Purina’s Unleashed accelerator targets AI-driven innovations in pet care for 2027

Purina has opened applications for its eighth Unleashed programme, focusing on AI-powered health monitoring, digital care, diagnostics, and personalised veterinary services, offering funding and mentorship to global start-ups.

Purina has opened applications for the eighth edition of Unleashed, its 20-week accelerator for pet-tech and animal-care start-ups, as it broadens its search for companies building tools for vets, owners and preventive care. According to the company, the programme is run by the Purina Accelerator Lab and offers tailored mentoring, training and access to internal experts, alongside funding of up to CHF 50,000.

This year’s focus is on artificial intelligence-enabled health monitoring, digital care platforms, diagnostics, nutrition, insurance and products that help veterinary professionals deliver more personalised treatment. Purina is also seeking businesses that use AI to spot behavioural trends, improve digital interactions and speed the development of new services.

The company said the initiative is open to start-ups worldwide, with applications closing on 11 September 2026 and selected participants due to be announced in early 2027.

Purina says Unleashed has drawn more than 2,400 applications from over 50 countries over the past seven years and has supported 46 start-ups. Previous cohorts have produced projects ranging from AI health monitoring to adoption apps, diagnostic tools, preventive insurance and personalised nutrition.

Jeanne Chatelle, who leads the Purina Accelerator Lab in Europe, said the company wanted to back start-ups turning ideas into practical tools that make care easier for owners and more effective for veterinary teams.