Competition/Tracks

5. Track Selection

Each team can only compete in one track.

The purpose of the iGEM tracks is to help teams focus their projects. The subject areas encompassed by the tracks aim to solve crucial global challenges; for examples, students have worked on projects related to environmental bioremediation, new medical delivery systems, and alternative energy sources using synthetic biology.

Track Selection Freeze


Deadline: August 7, October 2, 11:59PM EDT (23:59 EDT)

Your final track selection is important as it directly impacts the Giant Jamboree presentation schedule. We will group teams together by track in random groups of three to fit within the presentation schedule. The final track selection allows iGEM Headquarters to start working on the Giant Jamboree schedule. You can enter your track selection on your Team Information Page.

Note: High school teams will automatically be assigned to the High School Track.

Track Preferences

As a team, you will select one track to compete in, but your team profile page will ask for up to 3 preferences for track selection. Teams should place their first choice in the first position before the deadline on August 7, October 2, 11:59PM EDT (23:59 EDT). You may also provide second and third preferences, but this is optional. In the past, when tracks did not have enough teams to compete, the track would be cancelled. Second and third track preferences allowed us to assign teams to tracks that were still relevant to their project. As the competition has grown, the requirement for preferences is no longer necessary. In the event that we must cancel a track, teams in that track will be contacted directly.


Can't pick a track?

Institutions can send two teams to the Jamboree. We have offered this option to software and wetware teams for many years. You can decide to split your team into two teams later than the regular registration deadline, so you can start in the lab before deciding if you have a great special project you want to show off! As with every team, there will be a registration fee, but registering a second team will come with the multiple team discount. Keep in mind: two teams gives you two presentations, two posters, and two chances to win most of the special prizes. See the Competition Registration page for instructions on how to register multiple teams.

Important Information for Tracks

  • Teams will be eligible for the Grand Prize
  • Teams will be eligible for their assigned Track Prize
  • Teams will be eligible to win Special Prizes
    • There are two exceptions: Software Track teams are NOT eligible to win the Best Software Tool Prize and Hardware Track teams are NOT eligible to win the Best Hardware Prize.
  • All high school teams are automatically assigned to the High School Track.