2024 Pet Care Innovation Prize finalists announced

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Purina shared the names of the finalists for its 8th annual Pet Care Innovation Prize. Each finalist represents innovation across a wide range of pet care products and services, including enrichment toys, alternative protein and allergy-friendly pet treats, a toothbrush designed for feline anatomy, and more.

"At Purina, our purpose and passion revolve around enriching the lives of pets and the people who love them. Collaborating with startups that share our enthusiasm for pets and are dedicated to continuous innovation enables us to mutually inspire and learn from each other," said Blair Morgan, co-lead of Purina's 9 Square ventures group and vice president of strategy and innovation for Purina, in an organizational release.¹

The winning companies are:

• Swiftpaws: Based in Florida, the company is creating playful enrichment products to exercise and keep pets entertained.
• BestyBnB: Based in Missouri, BestyBnB joins forces between human social services and animal welfare organizations by securing safe and temporary housing for clients when they are in a situation where they cannot care for their pets. The company has created and enhanced crisis care and safety net pet programs helping people in crisis to let clients know their pets are safe.
• Arch Pet Food: Based in Chicago, Arch Pet Food Company is offering alternative protein pet treats and food that are highly nutritious, food-allergen friendly, and sustainable by utilizing microalgae, insect proteins, and invasive fish.
• RYERCAT: Based in Canada, RYERCAT is a toothbrush designed specifically for feline anatomy to redefine oral health. Because the founders struggled to brush their cats’ teeth, they launched RYERCAT to improve the experience for both owners and cats.
• VetChip: Based in Australia, VetChip is a biotechnology company working to improve animal health and welfare through an implant that analyzes, monitors, and detects health issues in pets. The implant gathers information through an app and alerts pet owners of any issues or signs of illness or injury.

"This year's group of winners exemplifies the diverse range of possibilities in pet care, and we look forward to working with each of these companies to help accelerate their success in an incredibly competitive and rewarding industry," she continued.

According to the release,¹ the finalists will receive $25,000, support as their business grows from Purina, and an invitation to participate in an accelerated boot camp located at Purina’s headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. At the boot camp, the 5 finalists will present their businesses to Purina executives, investors, and industry influencers before a grand prize winner is selected. The grand prize winner will then receive an additional $25,000.

Reference

Purina announces 2024 Pet Care Innovation prize winners. News release. Nestle Purina Petcare. January 8, 2023. Accessed January 9, 2023. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/purina-announces-2024-pet-care-innovation-prize-winners-302027723.html