Blue Carbon wins dual KPMG nature prize worth AUD $120,000

Blue Carbon has won both the top prize and the People's Choice award at KPMG Australia's Nature Positive Challenge, taking a combined AUD $120,000 in prize money.

The Brisbane-based climate technology company received the AUD $100,000 KPMG Nature Positive Prize and the AUD $20,000 People's Choice Award. KPMG staff voted for the People's Choice award.

The Challenge also named Native Secrets Australia as the First Nations Award winner. Five finalists will also share a pool of AUD $250,000 in tailored advisory services.

Dual win

KPMG Australia said it was the first time a single company had won both monetary prizes in the Challenge. The program drew 75 applicants. It shortlisted five finalists for the final pitch stage.

"This is the first time that one company has won both of the monetary prizes in the KPMG Nature Positive Challenge. Our judging panel, and our people, were clearly impressed with how Blue Carbon is tackling some of the biggest issues facing ocean ecosystems. Blue Carbon stood out for its novel technology and integration of artificial intelligence to accelerate the monitoring and regeneration of natural systems, moving us closer to a resilient, nature-positive economy," said Andrew Yates, Chief Executive Officer, KPMG Australia.

Blue Carbon develops systems used in marine settings. KPMG described the company's approach as using wave energy to circulate, cool and oxygenate seawater. It also uses real-time ocean intelligence and autonomous systems, according to KPMG.

Finalists list

The finalist group included BlockTexx, a Loganholme-based business focused on recycling textiles and clothing. Newera Bio, based in Sydney, works on bio-based dyes and binders aimed at replacing dyes used in textiles and beauty products.

Another finalist, Syenta, also based in New South Wales, makes ultra-fine wiring inside computer chips known as interconnects. The company says this makes wiring smaller and denser and improves data movement and efficiency for next generation computing.

Native Secrets Australia, from Dubbo, produces skincare and wellness products using native botanicals. The company says the ingredients come from cultural harvesting cycles.

Judging panel

The judging panel included Kyah Bell, Co-Founder & Partner at the Black Excellence Fund, and Darren Grover, Head of Regenerative Country at WWF-Australia. Patty Akopiantz AM, Chair of Environmental Leadership Australia and Non-executive Director, KPMG Australia, also sat on the panel.

The panel also included Josh Geelan, Global Private Enterprise ESG Lead at KPMG Australia, and John Munnelly, Chief Digital Officer, KPMG Australia. The Challenge theme for this year focused on AI enabled solutions and businesses linked to the circular economy.

First Nations award

KPMG said the First Nations Award aims to highlight Indigenous knowledge and its role in natural ecosystems. Native Secrets Australia won in that category.

"Congratulations to all the finalists, and to the First Nations Award winner, Native Secrets Australia. We hope that your participation in the Challenge will have a meaningful impact on your success and help you to support our planet," said Yates.

Blue Carbon plans

Blue Carbon said the recognition would be used as it expands its work with passive ocean systems.

"Winning the KPMG Nature Positive Prize is a catalyst for Blue Carbon. It will help us scale passive, ocean-powered systems that support healthier marine ecosystems while reducing energy demand across ocean industries. We look forward to working with KPMG, with its international reputation and reach, to advance pilots and partnerships, so more organisations can benefit from measurable, nature-positive solutions in real-world operations," said Dr. Ana Novak, Chief Executive Officer, Blue Carbon.

The Nature Positive Challenge has previously recognised early-stage businesses working on environmental and materials innovation. Past winners include Uluu, Levur and Xylo Systems. KPMG noted that Uluu announced a AUD $16 million Series A funding round in October 2025 and that Levur raised AUD $1.2 million in May 2025.

KPMG said the 2024 prize supported Levur's progress with guidance from its High Growth Ventures team. KPMG Australia said this year's finalist group would receive tailored advisory services as they develop their businesses and pursue pilots and partnerships.