NEW YORK — Mars Petcare and Big Idea Ventures have selected three startups for the 2025 Next Generation Pet Food Program. The program aims to identify and accelerate breakthrough technologies in biotech-based ingredients, essential nutrients and circular feed innovations, with a goal of shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for pet nutrition, according to the companies.
This year’s program attracted 165 applications from 39 countries, which were then screened through a rigorous multi-stage selection process that evaluates innovation, scalability, sustainability impact and commercial potential. The three startups selected for this year’s cohort are ALT-PRO Advantage, Seaqure Labs and Terramatter.
Canada-based ALT-PRO Advantage is a microalgae platform using illuminated fermentation to naturally produce and optimize essential nutrients like taurine and arachidonic acid for pet food, as well as other feed and food applications.
Sweden-based Seaqure Labs is a biotech company that develops fungi-based, circular aquafeed ingredients by upcycling industrial sidestreams via mycelium, aiming to reduce environmental impact while providing high-quality nutrition for fish and other animals.
India-based Terramatter uses industrial side streams and emissions to produce functional ingredients through fermentation. According to the companies, Terramatter’s fermented proteins serve as sustainable alternatives for plant-based meat, pet food, aqua feed and supplements.
“Pet nutrition is evolving through science and sustainability; these startups are driving that transformation,” said Andrew 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.”
Elisabetta Pierangelo, global vice president of R&D for Mars Pet Nutrition, added, “Reimagining the future of pet food demands bold innovation. Each of the startups bring cutting-edge solutions to the pet food industry, delivering solutions that can reduce environmental impact and address concerns about ingredient accessibility and security. I’m eager to witness the breakthroughs these forward-thinking partnerships will deliver.”
The startups will benefit from world class mentorship, access to cutting edge R&D facilities, and tailored opportunities for strategic partnerships with Mars Petcare, Big Idea Ventures, AAK, Bühler and Givaudan.
The program will culminate at the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit in Singapore, from Nov. 4 to 6, during which the cohort will pitch on stage to an international audience of industry leaders, investors and decision makers.
Learn more about the Next Generation Pet Food Program.
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