KPMG has announced the launch of the Nature Positive Challenge, aimed at supporting eco-startups by promoting ideas, solutions, and technologies that foster positive outcomes for nature. This year’s challenge will focus on two primary themes: the regenerative economy and sustainable food systems, which are particularly pertinent to Fiji and the South Pacific region.
The initiative will offer five ventures a shared pool of $250,000 in services, providing access to KPMG’s business leaders and specialized teams to help elevate their projects. The top winner of the KPMG Nature Positive Prize will receive a cash award of $100,000, no strings attached, while an additional $20,000 will be distributed to one of the five finalists through a ‘People’s Choice’ vote conducted by KPMG employees.
KPMG will also link the selected start-ups with valuable partners in various sectors, including industry, business, science, and impact investors. Notable past winners of the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge include Uluu, a biotech firm focused on plastic alternatives that has raised $8 million in seed funding and partnered 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, remarked on the impact of winning the prize, stating, “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 this year, KPMG is inviting applications from innovative ventures that are working on nature-positive projects. The application period for the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge runs from October 10 to November 8, 2024.