Purina accelerator closes applications on 11 September

Nestlé Purina PetCare Europe is taking applications for the next round of its Unleashed accelerator until 11 September. The programme, run by the Purina Accelerator Lab, is aimed at start-ups that apply technology and AI to pet care and that already have a working solution in the market. According to the company, it is looking this year in particular at health monitoring, diagnostics, digital care platforms, nutrition, insurance and tools for veterinary professionals, as well as at AI applications that identify emerging behavioural trends or support digital advisory services.

Companies selected take part in a 20-week programme with Purina specialists from pet care, technology, AI and innovation, and receive funding of up to CHF 50,000 (about €53,000). The next cohort is due to be named in early 2027, with onboarding from February 2027.

It is the eighth edition of the programme. Purina states that Unleashed has attracted more than 2,400 applications from over 50 countries in seven years and has supported 46 start-ups. Among them is the Hong Kong scale-up Petalife, whose platform is intended to flag early health risks in pets from everyday signals, for owners and for clinics. Jeanne Chatelle, Europe head of the Purina Accelerator Lab, said the accelerator was intended for businesses that already have a solution in place and want to scale it through Purina's expertise and network.

Applications close at midnight on 11 September 2026. Details and the application form are at www.unleashedbypurina.com.