KPMG launches challenge to reward eco startups with AUD $370,000

KPMG Australia has launched the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge 2025, designed to support eco-focused startups across Australia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea that are advancing solutions for nature and the environment.

The programme includes a pool of bespoke consulting, tax and accounting services valued at AUD $250,000 to be shared among five finalists, with an additional cash prize of AUD $100,000 to be awarded to the overall winner. A 'People's Choice' award, carrying a prize of AUD $20,000, will also be presented to one of the five finalists through a KPMG staff vote.

Supporting innovation in ecology

KPMG Australia stated the challenge aims to champion startups applying artificial intelligence to ecological problems and those seeking to advance the circular economy. The competition also features a dedicated category recognising Australian First Nations startups to acknowledge the role of Indigenous knowledge in protecting natural ecosystems.

Andrew Yates, CEO of KPMG Australia, said: "Now entering its fourth year, the KPMG Nature Positive challenge has helped champion some of the region's most exciting startups working to solve big ecological challenges. This year, we are focussing on two fast-growing sectors within the nature positive ecosystem: AI enabled solutions and startups supporting the circular economy. We are also proud to continue to recognise innovative startups, social enterprises and impact ventures in a dedicated First Nations startups category."

The challenge is open to startups and ventures that use technology or new ideas to advance nature-positive outcomes. With a total value of AUD $370,000 in advisory support and prize money available, applications are being sought from ventures in Australia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Track record with past winners

Previous recipients of the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge have included Uluu, a company developing plastic alternatives that has raised AUD $8 million in seed funding, and Levur, a synthetic palm oil alternative startup, which secured AUD $1.2 million earlier in the year. Representatives from these companies have spoken about the value provided by the programme.

Tom Collier, Founder and CEO of Levur - the 2024 KPMG Nature Positive Prize winner, said: "Winning the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge is a powerful affirmation of the mission our team is committed to: replacing unsustainable palm oil with a scalable, high-quality alternative through synthetic biology - while protecting the planet."

Collier continued, "The $100,000 prize and KPMG's generous support have enabled us to accelerate to the next stage in our journey. The KPMG team has been very supportive - offering guidance, introductions, and access to the KPMG High Growth Ventures team, which has been fantastic. We encourage other sustainability-focused startups to apply for the 2025 Nature Positive Challenge, so they might benefit from the relationship with KPMG as Levur has."

Application and judging details

Applications for the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge have been open for nearly one month, with a panel of expert judges responsible for determining the five finalists and selecting the overall winner. The judging panel comprises Kyah Bell, Co-Founder and Partner at the Black Excellence Fund; Darren Grover, Head of Regenerative Country at WWF-Australia; Patty Akopiantz, Chair of Environmental Leadership Australia and Non-Executive Director at KPMG Australia; Josh Geelan, Global Private Enterprise ESG Lead at KPMG Australia; and John Munnelly, Chief Digital Officer, KPMG Australia.

The challenge specifically seeks businesses focused on two key themes: 'AI for nature', targeting the use of artificial intelligence to regenerate natural systems and fight biodiversity loss; and 'Circular by nature', which relates to ventures aiming to transform resource use, decrease waste, and encourage economies rooted in regeneration.

Focus on First Nations knowledge

The Australian First Nations startup category recognises impactful enterprises that are Indigenous owned or controlled. KPMG noted the intention is both to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and to integrate traditional knowledge in contemporary ecological solutions. In addition to advisory services, KPMG will facilitate connections for selected startups to industry, science, investment and community partners.

The competition is open until early November 2025, with winners set to be announced in early 2026.