Tvaster Genkalp, a rising molecular diagnostics startup based in India, has raised $1.25 million in a pre-Series A funding round. Ideaspring Capital led the round, with participation from existing investor Invigo Softwares and renowned liver transplant surgeon Dr. Mohamed Rela. The funding marks a significant step forward in the company’s mission to transform cancer diagnostics through non-invasive genetic screening technologies.
The company will deploy the fresh capital to scale the commercialisation of Episcreen Liver, a novel methylation-based liquid biopsy test designed to detect early-stage liver cancer. Tvaster’s goal focuses on delivering high-accuracy, non-invasive diagnostics that enhance early detection and enable timely intervention in liver cancer patients.
Driving Innovation in Epigenetic Cancer Diagnostics
Founded in 2021 by Dr. Srikar Raman and K. Sreedurgalakshmi, Tvaster Genkalp operates at the intersection of molecular diagnostics, epigenetics, and precision oncology. The company develops proprietary technologies that focus on early cancer detection using biomarkers based on DNA methylation—chemical modifications to DNA that often indicate disease, particularly cancer.
With Episcreen Liver, the company offers a blood-based diagnostic that identifies early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer. Traditional liver cancer diagnostics often rely on imaging and invasive biopsies, which may miss early or asymptomatic cases. Tvaster aims to fill this gap with a highly sensitive, non-invasive test that detects cancer before it progresses.
The technology captures epigenetic signals in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from a blood sample and uses machine learning algorithms to interpret methylation patterns associated with liver cancer. The approach offers a faster, safer, and more accessible alternative to conventional methods.
Why Early Detection of Liver Cancer Matters
Liver cancer ranks among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. The disease often remains undetected until it reaches advanced stages, where treatment options become limited and survival rates drop sharply. Early detection significantly improves the prognosis and opens up curative options like surgery or liver transplantation.
In India and across Asia, rising rates of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, and alcohol-related liver damage contribute to an increasing incidence of liver cancer. Healthcare systems in these regions face significant challenges in diagnosing and managing the disease early.
Episcreen Liver targets this gap directly by providing clinicians with a non-invasive, accurate, and scalable tool to identify liver cancer early. The diagnostic tool also supports long-term patient monitoring and post-treatment surveillance, improving outcomes through personalized clinical pathways.
Strategic Investors Back Deep Science
The participation of Ideaspring Capital and Invigo Softwares reflects strong investor confidence in Tvaster’s science-backed business model. Ideaspring Capital, known for supporting early-stage deep tech startups in India, brings not only capital but also strategic guidance and scale-up support.
Invigo Softwares, an existing investor, reaffirmed its commitment by doubling down on its initial investment. The firm continues to support Tvaster’s vision of democratising access to cutting-edge diagnostics in underserved markets.
Dr. Mohamed Rela, a globally acclaimed liver transplant surgeon and founder of Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre, also joined the funding round. His involvement as an investor adds immense clinical credibility to Tvaster’s efforts. His hospital has already partnered with Tvaster to validate Episcreen Liver’s clinical utility in real-world settings.
Roadmap to Commercialisation and Market Penetration
With funding secured, Tvaster Genkalp now gears up to scale manufacturing, expand distribution, and complete regulatory processes. The company plans to initiate multi-center clinical trials across India in partnership with leading hospitals and cancer research institutions.
Tvaster’s leadership team aims to achieve regulatory clearance for Episcreen Liver within the next 12–18 months. The company also plans to strengthen its commercial and operations teams to enable national-level deployment. Discussions with hospital networks, diagnostic labs, and government health programs have already begun.
The company targets oncologists, hepatologists, and primary care physicians as early adopters. By integrating its test into routine screening for high-risk patients, Tvaster intends to embed its solution within existing care workflows. The team also aims to work with insurance providers and government schemes to ensure accessibility and affordability.
Founders with a Vision for Impact
Co-founder and CEO Dr. Srikar Raman, a biotechnologist with over 15 years of experience in molecular diagnostics, brings deep scientific and entrepreneurial expertise. He previously worked on diagnostic platforms for infectious diseases and oncology before founding Tvaster.
Co-founder and COO K. Sreedurgalakshmi holds a strong background in genomics, regulatory affairs, and biotech operations. She has played a key role in establishing the company’s core laboratory infrastructure and managing its early R&D programs.
Together, the founders have built a team of scientists, data analysts, and clinical experts dedicated to developing epigenetic biomarkers and machine learning tools for cancer diagnostics. Their combined vision focuses on improving cancer outcomes through precision screening tools tailored for emerging markets.
Building a Portfolio of Epigenetic Diagnostics
While Episcreen Liver remains Tvaster’s flagship product, the company has started working on a broader pipeline of liquid biopsy tests for other high-burden cancers. The team plans to expand its epigenetic biomarker platform to address breast, colorectal, and lung cancers in the coming years.
Tvaster’s approach relies on a proprietary methylation signature database and AI-driven classifiers. The platform supports rapid development and validation of cancer-specific diagnostic assays using small-volume blood samples. This method reduces the need for tissue biopsies and shortens the diagnostic timeline.
The company also explores applications beyond oncology, including chronic disease risk profiling and organ transplant monitoring, using the same liquid biopsy principles.
Transforming Access to Early Diagnosis in India
India faces a growing cancer burden, yet limited access to early screening tools hampers timely diagnosis and intervention. Tvaster aims to solve this problem by building affordable, accurate, and easy-to-use diagnostics that can operate even in resource-constrained environments.
By bringing cutting-edge molecular diagnostics to the Indian market at scale, Tvaster envisions a future where early cancer detection becomes a routine part of preventive care. The company also plans to collaborate with NGOs, public health agencies, and rural health programs to increase awareness and improve screening coverage.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Molecular Diagnostics
Tvaster Genkalp now stands at a critical inflection point. With $1.25 million in fresh funding, a validated product in Episcreen Liver, and support from prominent investors and clinicians, the company is ready to bring a high-impact diagnostic solution to market.
Its focus on epigenetics, liquid biopsy, and AI-powered analysis positions it at the frontier of precision oncology. As it moves toward commercialisation, Tvaster will play a key role in redefining how healthcare systems approach cancer detection—not just in India, but across the developing world.
By combining innovation, science, and purpose, Tvaster Genkalp aims to make early cancer detection more accessible, affordable, and actionable. The road ahead holds challenges, but with the right partners and vision, the company looks poised to become a leader in the future of molecular diagnostics.