The role of Commercial Team Organizing Entities (CTOEs) for High School iGEM teams
*This post is the third of a series focusing on high school teams in iGEM
“What is so powerful about iGEM is that it gives opportunities, it builds a basis of teamwork and collaboration, while also pursuing real science that can potentially save lives. That creativity comes naturally at the high school level.” – Janet Standeven, former PI of a high school iGEM team for more than 10 years
Since first participating in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition in 2011, high school teams have expanded in both numbers and diversity – rising to an all-time high of 152 teams from 20 countries and regions this year. As a vibrant, dedicated group within the iGEM community, high school teams have made meaningful contributions to the field of synthetic biology, and enabled thousands of high school students to develop the skills they need to thrive and create a better future.
Over the years, different organizational structures have emerged to overcome some of the challenges that are unique to high school teams. In the early years, most high school teams were organized by the high schools themselves or by community labs. In 2020, it came to our attention some high school iGEM teams were being organized by third-party institutions that were building teams for high schools that did not have access to laboratory facilities and/or for high school students who did not have an iGEM program at their own school. High school teams organized by these third-party institutions were formally recognized in the “Commercial Team” category beginning in 2021. Note: The experimental nature and unique challenges facing high school teams have been covered in previous posts focusing on high school teams in iGEM.
The iGEM community is committed to fostering young talent and ensuring that the spirit of iGEM—its principles, reputation, and core values—remains intact while offering high school students a platform that truly caters to their strengths and aspirations. To continue the experiment of commercial teams in iGEM, we needed to increase our understanding of these teams and their processes. In 2023, we introduced the new registration requirements for commercial teams, which intended to establish a clear framework for third party institutions that organize and support the ever growing population of high school students that wish to participate in the iGEM Competition. Those institutions that expect to organize commercial teams need to submit their application for Commercial Team Organizing Entity (CTOE) before teams’ regular registration. These requirements are expected to ensure all the iGEM teams, despite their team kind, are participating in the competition in a transparent and responsible way, respecting and complying with iGEM's values and rules. Below are some of the contributions, significance and eligibility requirements of CTOEs:
Contributions of CTOEs
CTOEs serve to amplify the resonance of iGEM at the high school level, nurturing these budding scientists who are set to redefine the contours of synthetic biology in the years to come. Some of the contributions of CTOEs include:
Professional Enablers: CTOEs serve as a bridge for aspiring participants, especially high school students who lack the necessary resources. They offer essential academic guidance, lab resources, equipment, and reagents.
Advocates of Synthetic Biology & iGEM: Beyond being STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) educators, CTOEs actively promote iGEM and synthetic biology, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the field.
Fostering Collaboration: CTOEs champion inter-school collaborations, allowing high school students from various backgrounds to unite under a shared passion, learn from one another, and pool resources.
Mentors in Project Management: Beyond the academic and lab support, CTOEs mentor high school students in project management, research methodologies, data analysis, and presentation skills, ensuring comprehensive development.
Industrialization Catalysts: Many CTOEs, being seasoned researchers, not only coach but incubate projects, seeking to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications of synthetic biology.
Significance of CTOEs
CTOEs are instrumental in helping build iGEM teams for high schools that do not have access to laboratory facilities as well as high school students who do not have an iGEM program at their own school. The significance of CTOEs includes:
Broadening Participation: CTOEs ensure that more individuals, especially high school students, can participate in iGEM. By offering support and resources, they level the playing field for those with limited access.
Amplifying iGEM's Global Reach: CTOEs extend the influence of iGEM beyond academic circles. They engage the general public, parents, and teenagers, championing the importance of synthetic biology.
Pioneering Future Applications: Some CTOEs are at the forefront of exploring new applications for synthetic biology. Their dual role in coaching and researching means they're constantly pushing boundaries and exploring industrialization avenues.
Early Engagement & Skill Development: CTOEs provide early exposure to synthetic biology, igniting interest and passion. They foster skill development from research to teamwork, preparing students for future academic and professional pursuits.
CTOE eligibility
As an officially approved entity by iGEM, CTOEs hold the primary right to recruit and form teams for participation in the iGEM Competition. The types of institutions eligible to become CTOE, include:
Biotechnology Firms, defined as corporations or startups with a primary focus in the field of biotechnology.
Educational Consultancies, defined as firms providing educational services and guidance, with a strong inclination towards STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects.
Research Institutions, defined as entities primarily engaged in conducting scientific research, including universities, independent research labs, and government-funded research centers.
NGOs and Social Organizations, defined as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) or groups focusing on social, environmental, or educational missions.
The iGEM Competition has evolved into a crucible of innovation, bringing together ambitious minds in the realm of synthetic biology – from high school and collegiate students to community labs and startup companies. By organizing and supporting high school teams, CTOEs can effectively bridge the gap between raw enthusiasm and structured guidance for this burgeoning segment of the iGEM community.
This year, CTOEs have organized 60 high school iGEM teams in 4 different countries and regions, and this number is expected to grow in the years to come. If you are interested in becoming a CTOE for the iGEM Competition, please contact us at commercial-teams@igem.org.
