Sep 3

Sep 3 Shumvobi Mitra’s Perspective: RhizeUP - From iGEM Project to Real-World Impact

By Shumvobi Mitra

My name is Shumvobi Mitra and I am currently both a high school student and the founder of RhizeUP, a startup based in Maryland in the United States. I first got involved with iGEM in 2023 with the iGEM Team East Coast BioCrew. What started as a competition project has now grown into RhizeUP, a startup tackling fertilizer runoff and supporting sustainable agriculture.

I still remember when I first joined iGEM—it completely changed the way I think about science and its potential impact. As a high school student, I just never imagined that a competition could lead directly to creating a real-world solution. In 2023, my team and I presented our project to engineer Rhizobium bacteria for enhanced phosphate solubilization, aiming to reduce chemical fertilizer use. That project became the spark for what is now, RhizeUP, a startup. More importantly, it provided a platform for me to combine research, design and public engagement in ways that could go beyond the classroom.

Two things I truly love about iGEM is the support you receive and the questions you’re asked. You’re never set back because of your age. High school teams are scrutinized, admired and treated with the same respect as participants from universities or more advanced backgrounds. This environment encourages growth, fosters confidence and allows young innovators to push boundaries without constraints.

For high school teams like mine, iGEM isn’t just a competition, it’s a springboard. It teaches us to tackle real-world problems, navigate regulatory and safety frameworks, and communicate science to diverse audiences. Participating also allowed me to have mentorship, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience with lab work and project management. These experiences equipped me to make meaningful contributions to synthetic biology, and served as the building blocks that later helped me found RhizeUP, enabling me to translate an idea into a functioning solution that engages with farmers, and addresses environmental challenges

I hope other high school iGEMers recognize the possibilities that extend beyond the competition. Your project can be the beginning of a startup, a research initiative, or a community-driven solution addressing pressing challenges in sustainability, agriculture, or health. High school team members are not just participants—they are innovators, entrepreneurs and essential contributors to the growth of synthetic biology. iGEM provides the tools and the platform; it’s up to us to take it further.

Through iGEM, I’ve learned that even as a high school student, you can create change, inspire others and lay the foundation for the next generation of synthetic biology solutions.