KPMG Australia has launched the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge 2025 to champion and support innovative eco start-ups to build scalable businesses that have a positive impact on nature and the environment.
Now entering its fourth year, the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge is open to start-ups in Australia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. For this year, the accelerator is focusing on two particular sectors:
- AI-enabled solutions that harness artificial intelligence to accelerate the regeneration of natural systems, tackle biodiversity loss and drive innovative solutions; and
- Start-ups supporting the circular economy by helping to transform resource use to regenerate nature, reduce waste and build a resilient, nature-positive economy.
Also new to this year’s Challenge is a dedicated Australian First Nations Category which would recognise an start-up, social enterprise or impact venture that is Indigenous owned or controlled for their ongoing and significant contribution to natural ecosystems.
Five ventures will share a $250,000 pool of services including 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.
The ultimate KPMG Nature Positive Prize of $100,000 to be granted to the winning start-up as a cash injection. An additional $20,000 will be awarded to one of the five finalists following a ‘People’s Choice’ vote by KPMG staff.
An expert panel of judges will determine the five winners:
- 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, KPMG Australia.
- Josh Geelan, global private enterprise ESG lead at KPMG Australia.
- John Munnelly, chief digital officer, KPMG Australia.
KPMG Australia CEO, Andrew Yates said: “The KPMG Nature Positive challenge has helped champion some of the region’s most exciting start-ups working to solve big ecological challenges. This year, we are focusing 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 start-ups, social enterprises and impact ventures in a dedicated First Nations startups category.”
The KPMG Nature Positive Challenge will be open to applications until November 9. The awarding of the KPMG Nature Positive Prize is expected to be held in early 2026.
