NSW-based ethical oil start-up Levur emerged as the top winner in this year’s edition of the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge organised by KPMG Australia.
The annual Challenge aims to support innovative start-ups solving environmental dilemmas, with this year’s Challenge focusing on regenerative economy and sustainable food systems. A record number of start-ups joined this year’s competition, with the broadest range of entrants to date.
Five finalists were then short-listed, who pitched to a panel of judges including WWF-Australia Chief Regeneration Officer Nicole Forrester; Climate Salad Co-founder Mick Liubinskas and Jawun Chief Executive Shane Webster as well as KPMG’s National Nature Lead Carolin Leeshaa and Josh Geelan, KPMG Enterprise Lead Partner for ESG & Sustainability.
Andrew Yates, CEO, KPMG Australia stated, “Levur was the ultimate choice of our judging panel because of their highly innovative application of science and the scale of the challenge they are tackling – replacing unsustainable plant and animal oils with sustainable alternatives. The widespread adoption of sustainable oils could have a tremendous global impact, maintaining biodiversity and reducing the devasting effects of deforestation.”
“The goal of the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge is to shape a better future by supporting entrepreneurship that is focused on helping people and planet. We are incredibly proud to be helping fast-track the growth of these amazing businesses,” he added.
As the top winner, Levur takes home the major $100,000 Nature Positive Prize. Co-Founders Tom Collier (CEO), and Joanne Barber (COO) were thrilled to receive the honour.
Collier commented, “Winning the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge feels like a pivotal moment for Levur. It’s a validation of the mission our team has worked so hard to make a reality and a powerful reminder of why we started this journey: to protect our planet and create solutions that leave a lasting impact.”
He added, “We’re already seeing the strategic benefits of KPMG’s advisory support and the doors this will open for a relatively young business. Thanks to this prize, we’ll be able to scale faster and reach more markets, helping to commercialise our sustainable alternative to palm oil. Creating long-term impact takes a village, and we’re deeply inspired by the work of our fellow finalists. We’re proud to be part of a community dedicated to driving meaningful change.”
The four other KPMG Nature Positive finalists are:
- Coral Maker (WA) – a coral reef restoration company focused on technology to scale the deployment of corals.
- Lord of the Trees (NSW) – pioneering sustainable pest management through innovative drone technology.
- Native Botanical Brewery (NSW) – a First Nations family business producing native beverages while actively restoring local ecosystems by propagating native food species.
- Rainstick (QLD) – using electricity to mimic the natural effects of lightning to grow crops bigger, faster and more sustainably.
Native Botanical Brewery was also selected as the winner in the First Nations category, a new award category that aims to recognise the growth potential of Indigenous businesses and reflect how these communities, through traditional knowledge and practices, continue to play a leading role in promoting a harmonious relationship with the environment.
Meanwhile, nature tech start-up Coral Maker won the KPMG People’s Choice Award, chsoen by KPMG staff across Australia and the South Pacific.
