A structured framework for conducting trials with technical rigor and regulatory analysis.
The Testing Environment of Spain’s AgriFoodTech Sandbox is designed for products, processes or technologies whose regulatory status is not yet fully defined or that operate at the regulatory frontier. It is built around three core pillars:
Core pillars of the Testing Environment
Safe testing spaces
Technical and regulatory expertise
External expert network
If your innovation is operating at the regulatory frontier…
Technical clarity in complex regulatory contexts
Accessing the Testing Environment allows you to assess your innovation under scientific, technical and regulatory criteria, within a supervised and structured framework.
1. Experimentation under real conditions
Test your innovation under real or representative conditions when regulations prevent doing so in standard settings — always within a controlled and supervised environment.
2. Expert technical and regulatory guidance
Each project is developed with integrated scientific and regulatory analysis from day one, generating robust data and enabling a closer, more informed dialogue with competent authorities.
3 · Evidence built on solid methodology
Activities follow defined methodologies and structured protocols, ensuring the generation of reliable evidence that genuinely supports strategic and regulatory decision‑making.
4 · A collaborative ecosystem working with you
The Testing Environment can bring in additional ecosystem partners when needed, broadening the project’s perspective through complementary technical and regulatory expertise.
5 · A controlled and safeguarded setting
Trials take place in purpose‑built facilities under technical oversight, in line with required safety standards and regulatory frameworks — ensuring the protection of the public interest at all times.
Submit your project before 15 May
In 2026, we are launching a new call for projects aimed at agri‑food organisations developing innovations that operate at the regulatory frontier or in contexts of regulatory uncertainty.
Selected projects will gain access to the Testing Environment with 100% funding for the activities carried out by CNTA and its collaborating entities.
Initiatives from previous calls for projects
Reducing energy consumption in the cold chain: feasibility of storing frozen vegetable-based ingredients at –15 °C without compromising quality.
Support for the regulatory evaluation of coffee silverskin.
Optimización y validación avanzada de la tecnología UraFood para el lavado seguro de productos vegetales.
Characterization of functional fractions obtained from Lathyrus sativus flour.
