Software

Software in iGEM should make synthetic biology based on standard parts easier, faster, better or more accessible to our community.

Best Software

iGEM projects often build or adapt computational tools to move their work forward. Born out of practical need, these tools can be surprisingly useful for others, and they don't have to be large or complex to make a real difference. This award finds and honors such "nuggets" of computational work.

To be eligible:

  • Your software must be documented and released under an OSI-approved open-source license.
  • The source code must be hosted on the dedicated repository in iGEM's GitLab. See the Software Project page for full requirements.
  • Software & AI Village teams are not eligible for this award.

Visit the Special Awards page for more information.

What Should this Page Contain?

This page should aim to make your software accessible and understandable to a wide audience, supplementing the detailed technical documentation available on the repository.

  • Provide a clear and concise overview of the software's purpose and functionality.
  • Use non-technical language to make it accessible to a broad audience.
  • Create step-by-step instructions on how to use the software.
  • Include screenshots and visual aids to guide users.
  • Explain how to integrate the software with other tools or platforms.
  • Explain the key design choices made during the software's development.
  • Discuss any trade-offs or compromises made during the design process.
  • Provide a high-level overview of the software's architecture.
  • Provide clear instructions on how to deploy and install the software.
  • Provide an overview of the software's API, if applicable.

Inspirations