Big Idea Ventures and Mars Petcare select three startups for pet food program

Big Idea Ventures and Mars Petcare, in collaboration with partners AAK, Bühler, Givaudan, and Ingredion, have named three startup companies as participants in the 2026 Next Generation Pet Food Program. Now in its third year, the program focuses on identifying and accelerating innovative ingredients designed to reduce the environmental impact of pet food, including alternative proteins, fats, and oils.

The program received 83 applications from 33 countries, indicating the initiative's growth in Asia and the region's increasing contribution to ingredient innovation for sustainability. This year's applicants demonstrated higher commercial maturity and an acceleration in alternative ingredient development.

The selected startups are Poland-based EcoBean, which upcycles spent coffee grounds; India-based insect biotech company Loopworm, producing protein and fat ingredients from silkworms; and Taiwan-based Space Ark Biomedical, which transforms okara and brewer's spent grain into functional protein ingredients using enzyme technology and precision fermentation.

These companies will receive expert guidance, access to R&D facilities, and a $15,000 prize to refine their products and speed up market entry. The program will conclude at the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit in Singapore from October 27–29, 2026, where the cohort will pitch to industry leaders and investors.