November 13, 2017 is marked as an unforgettable day for the KU Leuven iGEM Team 2017, because exactly one year ago on that date, 4 Bio-engineering students went around Leuven advertising iGEM in the hopes of assembling a team for the 2017 iGEM competition. It were rough times and never could they have imagined to meet 8 other students turned life-long friends to dedicate theirselves into a project, called HEKcite.


Then, the iGEM 2017 Jamboree approached. With sweaty handpalms and their heart beating in their throat, they sat on a row next to each other and waited anxiously for their results. Did their project shine enough between the strong and talented competitors? Is there a possibility that they will take something home tonight?

Knowing the stories about their previous KUL iGEM teams, the expectations were set high. What if they couldn't get a gold medal, unlike their predecessors? Disappointing enough, it was true that the KU Leuven iGEM Team 2017 didn't get a gold medal, but they were still glad that they got a bronze medal.

However... There was still hope. Nominations!
They were hoping for a nomination in their track, because that's what they wanted...
And finally, the nominees were revealed!
Team members sat on the edge of their seat, white knuckles and heart throbbing in their chest. Could this be...?
KU Leuven was nominated for their own track, "Best New Application"!!!
The seconds for the screen to change the names into the winners were nerve-wrecking. Every team member was holding their breath!

"And... These are the winners..." Was the last thing all the team members heard, because at that very moment, their name KU Leuven appeared on the screen from behind all the nominees, stating the fact that not only was KU Leuven nominated, but they have won their OWN track!!! Tears of joy were cried and hugs were shared. It was surreal how their dream has come true and how their hardwork over the summer deserved an award from the jury!!!

It was hard to believe and as the team members comforted each other, their awesome team captain, Victor Top, and fellow lovely teammate, Evelien Van Hoeymissen went up the stage to get their award.