Big Idea Ventures and Mars launch Next Generation Pet Food Program pilot in collaboration with AAK and Bühler

Big Idea Ventures in partnership with Mars Petcare have announced the launch of the Next Generation Pet Food Program.

The pilot initiative, in collaboration with AAK, a multi-oil ingredient house specializing in plant-based vegetable oils and fats, and Bühler, a global technology partner for the food, feed, and mobility industries, aims to drive innovation in pet food and engage with the startup ecosystem to develop more sustainable solutions. The program is looking for startups working on sustainable protein and fat that can support pathways to reducing carbon emissions in pet food production. This includes novel ingredients and trailblazing 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. It represents a significant step forward in fostering innovative, eco-friendly solutions within the pet food industry,” commented Andrew D. Ive, Founder and Managing General Partner of Big Idea Ventures.

“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,” added Elise Malandain, VP R&D, Mars Petcare.

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. While APAC-based startups are preferred, companies from all geographies are encouraged to apply.

“The pet nutrition and care industry offers opportunity to innovate with sustainably sourced speciality oil and fat systems. We are proud to support this initiative and look forward to contributing our oil and fat expertise,” said Niall Sands, President Commercial Development and Innovation of AAK.

“Ensuring a sustainable source of pet nutrition requires new ideas, technologies, and innovative practices. Collaborative innovation between industry leaders like Mars Petcare and Big Idea Ventures attracts start-ups 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!” stated Dr Ian Roberts, CTO at Bühler