Applications open for next cohort of pioneering startups to join UK’s only animal health business incubator

Applications are now open for innovative animal health startup founders to apply for Cohort 6 of vHive and an opportunity to receive specialist support to take their venture to the next level.

vHive is the UK’s only companion and livestock-focused business incubator and the result of a strategic alliance between the University of Surrey and Zoetis, the largest animal health pharmaceutical company.

The unique initiative offers business leaders an opportunity to accelerate the growth and commercialisation of their animal health start-up through a six-month funded programme.

Since its first cohort in early 2024, vHive has connected pioneering founders — developing everything from software, hardware and pharmaceuticals for animals — with industry expertise, researchers and commercial networks, supporting 30+ startups, who have collectively raised more than £13million.

This latest cohort will run will start in January 2027 and run for six months. It’s a hybrid and fully-funded programme – with founders retaining full equity of their company.

The programme offers:

• Eligible companies the chance to apply for the £100,000 annual Zoetis-vHive Collaboration Fund, which funds projects between vHive members and University of Surrey academics.
  
• Access to 20+ industry mentors with experience across veterinary markets, pharma, investment, commercial strategy, and food production and supply.
  
• Workshops and opportunities to pitch to investors, veterinary professionals, and industry decision-makers.
  
• Pitching opportunity at the vHive Incubator Showcase to 100+ professionals in the Animal Health space.
  
• A community of 30+ successful animal health startups and entrepreneurs.
  
• Opportunities to work with researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biosciences, and other relevant disciplines at Surrey, including research, testing, and consultancy projects.

Shortlisted companies will be invited to one round of interviews in December, with final decision and onboarding taking place in January 2027.

Use the button below to complete the application form to apply for the latest Cohort 6.

Applications close midnight on 12 October.

More about vHive

Since its first cohort in 2024, vHive has successfully helped to nurture many of the UK’s most exciting innovators in the animal health and  VetTech sectors. Previous companies to benefit from vHive include:  

• Zonova (secured £2.1m Seed to scale R-ROS® Antimicrobial Protection in May 2026) – Pioneering antibacterial and antiviral coatings for veterinary medical equipment. At the start of 2026, the company was included in the UK’s Startup 100 Index, which recognises new businesses that demonstrate innovation, solid financials and  opportunity in their market. In  2025 Co-Founder and CEO Dr Georgia Fleet was recognised for her achievements with a UKRI Women in Innovation Award.
  
• MI:RNA Diagnostics (Venture stage startup raised £4.4m in 2024) – Advancing molecular insights diagnostics for veterinary care.
  
• Vidivet (Venture stage startup raised over £2m in 2023) – Redefining a cutting-edge TeleHealth consultation platform specifically for vets and pet owners.

If you think your animal tech startup could follow in the footsteps of these successful ventures, use the link below and apply today for Cohort 6 of vHive.