After completing his master’s in molecular biology, Rahul Ranganathan went on to do an MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur. He then spent the next seven years at various organisations like PepsiCo and Flipkart to learn how a business works.
“Seven years in the corporate sector, I realised that I now know how business works. But science and genomics was my first love. I decided it was time to combine the two,” Rahul tells YourStory.
Rahul started Answer Genomics, a genetic research organisation, in November 2019. After two years of extensive research, patents, and on-ground testing, Answer Genomics launched its consumer-facing brand, NuGenomics, in July 2021.
“This is a dream that has almost been eight years in the making,” says Rahul.
Founded by Rahul and Dr Balamurali AR, NuGenomics is a machine learning and Human Genomics Organisation. The Delhi-based startup combines multiple information points from a user to create a comprehensive picture of current and future health.
The team
The two founders had connected over loss of family members to cancer.
Dr Balamurali was previously employed at Alcovia Technologies, Samsung, and Cognizant. He was a Postdoc Researcher at Laboratoire d’Informatique Fondamentale in France.
They decided to work to identify a better way to focus on data-driven health management and use genomics to predict, prognose, and allow for early diagnosis, recalls Rahul.
The startup has a team of 20 employees, including consultants and interns.
How it works?
NuGenomics uses patented technology to prognose, prevent, diagnose, and cure lifestyle disorders by providing health-oriented data, insights, and actionable suggestions made by its AI/ML system as opposed to a nutritionist.
The startup uses close to 5 million information points per individual to provide personalised and actionable suggestions in a micro-recommendation format to optimise both short-term and long-term health.
The startup’s product offerings include Genetic Test Report, which is priced at Rs 8,999 and it helps people understand their pre-dispositions towards cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglyceride, and Blood Sugar levels along with several other conditions to help their existing trainers and nutritionists.
Other offerings include DNA-based complete health check-up, DNA-based Weight Loss Programme in 111 days, DNA-based Weight Gain Programme in 111 days, and DNA-based Holistic Wellness Programme. The startup charges a one-time fee between Rs 10,000 and Rs 18,000.
Before the pandemic, when the startup was conducting on-ground tests, NuGenomics started conducting saliva-based genetic tests. However, over the course of the pandemic, the startup switched to blood tests.
Source: yourstory.com
