KPMG has launched the Nature Positive Challenge aimed at supporting eco-startups in developing innovative ideas, solutions, and technologies that yield positive outcomes for nature. This year, the challenge will focus on two main themes: regenerative economy and sustainable food systems, both of which are particularly relevant to Fiji and the South Pacific.
The challenge will distribute a total of $250,000 in services among five chosen ventures, providing them with access to KPMG’s business leaders and specialized teams to advance their initiatives. The top winner of the KPMG Nature Positive Prize will receive an outright $100,000 cash award, with an extra $20,000 designated for one of the finalists based on a ‘People’s Choice’ vote conducted by KPMG staff.
In addition to financial support, KPMG will facilitate connections between the startups and pertinent partners in industries, business sectors, science, knowledge, community organizations, and impact investors. Previous winners include Uluu, a biotech company focused on alternatives to plastic that has raised $8 million in seed funding and collaborated with Quiksilver, and Xylo Systems, a biodiversity data platform that anticipates reaching $1 million in turnover next year.
Camille Goldstone-Henry, Co-founder and CEO of Xylo Systems, the previous year’s winner, remarked, “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. Partnering with KPMG’s nature and biodiversity experts sharpened our alignment with global nature frameworks, further enhancing our value to international customers.”
With a total of AUD370,000 available in advisory support and prize money for this year, KPMG is inviting applications from innovative startups that are working on nature-positive outcomes. The application period for the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge opens on Thursday, October 10, and closes on Friday, November 8, 2024.