Interzoo 2026 has announced support programs for start-ups and emerging companies in the pet supplies industry, offering specialized exhibition areas and funding assistance for the trade show scheduled for May 12-15, 2026, in Nuremberg, Germany.
The event will feature three initiatives for new market entrants: the Fresh Ideas Stage in Hall 3, the Young Innovators program for German companies, and the International Start-up Area for overseas businesses.
At the previous Interzoo, 77 start-ups participated in the dedicated programs.
"At the last Interzoo, 77 start-ups benefited from our dedicated programs to support them," said Dr. Rowena Arzt, head of exhibitions at Interzoo organizer WZF GmbH – Pet Industry Services. "We are delighted to once again help start-ups and innovators to participate in Interzoo 2026 with our exclusive packages and unique platforms for showcasing their companies and services, whether through the government-subsidized Young Innovators scheme, International Start-up Area, or Fresh Ideas Stage.
"The pet supplies industry also has to constantly deal with new challenges and develop innovative solutions, for example in the fields of technology, sustainability, design, and pet food," added Dr. Arzt. "This is why Interzoo sees itself as a provider of opportunities where start-ups and innovators can attract worldwide attention for their ideas."
The Fresh Ideas Stage will host short presentations from emerging companies on start-up concepts, products and services. The Fresh Ideas Contest, entering its third round, will take place on Friday, with participants presenting innovations to an audience and expert jury for awards.
The Young Innovators scheme, subsidized by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, will provide financial and organizational support to approximately 30 German start-ups. Half of the available spots had been allocated by the end of August 2025.
Eligible companies must have been founded within the last 10 years, maintain headquarters and operations in Germany, and meet EU criteria for small companies with fewer than 50 employees and maximum annual turnover of €10 million. Since 2018, the program has supported more than 70 German start-ups through Interzoo.
The International Start-up Area offers a service package for companies headquartered outside Germany, including pavilion stand space and marketing services.
"As the leading fair and marketplace for all products and services relating to pets, Interzoo is the gateway to the global pet supplies industry and therefore an unmissable event for all market participants – especially for start-ups that want to gain a foothold in the pet supplies industry," Dr. Arzt said. "We want to support them in this endeavor, because only at Interzoo do they get the opportunity to come together with industry players and decision-makers from all around the world within a short timeframe."
The previous Interzoo attracted approximately 2,150 exhibitors and 37,000 trade visitors from 140 countries. WZF GmbH – Pet Industry Services owns and organizes the trade show as a subsidiary of the German Pet Trade & Industry Association.
For more information, visit Interzoo 2026.
