Cellular Agriculture
SMETarget: Cultured meat startup
If you are a startup dealing with regulatory uncertainty — this project developed a catalogue of validated in vitro analytical methods for safety assessment that speeds up the approval process.
FEASTS · Project
Strategic Roadmap and Safety Standards for the European Cultured Meat and Seafood Industry
foodPrototypeTRL 3
Imagine growing real meat and fish from cells in a lab instead of raising whole animals. This project creates the rulebook and safety guide to make sure this happens in a way that is actually green and fair. It's like building a GPS for companies so they don't get lost while trying to bring lab-grown protein to your dinner plate.
By the numbers
17%
GHG emissions from animal farming
18%
global calories supplied by animal farming
37%
global proteins supplied by animal farming
2,321
consumers surveyed in DK, FR, DE
400
entries in stakeholder database
The business problem
What needed solving
The cultured meat industry lacks a clear, unbiased roadmap and safety standards, creating high risk for investors and slow market entry due to regulatory uncertainty.
The solution
What was built
A strategic road map, a support manual, a catalogue of validated safety analytical methods, and a consumer trend survey of 2,321 people.
Audience
Who needs this
Cultured meat and seafood startupsAlternative protein investorsFood safety laboratoriesAgricultural transition consultantsEU food policy makers
Business applications
Who can put this to work
Agriculture
anyTarget: Traditional livestock farm
If you are a farm owner dealing with the shift toward alternative proteins — this project developed new business models and a strategic road map to help you transition into the cellular agriculture value chain.
Food Retail
enterpriseTarget: Supermarket chain
If you are a retailer dealing with consumer skepticism — this project developed a survey of 2,321 consumers in Denmark, France, and Germany to help you understand trends and market demand.
Frequently asked
Quick answers
How does this project address the cost of production?
The project uses Technical Economic Analysis (TEA) and systems dynamic modelling to ensure the sector develops in a cost-competitive way. Based on available project data, it aims to provide decision support tools for cost-efficient production.
Is there a plan for industrial scale-up?
Yes, the project developed a Strategic Road Map for the sector and an Ethical Impact Assessment specifically for large-scale introduction.
What IP or licensing opportunities exist?
Based on available project data, the project focuses on open science practices and the creation of a support manual and a catalogue of validated analytical methods rather than specific patented technologies.
How does this help with EU food regulations?
The project produced a comprehensive report on applicable EU legislation and a formal response to the EFSA Draft Novel Food Guidance document.
What is the timeline for market entry?
The project runs from December 2023 to November 2026, providing the knowledge base and roadmaps necessary for companies to enter the market safely.
Consortium
Who built it
The consortium is highly diversified with 36 partners across 17 countries, showing strong international reach. With 13 industry partners (36% ratio) and 10 SMEs, the project is well-balanced between academic research and commercial application, ensuring that the resulting roadmaps are grounded in real-world business needs.
How to reach the team
Contact IST-ID Associacao do Instituto Superior Tecnico for access to the support manual.
Next steps
Talk to the team behind this work.
Contact us to find a partner from the 36-member consortium for cellular agriculture scaling.
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