Press Release
APROVALS LAUNCHES OPEN CALL TO SUPPORT CELLULAR AGRICULTURE INNOVATORS ENTERING THE EU MARKET
April 16, 2025 – APROVALS (Accelerating PROteins innoVAtion beyond reguLatory Sandboxes), the European initiative dedicated to advancing regulatory innovation for cellular agriculture, is launching its first Open Call on April 14, 2025. This initiative aims to identify and support companies developing products based on cell culture, precision fermentation, or biomass fermentation that are seeking to enter the European market and navigate its complex regulatory landscape.
The Open Call invites companies with a strong focus on cellular agriculture that are actively working toward regulatory approval within the EU. Eligible applicants should have experience engaging with EU policies or regulatory frameworks, be based in the EU or an associated country, and demonstrate a willingness to contribute to a collaborative, pre-competitive innovation environment.
Through the APROVALS framework, the companies will have the opportunity to work alongside leading experts, share practical insights from testing and regulatory processes, and participate in a coordinated dialogue with European regulators and policymakers. The aim is to shape a unified voice for the sector, improve understanding of the regulatory requirements for novel foods, and contribute to evidence-based recommendations that facilitate the safe and efficient market entry of cellular agriculture products.
Participants in the Open Call will attend a series of targeted workshops and expert interviews and will benefit from direct engagement with EU regulatory bodies. The initiative offers a unique opportunity to influence the future of food innovation in Europe, while strengthening the position of participating companies in a rapidly evolving sector.
The application period for the Open Call will run from April 14 to June 9, 2025. Full details, including eligibility criteria and application materials, are available on the APROVALS website at https://aprovals.aprovals.eu. Inquiries can be directed to info@aprovals.eu.
APROVALS is a 30 months project funded by the European Union. Launched in September 2024, the project aims to create a regulatory sandbox for innovators, foster collaboration between stakeholders, and support the development of regulatory frameworks that can keep pace with scientific and technological advancements in the alternative protein sector. By addressing key regulatory challenges and facilitating constructive exchanges between innovators and policymakers, APROVALS seeks to contribute to a more sustainable, secure, and innovative future for food in Europe.
