The 4th SynBio Challenges commenced in Shenzhen from August 6 to 9, gathering an impressive 265 university teams and nearly 1,900 promising innovators from various Asian regions. This year’s event is focused on driving sustainable solutions to pressing environmental and health challenges through the lens of synthetic biology.

The competition offered participants an opportunity to engage in seven distinct tracks: Synthetic Cell, Bacterial Gladiator, Protein Design, Biomedicine, Agriculture and Environment, Biochemical Engineering, and Responsible Innovation. These tracks encouraged young innovators to delve into how synthetic biology can spur advancements across multiple disciplines while following their scientific passions.

Anisza, representing the IGNITE UKM team 2025 from University Kebangsaan Malaysia, participated in both AI-Driven Protein Design and Synthetic Cell categories. She expressed her enthusiasm for synthetic biology, stating, 'It's very fascinating and a thrilling new paradigm that is deeply intertwined with our everyday lives.'

Three multidisciplinary teams from Suranaree University of Technology in Thailand shared their project ambitions focused on designing more stable proteins for disease tracking and antibacterial assays. A team member commented on their interest in synthetic biology, saying, 'Most of us majored in molecular biology, but we find the rapid growth of synthetic biology captivating, and we enjoy collaborating to gain new insights daily.'

Liu Chenli, vice chair of the SynBio Challenges and president of Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), articulated the significance of synthetic biology in his address. He stated, 'We are not merely studying DNA, but redefining biology itself. This competition transitions from practice to executing real-world ideas, significantly supported by Shenzhen’s advanced technological infrastructure.'

Zhang Xian'en, vice president of the Chinese Society of Biotechnology and dean of the Faculty of Synthetic Biology at Shenzhen University, emphasized that the SynBio Challenges serve as an electrifying platform for young innovators. He remarked, 'This initiative empowers students to pursue excellence, showcase their talents, and develop lasting international friendships.'

The SynBio Challenges leveraged Shenzhen's robust Synthetic Biology Infrastructure, underscoring the city's leading role in future industry development. The competition highlighted the importance of holistic integration between education, technology, and talent cultivation in advancing synthetic biology.

Support for the SynBio Challenges comes from the Chinese Society of Biotechnology, with co-sponsorship from SIAT, the Shenzhen Institutes of Synthetic Biology, the Shenzhen Synthetic Biology Association, and the National Industrial Innovation Center for Bio-manufacturing.

Launched in 2022, the SynBio Challenges continue to empower the youth by addressing global dilemmas through innovative applications in synthetic biology, while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at achieving sustainable solutions.