Innovation of the Year Award
Another key element of the Business of Pets conference is the Innovation of the Year Award which is an opportunity to showcase the full range of innovation in the pet industry, from products and tech to pet services.
How to enter – Now closed for entries
Entries for this pet industry award are now open, and a judging panel will shortlist fourteen finalists who will be invited to pitch their innovations during the two days of the conference on 3 & 4 June 2026, giving them unprecedented exposure to potential investors and industry influencers.
For details on entry criteria and how to submit an entry, click here
Innovation of the Year Award 2026 Winner
Congratulations to Only Rescues for winning the 2026 Innovation of the Year Award.
Find out more about this innovation and all the 2026 finalists here
Key Dates
12 March Innovation of the Year Award Entries Open
19 March Business of Pets Conference Tickets On Sale
20 April Innovation of the Year Award Entries Close
7 May Innovation of the Year Award Finalists Announced
4 June Innovation of the Year Winner Announced
All You Need To Know
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Who can enter?
All businesses are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Innovation of the Year Award. The eligibility of the business is not based on size or turnover.
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Are smaller companies at a disadvantage?
We welcome innovations from all pet businesses whether you’re an entrepreneur, SME, B2B or D2C business. The panel of judges will review and score your entry with no bias towards the size of your business. If you can really demonstrate true innovation, you will receive the recognition you deserve.
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How do I submit an entry?
For all details of entry criteria and how to submit an entry, click the link above. The entry deadline is 20 April 2026.
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How are entries scored?
All innovation entries will be reviewed and judged based on the following criteria: concept, design, performance. What makes the innovation unique and innovative? Does the innovation bring new techniques to the pet industry? Has the innovation contributed to improvements in pet care/animal welfare? Does the innovation use technology new to the pet industry? How does the innovation demonstrate sustainable practices?
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Is there an entry fee?
It is free to enter the Innovation of the Year Award however the finalists selected to present their innovation at the Business of Pets conference will be required to pay a finalist fee of £200 + VAT.
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What does the finalist fee include?
This fee includes a two-day delegate ticket for one person (excludes accommodation & BBQ ticket) and offers the opportunity to showcase your innovation at the conference. Alongside pitching your innovation, you will be allocated space for a promotional roller banner at the event. Additional tickets can be booked at the standard rates, with discounts available for PIF members.
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When is the entry deadline?
All entries must be submitted by 20 April 2026.
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When will the finalists be announced?
We will announce the finalists on 7 May at the end of the shortlisting process. Businesses not selected as finalists are still encouraged to purchase tickets to attend the event. Tickets can be booked at standard rates, with discounts available for PIF members.
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How is the winner decided?
All pitches will be scored individually by delegates against the criteria provided following each presentation. The innovation with the highest average score across all criteria will be awarded the prestigious Innovation of the Year title at the end of the conference.
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