APROVALS · Accelerating PROteins innoVAtors beyond reguLatory Sandboxes

In the coming decades, society faces the formidable challenge of providing sustenance for a global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050. Fortunately, the burgeoning field of biotechnology holds significant promise in addressing this challenge by revolutionizing food production. The central aim of this proposal is to pave the way for the widespread adoption of an innovative technology known as cellular agriculture, which is poised to play a pivotal role in facilitating the global protein transition. Cellular agriculture, in essence, represents a breakthrough methodology for producing a spectrum of sustainable food products.Lead by 8 organisations from 7 countries, representing the innovation ecosystem, APROVALS aims to facilitate the seamless integration of emerging cellular agriculture technologies into the global food landscape, through two main activities:- Sandbox for Innovation: APROVALS offers a dedicated sandbox environment where innovators can test and refine their solutions. This sandbox acts as a fertile ground for experimentation, enabling startups and SMEs to develop their technologies and bring them to market.- Interconnected Stakeholders: The project places a strong emphasis on fostering collaboration among key stakeholders involved in cellular agriculture:1) Start-ups and Growing SMEs: These enterprises are provided with essential support to advance their technologies and successfully navigate the journey from innovation to market.2) Innovation Support: Tailored support initiatives are crafted to mitigate risks associated with the innovation process, fostering a conducive ecosystem for cellular agriculture innovation.3) Regulators and Policymakers: APROVALS actively engages with regulators and policymakers to establish robust protocols and a legal framework. This framework serves to safeguard the market and consumers while simultaneously preventing unwarranted regulatory hurdles that could impede progress in cellular agriculture.