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. 

Plug and Play has selected 14 ag-tech and 11 animal health startups for the nine-month startup program.

The Next Generation Pet Food Program aims to drive innovation in pet food and engage with the startup ecosystem to develop more sustainable solutions. 

Founders from Dog & Whistle, Pawgone Good, Skona Pet Food and TREEV will compete for a grand prize of $10,000. 

The Pet Industry Federation conference will be held in Buckinghamshire in early June.

The pet food and treat company will receive $40,000 and business support.