The Next-Generation Pet Food Program aims to scale sustainable innovations for the pet food value chain, with a focus on sustainable proteins and fats.
Mars Petcare, in partnership with
Big Idea Ventures — a global investment leader
in the food-tech, agri-tech and materials-science sectors — has launched the
Next-Generation Pet Food Program.
The pilot initiative — in collaboration with AAK, a
multi-oil ingredient house specializing in plant-based oils and fats, and
Bühler — a global
technology partner for the food, feed and mobility industries — aims to engage
with the startup ecosystem to develop more sustainable innovation in pet food,
with a focus on startups working on sustainable proteins and
fats
that can help reduce carbon emissions in pet food production. This includes
novel
ingredients
and next-generation processing technologies, such as upcycling food
waste
and innovative extraction methods.
“This initiative aims to highlight the exciting opportunity for developing
sustainable pet food products,” said Andrew D.
Ive, Founder and Managing General
Partner of Big Idea Ventures. “It represents a significant step forward in
fostering innovative, eco-friendly solutions within the pet food
industry.”
“At Mars Petcare, our purpose is: a better world for pets. This program aligns
perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and innovation, and we are
excited to collaborate with startups that share our vision,” said Elise
Malandain, VP of R&D at
Mars Petcare.
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The Next-Generation Pet Food Program launches on the heels of Mars’ selection of
its inaugural cohort of Unreasonable
Food
startups — 15 purpose-led, growth-stage ventures chosen for their potential to
drive impact at scale across the human food value chain. For the Pet Food
Program, startups will be chosen based on their innovative solutions, production
volume capability, potential to reduce the carbon footprint of pet food
products, and willingness to collaborate with partners. Selected startups will
present their innovations at the Singapore International AgriFood
Week (November 18-22). While
Asia Pacific-based startups are preferred, since the event will be held in
Singapore, companies from all geographies are encouraged to apply.
Human food startups eager to innovate in the sustainable pet food space are also
encouraged to apply.
“Ensuring a sustainable source of pet nutrition requires new ideas, technologies
and innovative practices,” said Bühler CTO Dr Ian
Roberts. “Collaborative
innovation between industry leaders like Mars Petcare and Big Idea Ventures
attracts startups from both within and beyond the pet care sector, supporting
them in scaling their solutions to enhance the sustainability of pet nutrition.
We are eager to see the innovative solutions that will emerge from this
program!”
For more information, visit
bigideaventures.com/petfoodprogram.
Interested startups can apply until September 10, 2024.