iGEM Foundation

The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Foundation is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the field of synthetic biology. It operates as a hub for education, innovation, and global collaboration, fostering an open and cooperative scientific community. The foundation's flagship program is the annual iGEM Competition, a prestigious international event that challenges multidisciplinary student teams to design, build, and test novel biological systems to solve real-world problems. This provides a unique platform for students, primarily from university and high school levels, to gain hands-on experience in genetic engineering. Originating from a course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2003, iGEM has evolved into a global phenomenon. Each year, it engages thousands of students from around the world who present their pioneering work at the annual Grand Jamboree, a culminating event that celebrates scientific achievement and fosters international partnership.