New funds for Genknowme

It has become a common practice to self-monitor weight, physical activity, diet and sleep using numerical tools; however, it is difficult to link the collected data to one's health. The Laussane based Genknowme developed a tool that can determine an individual's general health condition and the behaviours that influence it by establishing an epigenetic profile explaining how genes interact with the environment.  Genknowme estimates biological age, a measure associated with health and longevity, and its association to environmental and lifestyle factors such as physical activity, diet, smoking or alcohol consumption.

By analysing which factors are responsible for premature ageing, Genknowme wants to help users to prioritise their actions for healthier longevity. The company initially targets clinics and doctors specialised in prevention, longevity and well-being.

Founded in 2019 by Semira and Sébastien Nusslé through a collaboration with the Vaud University Hospital (CHUV) and Lausanne University, the start-up relies on a team of five members with experience in medicine, public health, biology, biotechnology, finance and marketing. They have obtained the support of Innosuisse, Innovaud, the Vaud Office for Economic Affairs and Innovation (SPEI), Venture Kick and the Assura Foundation. Genknowme completed a pre-seed round and is planning a seed round for the end of 2020, aiming for one million Swiss Francs.

The CHF 100'000 from the FIT will enable the company to fund a “fast-track” version of their epigenetic profile and to build a comprehensive health assessment tool that will allow predicting chronic diseases and to adapt one’s lifestyle consequently.

 "Our clients will be able to access their results in 5 to 10 days instead of the current 4 to 6 weeks. Our prospective clients are particularly mindful to these waiting-times, and we are the only ones on the market currently capable of offering this solution”, explains Sébastien Nusslé, CSO and co-founder of Genknowme.