Nucleate Germany x Sense PFASt (Berlin iGEM)
Empowering the Next Generation: iGEM Berlin Fundraiser & SynBio Panel
Join us for an evening of innovation, networking, and community building as we support the next generation of synthetic biologists!
We are calling on key players across the Berlin biotech ecosystem to join us, engage with a highly active student community, and demonstrate your commitment to the future of Synthetic Biology in our city.
The Future of Berlin SynBio
Our panel discussion will explore the profound impact of iGEM and similar student-led initiatives on the development of the global synthetic biology landscape, with a special focus on their vital role in popularizing and expanding the SynBio field right here in Berlin. We strongly believe that actively supporting these grassroots and academic initiatives is the key to driving further development and innovation within our local biotech scene.
🎙 Meet Our Panelists
Jan-Lukas Kruesemann – Postdoc @ LindlichLab; SynBio Entrepreneur & iGEM veteran
Gita Naseri – Synthetic Biology Group Leader @ Humboldt University of Berlin
Javier Silva Mora – Co-founder & CTO at Porelio, a PFAS removal company
Darius Zarrabian – FoodLabs (VC) Associate, Biotech Community Builder
🎤 Moderator: Patrick Nellen – iGEM Berlin 2026 Team Instructor, PhD student @ Naseri Lab
Supporting Sense PFASt
This event serves as a dedicated fundraiser for the iGEM Team Berlin 2026. During the pitch session, the team will present their innovative project, Sense PFASt. Their goal is to develop a cost-effective, sustainable bacterial biosensor designed to detect harmful PFAS ("forever chemicals") in our water systems.
By supporting the team, you are directly funding their vital laboratory research, hardware development, and their journey to the iGEM Grand Jamboree in Paris to represent Berlin on a global stage.
Agenda
🎟️ 17:00 - Arrival
🌐 17:30 - Future of Berlin SynBio Panel
🧬 18:30 - Sense PFASt, iGEM Berlin Team Pitch
🤝 19:00 - Open Networking
🍻 21:00 - Social Afterparty @ Café Flora
Agenda note: At 20:30, we will head to Cafe Flora to continue with socialising. It is located in Campus Nord im Haus 19: Philippstraße 13, 10115 Berlin
A special thank you to Twist Bioscience for their generous support in bringing this event to reality. We also thank Humboldt-Innovation GmbH for their steadfast support in organizing the incredible venue for the evening.
About the Event Host
Nucleate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of biotech leaders. With chapters spanning 41 geographic regions and participation from over 280 academic institutions, Nucleate sparks new intellectual communities and embeds emerging talent within a global biotech community. Through open-access educational programming, Nucleate helps democratize biotech innovation — removing barriers and helping founders concentrate on building transformational technologies. Visit www.nucleate.xyz for more information, and visit https://nucleate.xyz/privacy-policy/ to read our privacy policy.