International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition
Receive international recognition
International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition is a competition by iGEM Foundation for students in Class 9–12, open to students across India. Registration closes 30 Jun 2026.
Mode
Hybrid
Eligibility
Class 9–12
Fee
€5,450
Duration
Approximately 8-9 months (typically February to October)
Format
Team · Teams of 15
Time needed
Requires a significant extracurricular commitment for research, lab work, project documentation, and fundraising.
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Feb 2026
- Registration closes
- 30 Jun 2026
- Competition
- 13 Nov 2026 – 16 Nov 2026
- Results
- 15 Dec 2026
Paris Convention Centre, Paris, Île-de-France
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.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 9–12
- Age Range
- 13 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
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.
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.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
Rewards & 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
Highlights
- Contribute to the world's largest open-source library of biological parts (BioBricks).
- Present research at a major international conference in Paris.
- Engage in 'Human Practices' to consider the societal impact of your work.
Rounds & 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.
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.
Fees & 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition?
The registration deadline is 30 Jun 2026.
Is International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition free?
€5,450 registration
Who can participate in International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition?
Students in Class 9–12. children aged 13-18.
What will my child gain from International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition?
Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge synthetic biology research.. Win Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals based on project achievements.. Develop critical skills in research, teamwork, and project management.. Contribute to the advancement of science by adding new BioBricks to a global registry.. Network with students, academics, and industry leaders from around the world.. Compete for the Grand Prize and numerous special awards.. Win the prestigious Grand Prize Trophy or Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.. Gain international recognition by presenting your project at the Grand Jamboree in Paris.. Significantly enhance applications to top global universities for STEM programs..
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