The COSMOS project’s focus is to research and develop a novel monolithically integrated low-cost Color sensor based on standard CMOS technology without costly process modifications or any external color filter structure. The sensor is based on a new photodiode color sensing technology in combination with algorithms for color reconstruction. It includes a high dynamic range analog frontend with a 20 bit Resolution ADC. A fully integrated color sensor prototype system was realized as key enabler for scientific and technical exploitations. New color detection methods could be demonstrated, which enables highly integrated low-cost color sensors for a wide range of consumer, industrial or biomedical applications. The proposed sensor is more technologically advanced compared to the current integrated solutions and moreover it is fully compatible with mass market applications.