The BioGENEius Challenge is the Biotechnology Institute's flagship competition that enables high school students to gain recognition for outstanding original research in biotechnology. Students compete in one of three tracks: the Global Healthcare Challenge (medical biotechnology), the Global Sustainability Challenge (agricultural biotechnology), or the Global Environment Challenge (industrial and environmental biotechnology). Regional and state-level competitions feed finalists into the national BioGENEius Challenge, where they present their research to panels of professional biotechnologists who provide tailored feedback. Winners receive cash awards and recognition at the BioFuture Conference.
Biotechnology Institute
BioGENEius Challenge
ClosedScienceSTEMCompetition
About the Program
Eligibility
Students must conduct original research in biotechnology and submit their work through the official application portal. Three authorization forms are required: applicant signature, parent/guardian consent, and mentor approval. Projects are submitted as a poster in PDF format in one of three challenge tracks: Global Healthcare Challenge, Global Sustainability Challenge, or Global Environment Challenge. High school age Grades 9-12
Eligible Countries
high school in: United States🇺🇸 Canada🇨🇦 Open to high school students in the United States or Canada.
How to Apply
Students determine their entry point (At-Large or through a state partner competition). At-Large is a virtual competition open to students in states without a local partner. State partner competitions are held in California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Applicants register on the Biotechnology Institute website, complete the application in one sitting, and submit required documentation including a research poster. Finalists advance to the BioFuture Conference to present their research to judges comprised of industry and academic subject matter experts.