An Interview with Tamir Tuller, Principal Investigator of the iGEM Program at Tel Aviv University
Israel is emerging as a leader in the synthetic biology sector, driven by its strong biotech ecosystem and a focus on innovation. The country has fostered advancements through institutions like Tel Aviv University and companies like Imagindairy, which uses synthetic biology to produce animal-free dairy products. The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and synthetic biology is a key driver in Israel’s leadership, with AI accelerating the optimization of genetic engineering processes and product development.
Yahalom Bukai, Senior Manager of Human Capital Development, sat down with Prof. Tamir Tuller, a prominent figure in Israel’s synthetic biology landscape, to discuss the science and the iGEM program at Tel Aviv University (TAU).
A professor at Tel Aviv University, Prof. Tuller leads one of Israel’s largest computational systems and synthetic biology labs. His work spans the development of computational tools and algorithms that enhance the efficiency of gene expression, crucial for biotechnological applications such as pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and synthetic foods.
The iGEM program led by Prof. Tuller is a research-driven initiative encouraging students to develop innovative synthetic biology solutions to complex challenges and participate in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition. The TAU team has gained recognition for integrating computational models with synthetic biology, winning multiple awards.
Startup Nation Central is dedicated to strengthening Israel’s human capital by connecting students, researchers, and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to thrive. In the context of iGEM, Startup Nation Central provides essential mentorship, business guidance, and access to a vast network of experts across biotech, pharma, and other industries.
This support and cooperation are crucial in helping students develop the skills and connections necessary to become leaders in their fields. Through workshops, strategic introductions, and access to Israel’s vibrant tech ecosystem, Startup Nation Central ensures that iGEM participants are prepared for the competition and set up for long-term success in the global innovation landscape.
What is synthetic biology?
Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field that combines principles from biology, engineering, and computer science to design and construct new biological parts, devices, and systems, or to re-engineer existing biological systems for novel functions.
This technology has applications in many areas, including healthcare, agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability. Synthetic biology allows for the creation of organisms that can perform tasks not found in nature, such as producing biofuels, developing new medicines, or creating sustainable food sources.
How is synthetic biology positioned to address global challenges in sectors like health, food security, climate, and agriculture?
Unlike traditional methods, synthetic biology allows us to develop breakthrough therapies faster, design affordable food alternatives, and engineer more resilient crops. These innovations have the potential to tackle significant global challenges, such as food insecurity and climate change, by improving sustainability and resilience in vital systems.
For example, synthetic biology can revolutionize health by creating personalized treatments, speeding up drug discovery, and enabling more precise medical interventions. In food tech, we can design alternative proteins and other sustainable food sources to address growing global demands while reducing the environmental impact of traditional agriculture.
What unique assets does Israel have that enable it to excel in synthetic biology innovation?
Israel’s well-established high-tech ecosystem is a key enabler of synthetic biology innovation. The country boasts world-class computer scientists, engineers, and an unparalleled entrepreneurial spirit. Many of these talents come from the IDF’s elite technological units, which equip individuals with practical skills in computational technologies, data science, and AI. This makes Israel uniquely positioned to integrate these capabilities into synthetic biology.
Plus, Israel’s robust ecosystem of startups, academic institutions, and government support systems, such as the Israel Innovation Authority, fosters collaboration and accelerates the commercialization of new technologies. This positions Israel as a leader in developing cutting-edge synthetic biology solutions. Israel is already applying AI and computational tools to challenges in healthcare, food security, and climate resilience, further advancing the sector.
Can you elaborate on the evolution of the iGEM program and what makes this year’s cohort stand out?
The Tel Aviv University (TAU) iGEM initiative was launched in 2019 and has evolved significantly over the past few years. Initially, the focus was on participating in the international iGEM competition. By the second year, however, the program expanded its scope, aiming not only for competition but also for real-world impact.
Since 2020, every cohort has submitted patents and published academic papers based on their projects, reflecting the innovative and commercially viable nature of their work. This year’s cohort is particularly notable for its multidisciplinary approach, combining strong computational elements with molecular biology experiments.
We’ve also introduced an entrepreneurship track, which helps students gain business skills critical for commercializing their innovations. Tel Aviv University ranks 7th globally for entrepreneurship, so this addition plays to our strengths. This track offers students credit for their participation, equivalent to three courses, and even includes an introductory course to give students a strong foundation in synthetic biology.
What sets iGEM participants apart in terms of problem-solving?
iGEM participants at TAU follow a unique path that goes beyond traditional academic programs. After the first semester, teams operate like a startup, with roles such as CEO, team leaders, and specialized units for technical and managerial functions. This structure mirrors the operations of real-world companies, preparing participants for future leadership in high-tech industries.
