Traditional 2D in vitro cell culture systems are being replaced by more functional 3D models, providing a biologically more relevant microenvironment concerning stiffness and extracellular matrix (ECM) dependent regulation. In order to avoid unknown factors in the culture, the development of clean 3D culture scaffolds is essential. The GrowDex hydrogels mimic the extracellular matrix and support cell growth and differentiation enabling convenient, reproducible and scalable animal-free culture or 3D spheroids and organoids.