iGEM Competition
The international genetically engineered machine (iGEM) competition motivates hundreds of student teams from around the world each year to develop revolutionary solutions to current, acute problems using synthetic biology. Originating from an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, iGEM was launched in 2003 and has been held annually ever since. Since its inception, 150 start-ups have already emerged from projects.
Goethe & iGEM
Let’s take a moment to dwell on history. Goethe University’s participation in the iGEM competition began in 2013 with the „Steviomyces“ project. The aim was to transfer the pathway for the production of stevia into yeast cells in order to obtain a low-calorie sweetener from microbes. The team was not the strongest, and the dream of winning a prize faded.
New hope arose in 2022. The project, called „CadCH ME IF YOU CAN“, was to use microbes to detect and sequester cadmium from soil. Cadmium is a heavy metal and has a strong negative impact on the environment. „Cadching“ cadmium made an impression and a silver medal was awarded to Goethe University. The team left Frankfurt for the Great Jamboree as a group of novices, but came back with a vision: Frankfurt needs a team every year! Goethe University will go for the gold medal!