Biotrace - Cognizance 2026
IIT Roorkee
📌 About the Event
Biotrace is an immersive forensic science competition where participants solve a simulated biological murder case using real-world forensic principles including STR DNA profiling, Blood spatter interpretation, Toxicology analysis, Forensic entomology, Microbiome trace evidence and Digital access logs. Teams will analyze a professionally designed evidence pack and scientifically determine the perpetrator and expected sequence of events that happened.
ℹ️ Event Details
- Category: Forensic Science Competition
- Eligibility:
- Students pursuing an Undergraduate/Master’s Degree in any discipline.
- Team Size:
- Maximum size of up to 5 members. BIOTRACE’26.docx
- Only one entry acceptable per team (first entry considered in case of multiple submissions).
- Effort Level: High
- Based on 2-hour forensic evidence analysis, structured judging criteria with weighted scoring, and scientific case reconstruction requirements.
- Submission Type:
- Analysis of provided forensic evidence pack
- Presentation including:
- Suspect identification
- Evidence justification
- Timeline reconstruction
📅 Important Dates
Registration – Ongoing
Deadline – March 12, 2026
This contest is part of Cognizance 2026, held on 13th March 2026 – 15th March 2026.
🏆 Prize Details and Value
| Prize Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Prize Pool | ₹50,000 |
📑Problem Statement
🎯Execution Details
- Evidence Provided
- Printable forensic evidence sheets
- Lab reports
- DNA profiles
- Toxicology data
- Microbiome sequencing summary BIOTRACE’26.docx
- Time Limit: 2 hours for analysis
Judging Criteria
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Correct suspect identification | 25 |
| Interpretation of STR mixture | 20 |
| Blood spatter reasoning | 15 |
| Microbiome trace analysis | 15 |
| Toxicology interpretation | 10 |
| Timeline accuracy | 10 |
| Critical evaluation of alternate suspects | 5 |
📞Point of Contacts
Harshal: +91 9871543550
Jitesh Jatawat: +91 7976670331