Introducing the GENIUS competition

30 September 2025

On 13 October 2025 at 6:00 PM, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) will host the launch event of GENIUS – GENetically engineered Ideas for Unconventional Solutions, a new competition promoted by the MI-DNA DISC project.

The initiative invites students, doctoral candidates, postdocs, and early-career researchers from across Europe to propose innovative applications for a breakthrough technology based on genetically engineered bacteria developed within the MI-DNA DISC project.

The hybrid event will present the objectives and challenges of MI-DNA DISC—an EU-funded project under Horizon Europe’s EIC Pathfinder programme—and explain the competition’s rules and participation procedures. Attendees can join either in person at TUM (room details to follow) or online.

Proposals are expected to address pressing global problems, inspire new research directions, or suggest surprising practical uses. The most promising idea will be awarded a prize that combines financial support with educational and scientific opportunities.

With synthetic biology pushing new frontiers, GENIUS offers young researchers a unique chance to shape the future of biotechnology.

More information and registration are available at midnadisc.eu/genius-competition