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If there is one industry that is currently reaping the benefits of technology, it is healthcare. From Virtual Reality to 3D Printer, and Artificial Intelligence, these technologies are changing the healthcare system for the better.

One of the African startups driven by Artificial Intelligence is 54gene. 54gene is on a mission to disrupt the healthcare system in Africa by building the world’s first African-focused biobank. The CEO of 54gene, Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, was inspired to found the startup when he discovered that 90% of genetic materials were from the West and only 2% were from Africa even though Africans are the world’s most diverse race. He founded the startup in January 2019 and released the app on June 1, 2019.  

The startup secured $4.5 million seed round in 2019 from Y Combinator, Better Ventures, Fifty Years, KdT Ventures, Hack VC, TechHammer, Pioneer Fund, and more. They plan to fuel their initiative of building a pan-African biobank for research and development of the African genome (DNA).

Through 54gene, Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong intends to facilitate research on the African genome by building the world’s first African-focused biobank, securing data through electronic data capture (EDC) systems and partnering with various research institutes across Africa to secure 40,000 biobank samples by the end of the year. 

The startup states:

“We believe that the future of global genomics will be built in Africa, and we’re grateful to have found partners who are committed to making our shared dream a reality,”

Getting The App

54 Gene is available on the Google Play store at a downloadable size of 2.48 MB. Click the link below to download it: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gene54.delivery&hl=en

Featured Image Source: Threader


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This article was first published on 11th October 2019 and updated on October 14th, 2019 at 12:12 pm

samuelokoruwa

My name is Samuel Okoruwa. I am an ardent researcher, reading is life and writing is fun.


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