American Concrete Institute (ACI) – University of Toronto Chapter
Internationally Genetically Engineered Machine – Toronto (iGEM Toronto)
Objectives
iGEM Toronto aims to foster advancement, engagement, collaboration, and stewardship in synthetic biology. The team empowers students to design and implement innovative biological solutions to global challenges while cultivating scientific literacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and responsible research practices. Through these efforts, iGEM Toronto strives to positively impact both local and global communities.
iGEM Toronto aims to foster advancement, engagement, collaboration, and stewardship in synthetic biology. The team empowers students to design and implement innovative biological solutions to global challenges while cultivating scientific literacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and responsible research practices. Through these efforts, iGEM Toronto strives to positively impact both local and global communities.
How We Achieve These Objectives
We pursue these goals through a combination of research, education, and outreach initiatives:
- Research & Innovation: Members conduct cutting‑edge synthetic biology projects, culminating in presentations at the international iGEM competition. We are currently working with the BME teaching lab, the RNAlab, and BioZone.
- Entrepreneurship & Competitions: Our venture subteam recently won the iGEM Global Biohackathon Pitch Competition and earned a $2,500 project grant at the Tech Future Challenge in March.
- Community Engagement: We are currently mentor the Ontario High School iGEM Team and are supporting their creation of a High School Biotech Conference in late July. We are also working with the UofT Trash Team to host a microplastics research conference in mid-Sept/Oct.
- Knowledge Sharing: We host workshops, design sessions, and collaborative events to strengthen technical and communication skills across disciplines.
- Public Outreach: Through advocacy and educational initiatives (reaching out to High Schools, having outreach meetings with the University of Fudan iGEM team), we engage communities to raise awareness about synthetic biology and its societal impact.
Key Accomplishments for 2025-2026
iGEM Mentorship Program (2025–2026)
Launched a structured mentorship initiative pairing 20 senior members with new recruits to foster academic and professional growth. Mentors conducted three 1:1 meetings per term, promoting inclusivity, goal setting, and reflective learning.
Launched a structured mentorship initiative pairing 20 senior members with new recruits to foster academic and professional growth. Mentors conducted three 1:1 meetings per term, promoting inclusivity, goal setting, and reflective learning.
Global Biohackathon Pitch Competition - March 2026
Our venture team won the Judges’ Choice Award, competing against international startups and academic teams. The pitch, built in just 48 hours, showcased AI-guided enzyme engineering for microplastic degradation, earning recognition for innovation.
Tech Future Challenge - Calgary, Winter 2026
Competed nationally and earned a $2,500 research grant for advancing enzyme-based microplastic remediation. The event connected our team with industry mentors and accelerated prototype development for scalable environmental applications.
CPSIF Funding Impact
Thanks to CPSIF funding, we were able to offer participation in international/national competitions and mentorship programs free of charge, ensuring accessibility for all members. The funding also enabled us to invest in higher-quality lab materials and outreach resources, directly supporting our mission to advance sustainable synthetic‑biology innovation and community engagement.
iGEM Global Jamboree - Paris, 2025. Top Row Left to Right: Sania Ahmad, Jaden Bhogal, Rebecca Tam, Esha Mohan, Noah
Selda, Lisa Chen, Patricia Rea. Bottom Row Left to Right: Purav Gupta, Robinson Meng, Jasmine Jing. Photographer: Unknown
Global iGEM Biohackathon Competition Preparation - Toronto, 2026. Back Left to Right: Anthony Dinglasan, Clelia Troisi, and Isabella Sobec. Front Left to Right: Lisa Chen, Rima Rajan, and Megan Chiao. Photographer: Lisa Chen
iGEM Toronto 2026 First Meeting – Toronto, 2026. Front Left to Right: Anya Mathur, Anthony Dinglasan, and Purav Gupta. Photographer: Purav Gupta
Tech Future Challenge National Competition – Calgary, 2026. Left to Right: Anthony Dinglasan, Purav Gupta, and Thomas Quigley. Photographer Unknown
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