Tvaster Genkalp is an Indian molecular diagnostics startup on a mission to transform cancer care through early, non-invasive detection. Founded in May 2021 in Chennai by Srikar Raman and K Sreedurgalakshmi, the company has quickly become a notable player in the field of liquid biopsy, leveraging advanced genetics and epigenetics to tackle some of the most challenging cancers, particularly liver cancer.
What Does Tvaster Genkalp Do?
- Core Focus: Tvaster Genkalp specializes in liquid biopsy, a minimally invasive blood test that detects genetic and epigenetic alterations linked to cancer. This approach allows for early detection and monitoring of cancer without the need for traditional, often painful, tissue biopsies.
- Flagship Product: Their main offering, Episcreen Liver, is designed to identify key DNA changes associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-the most common and aggressive form of liver cancer. HCC often develops silently in patients with chronic liver diseases, making early detection critical for improving survival rates.
- Technology: Tvaster uses droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and proprietary epigenetic marker panels to achieve high sensitivity and specificity in cancer detection.
Impact and Reach
- Patients Served: As of 2025, Tvaster Genkalp has tested over 1,400 patients, providing hope and actionable insights to individuals at risk of liver cancer.
- Clinical Validation: The company has published five scientific papers, conducted four clinical studies, and has been recognized with three industry awards, including the Young Investigator Award from the International Liver Transplant Society.
- Funding: Tvaster Genkalp has raised over $1.25 million in a Pre-Series A round, led by Ideaspring Capital, with participation from Invigo Software and renowned liver transplant surgeon Prof. Mohamed Rela.
- Team: The company is led by Srikar Raman (CEO, PhD from University of Illinois Chicago) and Sreedurgalakshmi (CSO, expert in genetic engineering), both of whom bring deep experience in biotech, gene therapy, and molecular diagnostics.
The Human Story Behind the Science
Both Raman and Sreedurgalakshmi come from middle-class backgrounds, with limited personal wealth to fund their ambitions. Their drive stemmed from a desire to build real-world solutions for India’s silent cancer crisis, especially liver cancer, which often goes undiagnosed until it’s too late.
In the company’s formative years, the founders handled everything themselves-from research and experiments to validation and day-to-day operations. Their breakthrough came in 2023, when they identified novel epigenetic markers that outperformed global standards in early liver cancer detection. This discovery attracted investment and validation from leading clinicians.
“Coming from a middle-class background, we didn’t have enough personal wealth to support our cause. We knew we had to start with something that could be commercialised relatively quickly to ensure the startup’s survival,” said Raman.
Why Tvaster Genkalp Matters
- Addressing a Silent Crisis: Liver cancer is among the most aggressive and deadly cancers, often detected too late for effective treatment. Tvaster’s non-invasive, affordable solution offers a lifeline for early intervention, especially in resource-constrained settings.
- Innovation Rooted in Empathy: The company’s ethos is shaped by its founders’ lived experiences and their relentless pursuit to make advanced healthcare accessible to all.
- Future Vision: With a growing patient base, ongoing clinical research, and a passionate team, Tvaster Genkalp aims to expand its diagnostic solutions to other cancers and regions, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in personalized medicine.
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