The brands partnered with Sphinx, the maker of the “world’s first” AI-powered wet cat food dispenser. 

Startups from around the world are invited to apply, with selected participants to showcase their solutions at the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit.

Eight startups, including Saint Rocco’s Treats, were selected to participate in the 12-week program designed to help consumer packaged goods companies scale their operations.

Cultivated seafood producer UMAMI Bioworks is among the many startups that will participate in the program.

Buddy Bites, Happy Howl, James & Ella and three other startups will participate in the accelerator program. 

The startups will compete for a grand prize during Global Pet Expo in March.

The competition is inviting emerging and innovative food, beverage and pet product brands.

Three Black-woman owned pet care businesses will participate in the pilot program.

Applications are now open for startups, academia, research institutes or established organizations.

The accelerator provides pet industry startups with guidance and support for growth.