#USA #St. Louis #Purina #Pet Health #Pet Care Innovation

Purina Celebrates 2026 Pet Care Innovation Prize Winners

On January 8, 2026, Purina, a recognized leader in pet care, announced the winners of this year’s Pet Care Innovation Prize, in its tenth annual event. This award has become a prominent way to highlight emerging companies that are making significant contributions to pet health, wellness, nutrition, and veterinary care. Each startup selected as a winner will not only receive $25,000 in non-dilutive funding, but also mentorship and guidance from industry experts at Purina, aimed at fortifying their respective solutions for modern pet care.

Out of nearly 200 applicants from around the world, the five winning startups represent a variety of innovative approaches to pet wellness and care. The following companies have been recognized for their contributions:

1. Innovative Pet Lab, Inc. (Norcross, Georgia)
This certified women-owned enterprise is transforming pet health by providing simple at-home testing services. They leverage large-scale biomarker data to generate clear insights about pets' wellbeing, making veterinary science more accessible to pet owners.

2. CoVetAI Inc. (Toronto, Ontario)
Built by veterinary professionals, this AI-powered platform acts as a clinical co-pilot, reducing the administrative burden on veterinary staff and combating burnout. By automating documentation and client communications, CoVet lets professionals focus more on patient care, saving significant time every day.

3. PetPax Co. (Boston, Massachusetts)
Founded by two devoted dog fathers, PetPax is on a mission to redefine pet wellness. Their flagship product line, SupplaMelts™, utilizes a novel thin-film delivery method for supplements that simplifies administration while ensuring optimal absorption and minimized stress for pets.

4. Pawsitive Inc. (Austin, Texas)
This innovative company is addressing behavioral issues in dogs through a combination of technology and neuroscience. Their TouchOne smart wearable device works in conjunction with a SaaS platform to help monitor and regulate canine emotions and behaviors, enhancing wellbeing for dogs and peace of mind for their owners.

5. ChefPaw (Los Angeles, California)
ChefPaw is revolutionizing homemade pet food with a unique production system that simplifies the process of creating tailored nutrition for pets. Their Pet Food Maker collaborates with a dedicated app, guiding users through creating balanced meals specifically suited to their pets' needs.

In addition to the funding, the winners will engage in a hands-on accelerator experience at Purina's headquarters in St. Louis. This program is designed to help them refine their operational strategies, tap into Purina’s extensive resources, and ultimately drive meaningful growth.

Patrick Mullen, co-lead of Purina’s 9 Square Ventures, highlighted the importance of innovation in the pet care industry, stating, “The Pet Care Innovation Prize continues to spotlight entrepreneurs who are solving real problems for pets, pet owners, and the professionals who support them.”

The finalists will have their moment to shine this spring during a live pitch competition at the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida. Here, they will showcase their innovations in front of Purina leaders, investors, and influential figures in the pet care sector, with one startup standing to win an additional $25,000 grand prize.

Purina has been actively involved in nurturing emerging companies since 2016 through its 9 Square Ventures, investing invaluable resources to enhance the lives of both pets and their guardians. By fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration, Purina is not just changing the pet care landscape, but also enriching the lives of millions of pets and their owners.

To learn more about the Pet Care Innovation Prize and its impact on the pet care industry, visit PetCareInnovation.net.

Purina, a branch of Nestlé, has been dedicated to pet health since 1894, creating trusted nutrition products that enhance the quality of life for pets around the globe. Every year, Purina supports various initiatives that help owners and pets connect, alongside community and environmental enhancement projects.