Students learn to tackle engineering and scientific challenges while navigating business-related hurdles like fundraising, business planning, and meeting deadlines. They gain hands-on experience in project management, working in multidisciplinary teams, and managing complex tasks. These skills, which are rarely taught in conventional courses, make iGEM participants skilled problem-solvers in both scientific and entrepreneurial contexts.
Many of the projects initiated in the iGEM program continue beyond the competition, with teams pursuing commercialization and further development of their innovations. This ensures that participants not only solve theoretical problems but also bring real solutions to market.
How does the intersection of academia and industry accelerate innovation in Israel’s agrifood and climate tech sectors?
Israel is home to both academic talent and industrial expertise, particularly in fields like agrifood tech and climate tech. Collaborations between these sectors enable the development of groundbreaking solutions. Programs like iGEM introduce students to industry leaders and foster partnerships that drive innovation forward. The Innovation Authority offers paths for industry-academic collaboration, allowing researchers and entrepreneurs to work together on challenges such as sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
In the agrifood sector, Israel’s expertise in precision agriculture and alternative proteins is driving transformative change. Synthetic biology is enabling the design of crops that are more resistant to climate-related stress, while also improving yields and reducing the need for chemical inputs.
What key skills and experiences gained through the iGEM program prepare participants for leadership roles in Israel’s tech ecosystem?
The iGEM program equips participants with a broad range of essential skills. Creative thinking, critical problem-solving, and leadership are core components of the program. Participants manage their projects independently for months, learning to navigate challenges in both scientific research and business development. They also gain experience in intellectual property (IP) management, with many teams filing patents for their innovations.
Furthermore, the program encourages students to present their work to diverse audiences, from high school students to industry leaders. This not only hones their communication skills but also teaches them how to market their ideas to different stakeholders. In addition, iGEM participants set up websites and use various media channels to promote their projects, gaining practical experience in digital marketing and public relations.
How does the iGEM program contribute to developing the next generation of leaders in synthetic biology and related fields?
Synthetic biology is a complex, rapidly evolving field that requires hands-on, interdisciplinary education—something iGEM provides in spades. By engaging in intensive, months-long projects, students gain the deep technical expertise needed to tackle real-world challenges. The program’s focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application ensures that participants are well-equipped to lead in the field of synthetic biology.
iGEM fosters a culture of collaboration, both within teams and between academic and industry partners. This collaborative approach is essential for driving innovation in fields like synthetic biology, where solving complex problems often requires input from multiple disciplines.
Where do you envision iGEM participants in the next 10 years and their contributions to global tech and science communities?
In the next decade, iGEM participants are likely to become key innovators and leaders in synthetic biology, biotech, and other tech-driven fields. Many will launch their own startups, while others will join leading companies or research institutions. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the program, iGEM graduates will be well-positioned to tackle complex global challenges, from food security to healthcare innovation.
I expect the iGEM program at TAU to grow, potentially evolving into a unique master’s program that blends synthetic biology with entrepreneurship and societal impact, further contributing to Israel’s role as a global leader in innovation.
How does the collaboration between iGEM and Startup Nation Central create unique opportunities for participants?
Startup Nation Central plays a vital role in expanding the reach and resources of the iGEM program. Through its extensive network, Startup Nation Central connects iGEM teams with key figures in the biotech and pharma sectors, including entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and industry experts. This mentorship helps students refine their business plans, improve their pitching skills, and gain critical insights into how to navigate Israel’s tech ecosystem.
In addition to mentorship, Startup Nation Central organizes workshops and lectures on topics such as entrepreneurship and innovation, providing a comprehensive education that bridges the gap between academia and industry.
Prof. Tamir Tuller is a professor and the head of the Laboratory of Computational Systems and Synthetic Biology at Tel Aviv University where a focus area is developing computational approaches for modeling and engineering gene expression for various biotechnological/medical objectives.
Prof. Tuller is also the Primary Instructor for Tel Aviv University’s iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) team, guiding students in genetic engineering projects to advance synthetic biology research.
Prof. Tuller is the author of more than 160 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles and more than 200 additional publications. Prof. Tuller has received various awards and fellowships and has collaborated with Israeli and international biotech companies. He is also founder of several startups in the field (e.g, Imagindairy and MNDL Bio).
Yahalom Bukai is the Senior Manager of the Human Capital Development sector at Scale-Up Velocity. In this role, she is responsible for creating work plans and launching new projects as part of efforts to develop and implement scalable, innovative solutions to address the human capital shortage in Israel’s high-tech ecosystem. She plays a key role in strategic thinking and driving the organization forward.
Yahalom manages both the iGEM and Gateway to Health Tech programs while continuously exploring new ideas and potential collaborations.
Before joining Scale-Up Velocity, she served in the IDF, holding various HR and people development roles within intelligence, cyber, and AI units. Yahalom holds a B.A. in HR and Management, a Coaching and NLP diploma, and a Mandel Foundation Educational Leadership program graduate.
