iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machines) is a one of its kind competition for school, undergraduate and graduate students. Ever since it was started by MIT in 2004, iGEM has played a central role in the development of the new field of Synthetic Biology. iGEM promotes the idea of open community and collaboration, which is the need of the hour in the scientific community. iGEM offers st
udents a rare opportunity to come up with innovative and exciting ideas in the field of Synthetic Biology. It mainly involves genetically manipulating microorganisms in order to fulfil a certain purpose or solve an everyday problem. For example, indigo production causes a lot of pollution. The iGEM team of UC Berkeley in 2013 genetically modified bacteria to produce indican which ultimately converts to indigo, without the use of any hideous chemicals or monstrous industrial processes.
