#United States #St. Louis #Purina Pet Care #Pet Care Innovation #Active Capital

Purina Launches 2027 Pet Care Innovation Prize

Purina has officially opened applications for its highly anticipated 2027 Pet Care Innovation Prize, inviting entrepreneurs with groundbreaking ideas and innovative solutions for pets to seize the opportunity for funding and support. This program is designed specifically for early-stage companies operating within the pet care industry, and applications will be accepted until October 6, 2026.

Aiming to Empower Pet Care Startups

Each year, Purina, along with its investment partner Active Capital, chooses five startups focused on pet care for an exclusive opportunity to receive $25,000 each in non-dilutive funding. Furthermore, these selected companies will benefit from mentorship provided by leaders and experts from Purina and Active Capital. The five finalists will attend an accelerator boot camp held at Purina’s headquarters in St. Louis. Additionally, there is a chance to compete for a further $25,000 grand prize during a live pitch competition at the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, scheduled for March 2027.

Patrick Mullen, Co-Lead of Purina's 9 Square Ventures and Vice President of Strategic Planning, shared insights on how crucial this initiative is for the future of pet care. "At Purina, we recognize that the future will largely be shaped by entrepreneurs capable of tackling emerging challenges and fulfilling the evolving needs of pets and their owners," he remarked. This sentiment underlines the essence of the Pet Care Innovation Prize, which extends beyond monetary support; it offers aspiring entrepreneurs mentorship, industry expertise, and beneficial connections.

Selected startups will gain significant access to Purina leaders and subject matter experts across various domains, including science, nutrition, research and development, marketing, and business strategy. This access is crucial during a pivotal period in their development, providing invaluable resources and insights as they scale.

Building a Community of Innovators

Since its inception in 2016, the partnership between Purina and Active Capital has led to over $1 million awarded in non-dilutive funding to various early-stage companies that aim to enhance pet care. This funding helps startups working on diverse aspects such as pet health and wellness, nutrition, sustainability, technology, and enrichment.

One notable success story exemplifying the profound impact of this program is PetPax Co., which took home the grand prize in 2026. Founded by two dog enthusiasts in Boston, PetPax Co. is revolutionizing everyday pet wellness through their flagship product line, SupplaMelts™, utilizing an innovative, fast-dissolving oral thin-film delivery method for easier and gentler administration of veterinarian-approved supplements for dogs. Anthony Gatti, the CEO and Co-Founder of PetPax Co., expressed the importance of winning the prize: "This award was a significant milestone for us, providing invaluable validation during a critical phase of growth. The mentorship and connections made through Purina and Active Capital have helped us build momentum as we expand SupplaMelts to cater to a broader clientele."

The program continues to foster growth for its participants, with many past winners successfully scaling their businesses, securing additional funding, and expanding their reach through leading retailers and pet care channels.

How to Get Involved

Entrepreneurs eager to innovate within the pet care space are encouraged to learn more about and apply for the Pet Care Innovation Prize at PetCareInnovation.net. This initiative not only supports emerging companies but also enhances the overall pet care industry by nurturing innovation and sustainability.

About Purina

Nestlé Purina PetCare, established in 1894, has committed to enriching the lives of pets and their owners. Through scientifically driven nutritional innovations, Purina produces some of the world's most trusted pet care products, such as Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies, and Tidy Cats. The company employs over 11,000 associates in the U.S., ensuring high-quality nutrition for approximately 46 million dogs and 68 million cats annually. With a focus on community engagement, Purina has contributed over $150 million to initiatives aimed at enhancing human-animal connections and supporting community and environmental health.

About Active Capital

Active Capital, based in St. Louis, is a leader in impact investing, connecting startups with investors to foster the growth of trailblazing products and initiatives. The firm plays a crucial role in managing the Pet Care Innovation Prize and promoting innovation within the pet care sector.