The HANS INDIA: With a Vision to Touch 100 Million Lives
A vision to touch 100 million lives led to the birth of a new business model. Anuradha Acharya — popularly known as Anu Acharya — had a plan to provide improved healthcare through personal genomics. As her plan grew bigger and more ambitious, she stepped forward to found MapmyGenome.
In the year 2000, she founded Ocimum Biosolutions, a global genomics and bioinformatics company. In 2013, she founded MapmyGenome. Today, services like Genomepatri, MedicaMap, and others have gained significant momentum in the healthcare sector.
“The initial idea was to sequence medicinal plants like Tulsi. By 2010, we had more than 10 years of expertise in genomics research and we knew that this technology could be a game changer in healthcare.” — Anu Acharya
When MapmyGenome introduced genomics services as a bridge between healthcare and personal health in India, they had to build the market from scratch. Initial tasks included educating the healthcare community about the benefits of genetic testing. The change in consumer mindset — from patient to proactive participant in charge of their health — is driving the growth of genomics in India.
Anu personally benefited from Genomepatri too: it reiterated the value of sports and nutrition in her lifestyle. With the “sprint” gene in her DNA, she has naturally brought fitness into her daily schedule.
“Genetics has taught me the mantra — Know yourself first and you can conquer all.” — Anu Acharya
Originally published in The HANS INDIA, January 24, 2019.
Know Yourself First — Start with Your DNA
Genomepatri by MapmyGenome is India’s most comprehensive at-home DNA wellness test — screening 100+ health conditions, nutrition traits, fitness markers, drug responses, and ancestry from a simple saliva sample.
