We're looking for Welfare Tech ideas to build into companies.
Seen a problem that costs both animals and producers — mortality, disease, stress — and know a commercially viable way to fix it? Tell us. If we build it, you’re a natural candidate to lead it as founder. You can also join as technical lead, advise, or simply hand us the idea.
We launch a small number of companies each year, so we’re selective about which ideas we build. Many of the strongest come from people already in the field — the ones who see the problem every day and know what a fix has to cost to get adopted.
What we look for:
01 WELFARE IMPACT AT SCALE
Does it meaningfully improve welfare for a large number of animals? Name the species, the production system and roughly how many animals it reaches.
02 COMMERCIAL VIABILITY
Will producers adopt it because it makes business sense, not goodwill? Who pays, and why?
03 NO UNINTENDED EFFECTS
Could it create new welfare risks, such as enabling higher stocking densities? We screen for this.
04 EVIDENCE
On-farm pilots, trial data and early customers count most. A concept with a clear path to proof can still qualify.
05 SPEED TO LAUNCH
Can a company reach a first commercial product within about 12 months on pre-seed capital?
Current priority areas
- In-ovo sexing and other alternatives to male chick culling
- Pain-free alternatives to routine procedures such as castration
- Stunning, slaughter and anesthesia, especially for fish and crustaceans
- Vaccines and biologics for aquaculture disease
- Vaccine platforms for livestock and poultry
- Health, welfare and water-quality monitoring for fish and shrimp
- On-farm and transport monitoring, sensors and robotics
- Housing, environment and enrichment
- Better capture methods and bycatch reduction for wild-caught fisheries
Species: fish, shrimp and other crustaceans, poultry, pigs and cattle — with particular focus on aquatic animals. Strong ideas outside these areas are welcome.
OUT OF SCOPE
- Research that needs grant funding or multi-year trials before a product exists
- Alternative proteins
- Insect farming
- Companion animals and wildlife
- Advocacy, certification or policy campaigns
Process:
01 SUBMIT
Short answers, about 20 minutes. You’ll get an email confirming we received it.
02 SCREEN
Our research team reviews submissions in monthly batches against the five criteria above.
03 DEEP DIVE
Shortlisted? We’ll reach out for a call and run our own diligence on impact, market and risks.
04 BUILD
If it clears our bar, Spring forms and funds the company: pre-seed capital, recruiting, industry introductions and ongoing support. Often that means you as founder — we’ll agree your role with you first.
To get started, click "Apply for this job" to the right.
