Help us save chocolate! iGEM KU Leuven 2025

Help us save sustainable chocolates !

We are the 2025 International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Team from KU Leuven - a group of passionate students using synthetic biology to tackle global challenges. This year, we're taking on a threat that jeopardizes the future of one of the world’s most beloved treats: chocolate.

The Problem:

Cacao is under serious threat. In West Africa, where over 70% of the world’s cocoa is grown, small-scale farmers are losing up to 30% of their annual yield to Black Pod Disease, caused by a devastating plant pathogen: Phytophthora. In severe cases, up to 90% of cacao pods are destroyed.

Despite the huge economic, cultural, and emotional value of chocolate, current solutions are outdated, expensive, and often harmful to the environment. Fungicides are becoming less effective over time, and their overuse is putting pressure on ecosystems.

By combining expertise from fields such as biomedical sciences, molecular biology and bioengineering, we strive to create an application with a lasting impact. Alongside our research, we aim to engage with our local community in the fascinating world of synthetic biology through scientific communication, education, and the organisation of multiple events.

Our solution:

We’re engineering a bacterial biocontrol system that can fight Phytophthora sustainably. By exploring different bacterial strains we aim to design a modular, environmentally friendly solution to fight this pathogen.

This project blends cutting-edge synthetic biology with a deep commitment for farmers, ecosystems, and the global chocolate industry.

What is iGEM?

The iGEM competition is the world’s largest synthetic biology contest bringing together teams from all over the world to build innovative, responsible, and impactful biological systems. KU Leuven has proudly participated for many years, tackling topics from sustainable fertilizers to microplastic detection. We’re supported by a team of expert mentors and inspired by the brilliant teams before us.

But to bring our vision to life - lab materials, tools and project development - we need your help.

Your support makes it possible!

Every euro you donate goes directly into making this project a success:

Whether you're a chocolate lover, a science enthusiast, or someone who believes in the power of student innovation - your support fuels our mission.

Let’s ensure that future generations can enjoy chocolate without compromise. Join us in making sustainable cacao a reality!

Follow our journey on Instagram: @igemkuleuven

Connect with us on LinkedIn: iGEM KU Leuven

Learn more: https://linktr.ee/igemkuleuven

Thank you from all of us at iGEM KU Leuven 2025!