leaders and specialist teams to help take their idea to the next level. The consulting firm will also connect the startups involved with industry partners and impact investors.

The finalists will be selected by a judging panel that includes Jawun CEO Shane Webster; Climate Salad cofounder Mick Liubinskas and WWF-Australia Chief Regeneration Officer, Nicole Forrester; as well as KPMG Enterprise ESG lead, Josh Geelan, and KPMG Natural Capital & Biodiversity Lead, Carolin Leeshaa.

Another $20,000 will be awarded to one of the finalists as a ‘People’s Choice’ vote by KPMG staff

KPMG Australia CEO Andrew Yates said its the third year of the challenge, with the past winners including plastic alternatives biotech Uluu, which raised $8 million in Seed funding, and biodiversity data platform startup Xylo Systems.

“Nature Positive has now entered mainstream corporate consciousness and increasingly influencing how businesses operate,” he said.

“A new category for First Nations startups reflects that these communities, through traditional knowledge and practices, continue to play a leading role in promoting a harmonious relationship with the land and to innovate to protect our ecosystems. We also want to recognise the growth potential of Indigenous businesses to the Australian economy and contribution to our environment.”

2023 winner, Camille Goldstone-Henry, is a Kamilaroi woman and cofounder & CEO of Xylo Systems.

“Winning the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge was a game-changer for us. The funding accelerated the launch of our platform, positioning us as a leader in biodiversity tech and attracting global clients,” she said.

“Partnering with KPMG’s nature and biodiversity experts sharpened our alignment with global nature frameworks, further enhancing our value to international customers.”

To apply for KPMG Nature Positive Challenge, head to kpmg.com/au/naturepositive