Three biotech startup firms focused on creating sustainable ingredients for pet feeding have been selected for an accelerator programme backed by Mars.
Investment platform Big Idea Ventures and Mars Petcare, in collaboration with AAK, Bühler, and Givaudan, have named successful candidates from Canada, Sweden and India to benefit from the programme, following applications from 165 projects in 39 countries, nearly half of which were from Asia. The global accelerator identifies and supports biotech-based ingredients, essential nutrients, and circular feed innovations, to support the development of sustainable pet nutrition.
The successful firms include Canadian microalgae platform ALT-PRO Advantage, which is using illuminated fermentation to produce and optimise essential nutrients such as taurine and arachidonic acid for pet food and other applications; Swedish biotech startup Seaqure Labs, which develops fungi-based, circular aquafeed ingredients by upcycling industrial sidestreams using mycelium; and Terramatter, an Indian company that uses industrial side streams and emissions to produce functional ingredients through fermentation for use as plant-based meat alternatives, pet food, aqua feed and supplements.
The startups will benefit from mentorship, access to R&D facilities, and tailored opportunities for strategic partnerships with Mars Petcare, Big Idea Ventures, AAK, Bühler, and Givaudan. The programme will culminate at the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit in Singapore (November 4-6, 2025), where the group will pitch on stage to an international audience of industry leaders, investors, and decision makers.
Andrew D Ive, founder and general managing partner at Big Idea Ventures, said: “Pet nutrition is evolving through science and sustainability; these startups are driving that transformation.
“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 for R&D at 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.”
