Spain has unveiled the Agrifoodtech Sandbox, a new initiative aimed at accelerating innovation within the agrifood sector. Managed by the EATEX Food Innovation Hub under the National Centre for Food Technology and Safety (CNTA), this sandbox provides a controlled environment for companies to test groundbreaking technologies and services while navigating regulatory frameworks.

The launch is the culmination of a strategic partnership involving Spain’s Ministry of Science and Universities, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and the regional governments of Navarra and La Rioja. This collaboration underscores Spain's commitment to transforming its food systems through innovation.

Silvia García, director of EATEX Food Innovation Hub, highlighted the sandbox's role in fostering a direct connection between innovators and regulatory bodies. "By fast-tracking the adoption of key technologies, we are enhancing the competitiveness of the agrifood industry and shaping a more agile regulatory landscape," she said.

This initiative aims to streamline the introduction of innovations into the market while ensuring compliance with existing regulations.

The Agrifoodtech Sandbox positions Spain as a leader in Europe in adopting a model that has already seen success in other sectors. The programme aims to facilitate dialogue between industry stakeholders and regulatory authorities, ultimately generating valuable insights that will inform the evolution of agri-food regulations in Spain and across Europe.

Spain joins a growing list of countries – including Singapore, the UK and South Korea – that have established similar sandboxes to align innovation with regulatory requirements. These initiatives have proven effective in attracting investment and talent, reinforcing their status as global hubs for food technology innovation.

The Agrifoodtech Sandbox is now inviting projects from startups, corporations, and industry associations worldwide, with the first call for submissions open until 23 May 2025. Selected projects will benefit from CNTA’s scientific and technological resources, as well as regulatory guidance to facilitate the testing and validation of their innovations.

The sandbox prioritises several key innovation areas, including:

• Novel ingredients: Identification or development of new food components.

• Healthy food products: Creation of food and beverage products that promote healthier eating habits.

• Food preservation and packaging: Development of advanced strategies for preserving food and optimising packaging solutions.

• Resource optimisation: Enhancing circularity and valorising waste and byproducts to improve resource use.

  
  

This initiative not only serves as a catalyst for global agrifood innovation but also exemplifies a collaborative approach to integrating science, regulation, and entrepreneurship. By fostering an environment conducive to innovation, Spain aims to build a more resilient, sustainable and forward-thinking food system.