Problem
Dogs and cats are living longer, and as a result cancer, chronic inflammation, and aging diseases have become the biggest pet health challenges. Guardians want more years of quality life, but the industry has few scientifically based ingredients that act in an integrated way on intestinal microbiota, immunity, and systemic inflammation: what exists are generic supplements (omega-3, probiotics) or high-cost symptom-focused drugs. Pet food and animal health manufacturers need differentiated and proven functional ingredients to compete in the premium segment. At the same time, the brewing industry generates millions of tons of low-value malt bagasse. We solved both sides: we delivered to the pet industry a validated bioactive ingredient, produced from agro-industrial waste.
Solution
We developed a precision fermentation platform that uses a proprietary fungal strain to convert malt bagasse into a post-biotic bioactive complex (SSHC). The complex acts simultaneously on intestinal microbiota, immune regulation, and systemic inflammation. We sell B2B: SSHC is a liquid ingredient incorporated by pet food, veterinary nutrition and animal health manufacturers into their products. The first application is nutritional support for dogs undergoing cancer treatment, which serves as clinical proof of the platform; it derives lines for longevity and prevention (InPet), with an expansion planned for cats. The production is carried out in partner CDMOs, without heavy CAPEX, and the regulatory path is a functional ingredient (MAPA in Brazil; FDA/AAFCO in the USA), faster than the drug one.
Business model
Model 100% B2B: we sell SSHC as a liquid ingredient to pet food, supplement and veterinary nutrition manufacturers, through recurring supply contracts. Initial production is outsourced to CDMO. Expected average ticket: we estimate minimum revenue of around US$ 2 millions a year for a large pet food manufacturer, with recurring annual contracts that grow with volume, dose of inclusion and new product lines. The dose per animal is being calibrated in the PoC with the industry. Expected start of sales for 2028, starting with Brazil and expanding to the USA.
Market
We work on pet health and longevity through B2B ingredients. The global pet care market surpasses US$ 250 billions a year, of which pet food makes up the majority (about US$ 150 billions), and the health, supplements and functional nutrition segment is the fastest growing, driven by the humanization of pets and the aging of the canine and feline population. The U.S. accounts for about 40% of this market; Brazil (3º) is among the largest in the world. Our direct addressable market is the functional and bioactive ingredients sold to manufacturers of pet food, supplements, and veterinary nutrition, starting with cancer support and longevity in dogs and expanding to cats. In the long term, the same platform can generate ingredients for human health.
Competitors
Closest: Immunovet (Hungary, also sold in the USA and Canada), veterinary version of Avemar, a fermented wheat germ extract sold direct to the guardian in tablets and granules for dogs and cats, claiming immune support even in cancer, but based on studies of the human product. PRIOME line, from ADM (USA): B2B post-biotics from heat-inactivated strains for intestinal, metabolic, joint and oral health in dogs, with clinical study and award in 2026. It shows that the industry already buys post-biotics with a specific claim, but it does not work on oncological support or on longevity in an integrated way. Indirect and potential customers: Mars/Royal Canin, Nestlé Purina, Hill's and omega- supplement brands3, probiotics and mushrooms. Longevity via drug: Loyal (USA), with a longer and more expensive regulatory route. Our space: multi-target B2B fermentation ingredient, with its own data on oncological support and longevity.
Competitive differentiation
Multitarget action: a single ingredient acts in an integrated way on microbiota, immunity and inflammation. ADM post-biotics (PRIOME) have one claim per product, and Immunovet is a final supplement sold to the tutor, supported by human Avemar studies. 2) Scientific origin: more than 20 years of research in tumor therapy, with in vitro data and cases accompanied by veterinary oncologists; controlled studies come with the PoC in the industry and the study with UC Davis. 3) Cost and sustainability: low-cost beer waste substrate, with an upcycling narrative valued by premium brands. 4) Regulatory route for functional ingredients, faster and cheaper than for drugs. 5) Scalable B2B model via CDMO, plugged into the distribution of major manufacturers.
Entry barrier
The main barrier is biological: the proprietary fungal strain and the bioprocess parameters are protected as an industrial secret and are not reproducible from the final product. In addition to the process patent filed with the INPI (owned by UNESP, licensed to Sante Science) and an IP plan under execution with a specialized office: patents for use and composition, FTO analysis, and strategy for the USA and Europe. Beyond IP, the barrier grows over time: proprietary clinical and safety data, regulatory records, scaling know-how with CDMOs, and supply contracts with manufacturers.
Traction
US$ 140 thousand invested by The Ganesha Fund (Jul/2026) and about US$ 100 One thousand in non-dilutive funding (FAPESP) PIPE Fase 1 and Catalisa ICT). LoIs from 5 companies, including an American company (Mighty Petz), and 2 angel investors with LOIs of US$ 20 a thousand each. PoC paid in negotiation with a large Brazilian pet food company (under NDA), covering in vivo tests on dogs, production batches and incorporation into feed. Conversations with UC Davis for a controlled clinical study in dogs. FAPESP PIPE Invest and PIPE Fase Proposals 2 in progress.