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International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition

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iGEM Foundation

The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of synthetic biology, education and competition, and the development of an open community and collaboration.

The 2019 Competition has officially started!

Visit the 2019 Competition website

Take me to 2019

See the 2019 Team List

News

The iGEM Blog is Back!

The iGEM Blog is back, and better than ever! In our first post, our lead writer Linda Kahl is exploring the different ways people define iGEM in her multi-part series “What is iGEM?”... Read more

View more news

A pioneer in engineering biology.

The iGEM Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of synthetic biology, education and competition, and the development of an open community and collaboration. This is done by fostering an open, cooperative community and friendly competition.

iGEM’s main program is the iGEM Competition. The iGEM competition gives students the opportunity to push the boundaries of synthetic biology by tackling everyday issues facing the world. Made up of primarily university students, multidisciplinary teams work together to design, build, test, and measure a system of their own design using interchangeable biological parts and standard molecular biology techniques. Every year nearly 6,000 people dedicate their summer to iGEM and then come together in the fall to present their work and compete at the annual Jamboree.

Our Focus

iGEMers are building a better world by solving problems with the help of synthetic biology. The iGEM Competition inspires nearly 6,000 students each year to work in teams to address unique challenges in their local communities. Browse through iGEM projects and learn how teams are solving real world problems.

We celebrate team achievements at the annual Giant Jamboree by showcasing projects from participating teams and awarding medals, prizes, and the grand prize, the BioBrick trophies.

We inspire responsible innovation through our efforts in biosafety, biosecurity and public outreach. Learn more by visiting Safety & Security and Human Practices.

iGEM sets the standard in synthetic biology with standardized parts. Learn more about the open source technology and browse through 20,000+ standardized genetic parts in the iGEM Registry.

Our Community

The iGEM community is made up of international trailblazers from over 45 countries around the world. Learn more about the iGEM Teams.

In 2017 iGEM launched the After iGEM program. This program supports over 30,000 iGEMers -- students and instructors -- who has gone through the competition since its inception in 2004. This global network is leading the field, taking what they learned in the competition and expanding it to continue to build a better world. Learn more about iGEM's global After iGEM community where members take what they learned and experienced in the competition and expand it to continue have an impact on the world.

Our Impact on the World

Finding Solutions
to Local Problems

By working together, students can do amazing things. Browse through iGEM projects and learn how teams are solving real world problems with the help of synthetic biology.

Building a
Better World

With 30,000+ members, iGEM's international network of academics and industry professionals are building a better world. Visit After iGEM to learn more about engagement opportunities within iGEM, in synthetic biology, and in the global community.

Inspiring
Responsible Innovation

iGEM’s global engagement in biosafety and biosecurity is revolutionary. Visit Safety & Security to see why. For iGEM’s role in worldwide outreach and engagement, visit Human Practices.

Setting the Standard: Synthetic Biology based on Standard Parts

Learn more about the open source technology and browse through 20,000+ standardized genetic parts in the iGEM Registry.

Click to expand

RE-LIVE 2018

The 2018 season of the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition is now over. Congratulations to all participants! Re-live iGEM 2018: Click below to browse team projects, results, photos, and videos from 2018.

iGEM 2018 Website

iGEM 2019!

Visit the 2019 website for more information about this year's competition. Save the date for the iGEM 2019 Giant Jamboree October 31 to November 4.

iGEM 2019 Website

iGEM 2019 Teams

Experience iGEM

Welcome to iGEM

A message from Meagan Lizarazo, Vice President.
Visit the competition site 2019.igem.org to learn more.

Safety in iGEM

A message from Piers Millet, Director of Safety and Security.
Visit Safety @ iGEM and the Competition Safety Hub to learn more.

Human Practices at iGEM

A message from Megan Palmer, Director of Human Practices.
Visit the Human Practices Hub to learn more.

Experience iGEM

Experience the excitement of the iGEM Giant Jamboree.

VIDEO LIBRARY

PHOTO LIBRARY