MEET THE 2026 FINALISTS

Calling all innovative start-ups

Deadline July 31

Are you a founder looking to gain traction?

Attract and build a trusted group of advisors, board members, co-founders
Connect with a varied pool of capital (angel, VC, Family Office, Foundations, PE)
Initiate and progress relationships with strategic partners (co-development, licensing, investment, distribution, acquisition)
Showcasing technologies at all stages of development
Have a product, platform or process from Biopharma, Diagnostics, Med/ Vet Tech & Nutrition that meet a well-defined need, across all species, large and small

START YOUR APPLICATION TODAY

Showcasing Innovations for large and small animals across:

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Biopharma

Biopharma breakthroughs in next generation therapies. Including novel biologics, therapeutics, antibiotic alternatives and pain management solutions transforming animal health.

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Diagnostics

Diagnostic developers driving earlier, smarter detection. Including point-of-care tools, wearable sensors, AI-powered imaging and advanced molecular diagnostics.

Technology trailblazers leading the digital transformation. Are you reshaping how data, care delivery and operations are managed across the animal health ecosystem from device, delivery, telemedicine to smart farming, to AI and PMS?

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Nutrition

Next generation Nutrition - from precision, functional, and sustainable nutritional solutions. Are you reshaping the optimisation of animal health through feed and ingredients?

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Discovery

NEW for 2026

The Discovery Showcase is built for early-stage companies developing innovative solutions for animal health at the discovery, preclinical, or proof-of-concept stage.

Innovation Showcase Guide

Not sure if the Innovation Showcase is right for you?

Download our guide that walks you through the process.

Selection Committee

Natalie Marks

Chief Executive Officer
VANE
Cindy Cole

Technical Partner
Digitalis Ventures
Alex Chieng

Co-Founder & Partner
Pawsible VC
Aidan Connolly

President
AgriTech Capital
Anna Skaya

Managing Partner
AniVC
Jimmy Barr

Chief Medical Officer
Mars Science & Diagnostics
Ryan Leech

Founder
The Bird Bath
David Strauss

Partner
Compound Capital Holdings
Linda Block

Investor
37 Angels
Ruth Leary

Head of Strategy and Engagement
AgriZeroNZ
Claudia Stuckmann-Invernizzi

Angel Investor, Advisor

+ See More

What's in it for me?

For Applicants

Feedback: You will receive feedback from the Selection Committee on your pitch deck

For all applicants attending AHNTI in person, you will also receive.

Promotion: You will be added to our 'One to Watch' Directory, which will be distributed physically and digitally during the event.
Connections: You can request 3 introductions to other attendees prior to the event to be facilitated by the AHNTI team.

Deadline July 31

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START YOUR APPLICATION

What Advice Would You Give to Companies Preparing to Pitch?

We asked our Selection Committee and previous finalists for their advice when putting together your pitch for the Innovation Showcase.

I think being honest is important, show where you are today, and the real opportunity you represent for pharma businesses or other players you want to speak to in the room.

Show your social capital and name-drop wisely. Notable investors or clients signal credibility - especially for large corps who might feel you're small.

CEO, FLOX AI

Have a succinct and focused pitch deck showing knowledge of the industry, that there is a demonstrated need to solve this problem, that there is IP, a focused business model, strong founder team, and thoughtful exit strategy.

Natalie Marks, CEO, VANE

Make the case of how you can move from startup to scale. Startup mentality is fabulous but moving into scale is not discussed enough.

James Barr, Chief Medical Officer, Mars Science & Diagnostics

In the animal healthcare field, it is important not only to present technological innovation but also to show what meaningful impact your solution can have for pet owners, veterinarians, and the broader care ecosystem. It was helpful to prepare the application with the bigger picture in mind, explaining how our company’s product connects to and influences the overall care ecosystem.

Shana Kim, Founder, Blovo

Include the value your product will bring to animal health and agriculture as a whole….beyond just the buy-in.
Include return on investment for both the user of the product and for the investor.

Rebecca Quesnell, Chief Operations Officer/Research & Product Development Director, TransAgra

For Finalists

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All of the above, plus…
Promotion: You will be promoted prior to the event across all AHNTI communication channels, including email, web and LinkedIn.
Connections: You will be invited to attend an exclusive Reception on the evening of Monday October 26 to meet and connect with fellow finalists and members of the Judging and Selection Committee
Stage Time: You will pitch on our main stage on the afternoon of Monday October 26 to our entire audience
Support: Complimentary coaching sessions from our Start-Up Development Partner before taking the stage.
Onsite promotion: You will be promoted via onsite signage across the duration of the event
Social promotion: You will be interviewed by our Content team, to be shared across all AHNTI communication channels, including email, web and LinkedIn post event.

New for AHNTI Boston 2026

For the first time, AHNTI Boston is launching a dedicated Discovery Showcase: spotlighting the next generation of animal health innovation at its earliest stages.

You should apply if you are:

Advancing a solution in animal health (companion or livestock)
At the discovery, preclinical, or proof-of-concept stage
Built on a validated scientific, technical, or platform-based approach
Looking to connect with angel investors, strategic partners, and R&D collaborators

This showcase is specifically designed for companies working within:

Discovery
Preclinical development
Proof of concept

We prioritize development stage over funding stage, whether you are pre-seed, seed, or early venture-backed.

TELL ME MORE

Learn more about the Finalists:

Thank you to our Selection Committee

The AHNTI EU 2026 Selection Committee members helped pick our finalists for this years Innovation Showcase. They represent collaborations across Biopharma, Diagnostics, Med/ Vet Tech and Nutrition at all stages of development.

Andreas Kastenbauer

Partner
MIG Capital
Dr. Jamie Crittall

Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
Pet Records Ltd
Jolian Howell

Chief Commercial Officer
Carus Animal Health
Natalie Marks

Chief Executive Officer
VANE
Paul Dick

President
Paul Dick & Associates
Oliver Viner

Co-Founder & Chief Veterinary Technology Officer
Hello Vet
Julia Stephanus

Partner
Borealis Ventures
Cindy Cole

Technical Partner
Digitalis Ventures
Alexander Petersen

Managing Director & Animal Health Lead
DanaShift
Jimmy Barr

Chief Medical Officer
Mars Science & Diagnostics
Philippe Tramoy

Partner
Seventure Partners
Daniel Kolb

Direct Investment
Athos Service Family Office
Camilla Bünner Kruse

Strategic Partner & Tech Scouting Manager
Cargill

+ See More

Momentum by the Numbers

117

startups have taken to the Innovation Showcase Stage

47

secured funding post-showcase

67%

average increase in funding amount post-showcase

19

acquired or merged with strategic partner after presenting

Now in its 11th year, the AHNTI Innovation Showcase has been THE destination for Founders looking to gain traction in the animal health sector. Finalists take the main stage to pitch to the largest global gathering of senior leaders from strategic partners, deal makers, investors and collaborators.

The 16 chosen Finalists will pitch to our audience of 850+ leaders in London March 2, 2026. With Best-in-Class winners announced across Nutrition, Biopharma, Diagnostics & Technology.

Innovation Showcase