iGEM

Introducing the iGEM Judging Committee. 💚 This international committee of researchers, educators, industry professionals and longtime iGEM contributors will help guide the evolution and quality of judging across the iGEM Competitions. As synthetic biology continues to evolve, the Judging Committee will help ensure that judging evolves. Their work will help ensure fair, consistent, meaningful evaluation across teams with different backgrounds, approaches and resources, and recognize excellence, responsibility, creativity and impact throughout the competition. Meet the Judging Committee: https://lnkd.in/dm3CCDFm #iGEM2026

iGEM is launching iGEM Innovation! iGEM Innovation is the next evolution of iGEM Startups, bringing together iGEM’s innovation-focused initiatives into one integrated program. Over the past several years, iGEM has supported entrepreneurial pathways through the iGEM Startups Program, helping iGEMers explore how synthetic biology ideas move beyond the lab and into the real world. As the ecosystem has evolved, so has the way iGEMers engage with innovation, not only as founders, but as researchers, investors, operators, and industry leaders shaping the broader bioeconomy. iGEM Innovation builds on this work and expands it into a broader system of support for bioinnovators across the full innovation cycle. Explore the program: innovation.igem.org #iGEMInnovation

I'm pleased to be supporting iGEM as a member of the Scientific Advisory Council. When I was a teenager, I was captivated by Ray Kurzweil's books on what the future could look like. He convinced me that we were entering the century of biology and AI, which shaped my studies and career. I was specifically struck by the idea that if we can understand and engineer biology (the most sophisticated technology in our world), we can solve disease and build a sustainable relationship with our planet. This will take longer than some people expect. Biology is complex, and we're only just getting started, despite the advances over the last couple of decades that would have astonished me when I was 15. But I'm certain we'll get there, and I'm very much looking forward to working with the iGEM Technology Committee to help shape how synthetic biology's tools and knowledge reach the next generation of researchers and innovators.

Once a year, the global synthetic biology community comes together for the largest synthetic biology event of the year. The iGEM Grand Jamboree returns to Paris: November 13-16, 2026. Four days where the people advancing the field — across research, education, industry, innovation and governance — gather to showcase their work, exchange insights, build collaborations, and shape what's next. Your Universal Pass will give you access to the entire Jamboree, including: • All events: The BioInnovation Summit, the Responsibility Conference, the iGEM Competition, and the Final Day Show. • 500+ sessions across 8 curated stages and Mainstage Keynotes. • The full Expo: 15+ Villages, 400+ booths, 50+ Exhibitors, a Startup Zone, and more. • Networking opportunities through the event app and 1:1 meeting spaces. • Post-event access to session recordings and resources. Special reduced rates are available for iGEM Competition Team Members, Alumni, iGEM Venture Foundry participants, Startups, and more. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your ticket: https://jamboree.igem.org/ #iGEM2026

A global team of experts is coming together to help shape the technical future of iGEM. We’re proud to announce the first cohort of the iGEM Technology Committee, a new expert-driven committee bringing together scientists, engineers and leaders from across academia, industry and startups, including experienced contributors from iGEM Engineering Committee, long-time community members and new external experts, to strengthen the technical foundations of the global iGEM community. Working across areas including Software & AI, Automation and Cell-Free Systems, Engineering Standards, Emerging Biology platforms and Education, the committee will help guide the development of tools, methodologies and infrastructure that supports thousands of teams and the synthetic biology community worldwide. Learn More About iGEM Technology: technology.igem.org #iGEM2026 #SynBio

The iGEM Registry has entered its next chapter! Introducing the iGEM Registry Steering Committee, a global group of researchers, industry experts and emerging leaders helping shape the future of the Registry. As the Registry transitions from its legacy infrastructure into a trusted, interoperable knowledge platform for synthetic biology, the committee is providing strategic direction on platform development, data standards and community needs. That’s not all! We’re also sharing the iGEM Registry Roadmap, take a look at what the Committee is building now and what’s coming next. From sequence search and biosafety screening to structured experimental data and machine-discoverable biology, these developments are designed to make the Registry more powerful, searchable and useful for the global synthetic biology community. Learn More About the Roadmap: https://lnkd.in/dWzDVWQR Meet the Committee: https://lnkd.in/eCZB3CMC

Only 4 days left to apply for the iGEM Judging Committee! Judging in iGEM is not only about evaluation. It also helps signal what kinds of work we want to encourage, what standards matter and how excellence can be recognized across very different contexts. This open call is about creating space to realign around shared goals, refresh how the committee works together and welcome fresh ideas and perspectives for the next phase of iGEM judging. Since the launch of this call, we have been inspired by the community. Experienced Committee Members, PIs and Judges who have shared thoughtful feedback are already showing interest in joining this effort and we are excited about what lies ahead. If you care about fairness, excellence, learning and the future direction of synthetic biology in iGEM, apply to join the Judging Committee and help shape what comes next! Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dm3CCDFm Deadline: April 7, 2026, 15:00 UTC #iGEM2026 #SynBio

The future of iGEM judging needs people like you! Whether you're an iGEM veteran or new to the Competition, your background and expertise can make a real difference!

What if you could help shape the future of synthetic biology and solve key global challenges? The iGEM Villages Program is growing and we are now recruiting Village Mayors, individuals who can bring diverse perspectives, connect communities and drive meaningful impact across 15 key global challenges. As a Village Mayor, you will: • Map the landscape of ideas, projects and stakeholders; • Identify gaps and opportunities within your Village’s theme; • Connect academia, industry and community voices; • Help guide how synthetic biology can address real-world challenges. Since its launch in 2024, the Villages Program is rapidly becoming a reference point around key global challenges where synthetic biology can play a role, from advancing therapeutics and biomanufacturing, to exploring bioart and design, and beyond. To learn more about the iGEM Villages Program: villages.igem.org/ If you’re ready to play a leading role in shaping the direction of the field, apply here: https://lnkd.in/eBsQjkME Deadline: March 30, 2026. #iGEM2026 #SyntheticBiology

Synthetic biology is advancing fast. But who is shaping how it develops responsibly? The 2025 iGEM Responsibility Conference Report is now available, capturing key discussions from scientists, policymakers, ethicists and emerging leaders who came together to explore critical topics including: AI, synthetic biology convergence, biosecurity, global governance and community engagement. The Responsibility Conference will return to the 2026 iGEM Grand Jamboree, bringing the community together once again to discuss how synthetic biology can advance safely, responsibly and for the benefit of society. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss! Read the Report and learn more: https://lnkd.in/dZKNUC7b #iGEMResponsibility #ResponsibleInnovation #iGEM2026