International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition
Receive international recognition
A prestigious global synthetic biology competition where high school teams design and build solutions to real-world problems, culminating in Paris.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
€5,450
Participation format
Team
Teams of 8 to 15
Duration
Approximately 8-9 months (typically February to October)
Eligibility
Open to high school students (Grades 9-12, typically ages 13-18). Participants must form a team, usually from one or more schools, under the guidance of an adult Principal Investigator (PI). The competition is open to students across India with a passion for biology, engineering, and problem-solving.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- A strong interest and foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, or other STEM fields is highly recommended.
- Prerequisites
- Strong interest in biology, chemistry, engineering, or computer science.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Commitment to a long-term, research-based project.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Medals & Grand Prize Trophy
Teams are awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals based on the completion of specific criteria. The overall winner receives the Grand Prize Trophy, a large metal Lego-brick, and there are also numerous special prizes for achievements in specific areas like Best Hardware or Best Integrated Human Practices.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation
Every registered participant in the iGEM competition receives an official certificate of participation to recognize their involvement and contribution.
Opens doors to
Participation in iGEM is highly regarded by admissions committees at top universities worldwide. It demonstrates a student's ability to conduct high-level, interdisciplinary research from concept to presentation, which significantly strengthens applications for competitive STEM programs.
Career pathways
The Grand Jamboree provides an unparalleled opportunity to network with students, academics, and leaders from the global synthetic biology industry. This can lead to mentorships, internships, and future research positions.
Recognition
International Recognition in Paris
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Feb 2026
- Registration closed
- 30 Jun 2026
- Competition
- 13 Nov 2026 to 16 Nov 2026
- Results
- 15 Dec 2026
Project Promotion Video Due
Teams are typically required to submit their Project Promotion Video by mid-August. This video introduces the project's problem, solution, engineering, and potential impact.
Final Project Safety Form Due
The Project Safety Form, completed by a team's PI, is typically due in early September. This form is crucial for ensuring safety compliance.
Wiki Freeze
The team's project wiki, which documents all progress, is typically frozen for editing in late October before the Grand Jamboree. No further changes are allowed until after the event.
Paris Convention Centre, Paris, Île-de-France
How to apply
- 1Form a team with student members and adult supervisors (PIs/instructors).
- 2The team's PI initiates and completes the online registration process.
- 3Pay the team registration fee to confirm participation.
- 4Work on the project, document progress on the team wiki, and prepare for the final presentation.
- 5Attend and present at the annual Grand Jamboree event in Paris.
Rules and guidelines
- All teams must adhere to iGEM's safety and security policies.
- Projects must be documented on a public team wiki.
- Teams are required to submit new standardized biological parts (BioBricks) to the iGEM Registry.
- All work must be properly attributed to team members or external sources.
- Participants are expected to treat everyone, including other teams and judges, with respect.
- Participants must maintain a respectful and collaborative attitude towards all teams and judges.
Technology requirements
- Access to a laboratory for wet-lab experiments.
- Computer with internet access for research, modeling, and wiki development.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The competition involves several fees. The Program Fee - Stage I (Registration) varies by deadline: Early (€4,950 EUR), Regular (€5,450 EUR), and Late (€5,950 EUR). There is also a Program Fee - Stage II (Finalization) of €2,750 EUR per team. Additionally, a Jamboree Team Member Ticket costs €525 EUR per person for attendance at the Grand Jamboree.
Financial support
iGEM offers various grants, such as Team Grants (e.g., $2500 or $5000) to help teams with their projects. Additionally, partners like Zymo Research provide grants (e.g., a $2,000 credit for research tools). Teams are also encouraged to seek funding from their schools, universities, corporate sponsors, alumni associations, and through crowdfunding. Some teams also provide summer stipends for student expenses.
Refund policy
To qualify for a refund, a written cancellation request must be submitted by the Primary PI to hq@igem.org before the applicable deadline. Standard refunds are subject to a 10% cancellation fee. An iGEM Payment Credit option is available, returning the full amount as credit for the following competition year, with no cancellation fee. This credit is non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-extendable.
About this opportunity
The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition is the world's largest and most prestigious synthetic biology innovation event. It offers high school students a unique opportunity to form interdisciplinary teams and address pressing global challenges by designing, building, and testing novel biological systems.
Participants gain invaluable hands-on experience in scientific research, project management, and public presentation, preparing them for future careers in STEM. The program culminates in the annual Grand Jamboree in Paris, where teams present their projects to expert judges and peers from around the globe, competing for medals and the Grand Prize.
Rounds and format
The competition is a single, season-long project phase. Teams work from spring through autumn, culminating in a presentation at the Grand Jamboree. There are no elimination rounds; all registered teams who complete the project requirements present at the final event.
How entries are judged
Teams are evaluated on multiple aspects of their project, including the project's design, contribution of a new BioBrick part, experimental validation, human practices work, project documentation on their wiki, and their final presentation. Medals are awarded for meeting a defined set of criteria at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels.
Selection process
All teams that successfully register and pay the fee are eligible to participate. Medals and awards are granted based on the quality and completion of the project as evaluated by judges against a public rubric.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
Frequently asked questions
How can teams secure funding for their iGEM project and travel?
Teams often secure funding through a combination of school support, local business sponsorships, university grants, and crowdfunding initiatives. Developing a detailed budget and a compelling sponsorship proposal is crucial for successful fundraising efforts.
What is the typical time commitment required for students participating in iGEM?
iGEM requires a significant time commitment, typically spanning 8-9 months from project inception to the Grand Jamboree. Students should expect to dedicate several hours per week to research, lab work, team meetings, and documentation, with increased intensity closer to deadlines.
How do teams manage the interdisciplinary nature of iGEM projects?
Successful teams leverage the diverse skills of their members, assigning roles based on individual strengths in biology, engineering, computer science, and design. Effective communication, regular collaboration, and a clear project plan are key to integrating different disciplines.
What are the visa requirements for Indian students traveling to France for the Grand Jamboree?
Indian students will require a Schengen visa to travel to France. It is advisable to apply for the visa several months in advance, ensuring all necessary documentation, including invitation letters from iGEM, proof of accommodation, and financial support, are prepared.
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