Levur, a cutting-edge biotech startup based in Sydney, is making waves in the sustainable food and cosmetics industries with its groundbreaking palm oil alternative—crafted not from trees, but from yeast. Backed by deep tech investor Main Sequence, Levur recently secured $100,000 worth of tailored consulting services after winning the prestigious KPMG Nature Positive Prize. The startup stood out among 100 applicants in KPMG’s annual Nature Positive Challenge, which this year focused on regenerative economies and sustainable food systems. Co-founded by Tom Collier and Joanne Barber, Levur aims to replace one of the most environmentally damaging ingredients in global supply chains—palm oil—by using fermentation technology to cultivate a more sustainable, scalable solution.
A Mission Sparked in Borneo
Levur’s origin story traces back to co-founder Tom Collier’s eye-opening journey to Borneo, where he was filming a documentary on deforestation. Witnessing firsthand how the palm oil industry was devastating rainforests and threatening species like orangutans ignited his mission: to find a viable, eco-friendly replacement for palm oil.
Palm oil is found in nearly half of all supermarket products—from packaged foods to soaps and cosmetics. Its widespread cultivation, particularly in Southeast Asia, has led to mass deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and habitat loss. Levur hopes to change that narrative by using fermentation, a method often employed in brewing and biotech, to produce yeast-derived oils that mimic the versatility of palm oil without the environmental toll.
From SparkLabs to Spotlight
The startup’s inclusion in the SparkLabs Cultiv8 accelerator last year helped refine their technology and business model. Now, their recognition by KPMG’s Nature Positive Challenge marks a significant milestone. Levur was one of five Australian startups selected to receive a share of the $250,000 advisory prize pool, and took home the top consulting prize of $100,000.
KPMG Australia CEO Andrew Yates praised Levur for its “highly innovative application of science and the scale of the challenge they are tackling.” He emphasized that replacing unsustainable plant and animal oils with alternatives could have a profound global impact, helping preserve biodiversity and combat climate change.
What’s Next for Levur
With this latest recognition, Levur is primed to accelerate its mission. Co-founder Collier described the win as a “pivotal moment,” affirming the team’s dedication to creating sustainable, science-backed solutions. “This prize will help us scale faster and reach more markets,” he said, “bringing our alternative oil to the forefront of industries that desperately need better options.”
As the world continues to grapple with climate challenges, Levur’s yeast-based innovation could offer a tangible, scalable way to cut ties with deforestation-linked palm oil. With continued support and momentum, Levur is not just replacing an ingredient—it’s redefining how we source what goes into our everyday products.
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