- Mars Petcare selects three startups for 2025 pet food innovation.
- Initiative promotes biotech and sustainable nutrition technologies.
- Startups to present at Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Summit.
Mars Petcare and Big Idea Ventures, along with partners AAK, Buhler, and Givaudan, have chosen three startups for the 2025 Next Generation Pet Food Initiative. The initiative backs technologies in biotech-derived components, crucial nutrients, and circular feed advancements. The 2025 initiative attracted 165 submissions from 39 nations, with almost half originating from Asia. A multistep selection procedure assessed innovation, scalability, sustainability effects, and commercial viability.
Elisabetta Pierangelo, global vice president R&D, Mars Pet Nutrition said reimagining the future of pet food demands bold innovation. "Each of the startups brings cutting-edge solutions to the pet food industry, delivering solutions that can reduce environmental impact and address concerns about ingredient accessibility and security," Pierangelo said.
"Pet nutrition is evolving through science and sustainability; these startups are driving that transformation," said Andrew D. Ive, founder and general managing partner at Big Idea Ventures. "At Big Idea Ventures, we help founders turn big ideas into global breakthroughs by working with Mars Petcare and our partners around the world. Together, we will work to develop innovative ingredients that have a more positive impact on pets, people, and the environment."
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The startups will gain mentorship, access to R&D facilities, and partnership chances with Mars Petcare, Big Idea Ventures, AAK, Buhler, and Givaudan. The program will end at the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit in Singapore from November 4-6, 2025, where the group will showcase their work to industry leaders, investors, and decision makers.
As stated by Petfood Industry's Top Pet Food Companies, Mars Petcare manufactures the pet brands Royal Canin, PEDIGREE, and SHEBA. The family-owned, privately-held company, valued at US$55 billion, provides a varied and growing range of top pet care products and veterinary services to assist pets globally.