​iGEM started in 2003 as a summer research program at the MIT in Boston. After going international in 2005, the event gained traction and grew immensely to currently 400+ teams from all over the world participating each year.

​Teams are tasked to tackle real-world issues with their project by engineering biological systems to provide novel solutions. You compete for a multitude of prizes, ranging from “Best Software Tool” to “Best Sustainable Development Impact” and “Best Plant Synthetic Biology”. Projects span all different areas of biology - Oncology, Food & Nutrition, Climate Crisis, Fashion & Cosmetics and many more…

​iGEM is not just about the lab though, an important part of iGEM is interacting with affected communities, securing financial support for your project, and developing and adapting your project dynamically - which overall results in a well-rounded startup experience. ​At the end of the competition, the teams come together at the Giant Jamboree in Paris to present their project and meet the other teams.

For more information about iGEM go to the official iGEM website