KPMG Australia has announced the launch of the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge 2024, which seeks to recognise and support innovative eco start-ups in building scalable businesses that have a positive impact on nature and the environment.
Now in its third year, the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge is open to start-ups in Australia, as well as in Fiji and Papua New Guinea, that are working on ideas, solutions and technology focusing on two key themes:
- Regenerative economy – Start-ups 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 – Start-ups that aim 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.
KPMG Australia CEO, Andrew Yates said, “Nature Positive has now entered mainstream corporate consciousness and is increasingly influencing how businesses operate. Our Challenge focuses on two fast-growing sectors within the nature-positive ecosystem: regenerative economy and sustainable food systems.”
Yates added, “A new category for First Nations start-ups 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.”
Five businesses will be chosen, sharing a $250,000 pool of services that includes access to KPMG business leaders and specialist teams to help take their venture to the next level. KPMG will also connect them to beneficial industry, business, science, knowledge and community partners, and impact investors.
From the five finalists, the winning start-up will be awarded the ultimate KPMG Nature Positive Prize of $100,000 as a no-strings-attached cash injection. An additional $20,000 will be awarded to one of the five finalists who will win a ‘People’s Choice’ vote by KPMG staff.
Applications will be open until 8 November 2024, with the KPMG Nature Positive Prize to be awarded in early 2025.
