The program aims to unite world-class experts in FoodTech, pet care, and ingredient innovation to drive the transition toward a more sustainable pet food supply chain. Organizers are seeking startups and scaling ventures developing low-carbon materials and innovative solutions for pet food applications, with a strong emphasis on alternative proteins, fats, oils, and novel ingredients.
The Mars Petcare Raws4Paws Accelerator is actively investing in emerging technologies and identifying the next generation of suppliers capable of supporting healthier pets while addressing critical concerns related to ingredient accessibility, supply security, sustainability, and shifting consumer behavior within the global pet industry.
Elisabetta Pierangelo, Vice President of Research and Development at Mars Pet Nutrition, stated that the company remains committed to exploring new technologies and scaling innovations capable of reducing the environmental impact of pet food production. She said previous program cohorts had already uncovered promising solutions and delivered transformative technological developments, adding that the organization expects further breakthroughs from the 2026 edition.
The initiative is designed to bridge innovators from the human food sector with the pet food industry while providing direct expertise and mentorship from global industry leaders. Over the past two years, the program has generated valuable insights into emerging technologies, with several participating startups currently testing concepts that could significantly influence the future of sustainable pet nutrition.
Andrew D. Ive, Founder and Managing General Partner of Big Idea Ventures, said the collaboration with Mars Petcare and its industry partners had evolved into a focused system for identifying and scaling next-generation pet food ingredients. He stated that the initiative connects high-quality startups with corporations capable of commercializing innovations, particularly in alternative proteins, fats, and novel ingredients. According to him, the primary objective is no longer limited to discovery but is now focused on accelerating adoption and establishing a more efficient route toward commercial-scale production.
The 2026 edition will place stronger emphasis on Asia, reflecting the region’s growing strategic importance in sustainable food innovation and pet nutrition development. The program is open to applicants from across the world, although preference will be given to scalable solutions either based in or focused on the Asia-Pacific region.
Selected companies will receive expert guidance, opportunities for commercial partnerships, financial support of $15,000, and a chance to present their innovations at the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit in Singapore.
The initiative marks a significant push toward building a globally connected ecosystem focused on sustainable pet nutrition, technological advancement, and scalable ingredient innovation. With increasing demand for environmentally responsible pet food solutions, the program is expected to play a major role in shaping the future of the global pet food supply chain.
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