About
DTU Biobuilders aim to solve real life problems with synthetic biology as the main driver. The team of students is put together on a yearly basis and every year DTU Biobuilders participate in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, which is the largest synthetic biology competition in the world. DTU Biobuilders’ activities are primarily driven by students, with the support of several faculty supervisors.
The first DTU iGEM team came together in 2009. This was also the first time Denmark participated the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition. The team came in stong and won a Gold Medal. That set a precedence and since then every team has won a medal in the competition.
Since our start in 2009, the DTU BioBuilders have competed in iGEM almost every year and built a strong track record, earning several gold medals as well as nominations and special prizes across a range of categories, and contributing more than 100 novel BioBricks to the public registry. Recent projects include FluoroLoop (2023), an aptamer-based method for detecting PFAS in water; EndoSense (2024), a cell-free biosensor for endocrine-disrupting compounds in drinking water and the environment; and NomNomNylon (2025), a bio-based process for upcycling nylon textile waste. In 2026 the team is taking on the challenge of breaking down end-of-life wind turbine blades.
Since 2015, the DTU Biobuilders have been one of DTU's Blue Dot projects.
Want to join?
DTU Biobuilders is a great chance to participate in a large project that potentially can be very rewarding. Experience a full-scale research project from brainstorm to proof of concept. Gain experience in all the major components in a multidisciplinary project such as brainstorming, project management, project planning, fundraising, leadership, collaboration and the design and implementation of all the experiments in the laboratory and the necessary data managing and computer modelling.
Recruitment for each year’s team now starts in September. If you are a DTU student interested in joining, please contact Kristian Barrett (kbaka@dtu.dk) at DTU Bioengineering, or visit biobuilders.dtu.dk for more information.
Contact Kristian Barrett at DTU Bioengineering for inquiries on the application process in the current year.