In South Africa (SA), where an estimated 90% of genetic testing needs go unmet, millions of people lack vital information which could save their lives. Professor Monique Zaahl refused to accept this reality and has made a life-altering breakthrough.
Determined to bridge the gap, she founded GENEdiagnostics in 2010. After eight years of persistent effort, the company became fully operational. Since 2020, GENEdiagnostics has achieved an annual growth rate of 30%, outpacing SA’s industry average of 17%.
While COVID was calamitous for most businesses, it was a breakthrough for GENEdiagnostics. The small lab benefited from COVID testing contracts. More importantly, the pandemic changed the entire industry with a massive increase in genetics and health awareness and a huge spike in demand for genetic tests.
This success continued, augmented by relentless innovation, including unique screening panels for gut health and cardiac risk. GENEdiagnostics is about to launch a pharmaco-genetic app which analyses a user’s genetic information to determine which medicines they might be incompatible with – a first-of-its-kind in the world.
“Every patient deserves information to help them make proactive health decisions,” says Prof Zaahl. Her work ensures people can now receive personalised care, based on accurate, actionable insights.
She is also committed to developing the next generation of scientific talent. Through partnerships with the SA Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and National Research Foundation (NRF), GENEdiagnostics runs internship programmes providing young scientists with critical work experience.
Prof Zaahl’s tenacity and success in transforming healthcare access won her the 37th annual Business Partners Limited’s Entrepreneur of the Year® award.
David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited, says, “Professor Zaahl’s ability to translate complex science into an impactful business is inspiring. We are confident that with this award and its benefits, including a share of the R2 million prize, she and her business team would continue to flourish and improve the health of our nation.”
Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards
The Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year® awards recognise and honour the value and contributions of established SA entrepreneurs in the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector. Now in its 37th year, the annual awards celebrate excellence in entrepreneurship with the aim of inspiring others to venture into and succeed in the world of business ownership. The awards recognise and empower SA’s successful entrepreneurs by enhancing their knowledge, networks and exposure. It is widely considered to be the pre-eminent awards competition of its kind in the country and has served as a business growth springboard for past finalists and winners.
For more information, go to https://www.eoy.co.za.
