Launched in 2018 by Bengaluru-based Leucine Rich Bio Pvt. Ltd., BugSpeaks stands as South Asia’s first and most advanced gut microbiome testing solution. Powered by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and proprietary patented technologies, BugSpeaks delivers in-depth insights into gut microbiota through a simple, non-invasive stool sample. The platform transforms raw microbial data into personalised, evidence-based guidance on diet, probiotics, and prebiotics—empowering users to optimise gut health and reduce disease risk.
Operating through a hybrid B2B and D2C model, BugSpeaks serves a wide spectrum of users—from health-conscious individuals and fitness enthusiasts to chronic disease patients and medical professionals. By fusing scientific precision with user-centric design, it has emerged as a category leader in microbiome diagnostics. Notably, BugSpeaks identifies predisposition to over 20 health conditions, reinforcing its role as a robust tool in preventive healthcare.
Driven by a mission to democratise gut health, the company is rapidly expanding into Southeast Asia and the Middle East. At the same time, it is investing in AI-powered platforms to advance the future of personalised medicine.
In an exclusive interaction with The Interview World, Dr. Debojyoti Dhar—Co-founder and Director at BugSpeaks—shares how the company harnesses artificial intelligence to decode microbiome complexity. He also discusses how BugSpeaks balances scientific integrity with user accessibility, the growing demand for microbiome-based diagnostics in India, stringent data privacy protocols, and his ambitious vision for the company’s next phase of growth. Here are the key takeaways from his compelling conversation.
Q: How is BugSpeaks leveraging artificial intelligence to interpret microbiome data, and what breakthroughs have you seen in predictive or preventive healthcare as a result?
A: At BugSpeaks, we harness cutting-edge machine learning to unravel the intricate data produced by human microbiome sequencing—especially from the gut. By fusing our deep biological expertise with pioneering microbiome research, we’ve built proprietary tools that transform raw genetic data into clear, personalized health recommendations, with a strong focus on nutrition.
Crucially, our approach has proven its real-world impact. In a clinical trial involving individuals with type 2 diabetes, we delivered dietary interventions tailored through our AI-driven microbiome analysis. The outcomes spoke volumes: participants experienced marked improvements in HbA1c levels, blood pressure, and inflammatory biomarkers. These transformative results were published in PeerJ, a respected international peer-reviewed journal, in 2024—offering strong scientific validation of our methodology and its potential to reshape personalized healthcare.
Q: The gut microbiome is often called our “second brain.” What key scientific insights have guided your business model, and how do you translate complex biology into consumer-friendly diagnostics?
A: The microbiome field is advancing at an extraordinary pace, with new discoveries surfacing almost daily. At BugSpeaks, we’ve made it our mission to bridge this rapidly evolving science with diagnostics that are intuitive, accessible, and user-centric.
Since pioneering South Asia’s first gut microbiome test in 2017, we’ve broadened our portfolio to include analyses of the skin, oral, and vaginal microbiomes. Each solution is meticulously designed to address targeted health and wellness needs. But we don’t stop at diagnostics. We translate cutting-edge, peer-reviewed research—along with our own scientific expertise—into insights that empower consumers, inform clinicians, and support researchers.
To deepen the impact of these insights, we developed the Rychbiome nutraceutical range. This includes evidence-based synbiotics, microbiome-balancing creams, and age-specific probiotics, each crafted to extend the benefits of our microbiome reports into everyday routines. Together, our diagnostics and nutraceuticals form a powerful ecosystem for proactive, personalized health.
Q: Bridging lab discoveries with real-world healthcare is no easy feat. How does BugSpeaks maintain scientific rigour while keeping its offerings accessible?
A: Scientific accuracy drives every aspect of our work. In a field as dynamic as microbiome science, staying current isn’t optional—it’s essential. That’s why our team rigorously updates all content, drawing from the latest peer-reviewed research and incorporating insights from user feedback.
But we go further. We’ve validated our methodologies through robust clinical trials, ensuring our recommendations aren’t just theoretical—they deliver measurable results in real-world settings.
From the ground up, we designed our reports without relying on templates. This gave us the flexibility to craft content that resonates across audiences—whether laypersons seeking clarity, clinicians demanding precision, or scientists pursuing depth.
Striking the right balance between scientific rigor and user-friendly communication is the cornerstone of our product philosophy. To maintain that balance, we review and refine our content annually, ensuring it reflects the latest science and continues to empower every user with confidence.
Q: How receptive are Indian consumers and healthcare providers to microbiome-based diagnostics?
A: The Indian market is rapidly embracing microbiome science, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which underscored the vital role of microbes in immunity and overall well-being. This once-niche field is now gaining mainstream traction, with both consumers and clinicians increasingly recognizing the importance of gut health in preventive and integrative healthcare.
We’re witnessing a clear shift—curiosity is turning into conviction. The growing demand for our reports and products mirrors this rising awareness and signals a deeper cultural acceptance of microbiome-based health solutions.
Q: Microbiome data is deeply personal. How does BugSpeaks ensure data privacy while scaling AI-driven solutions?
A: Data security and ethical data handling form the bedrock of our operations. We rigorously comply with GDPR standards, ensuring every user’s data is fully anonymized and stored on highly secure servers. During analysis, we eliminate all personally identifiable information without exception. Furthermore, our fortified digital infrastructure guarantees unwavering privacy protection—even as we scale and evolve our AI capabilities. Trust and transparency remain central to every step we take.
Q: Looking ahead to 2030, how do you see AI and microbiome science transforming personalised medicine, and what role will BugSpeaks play?
A: By 2030, microbiome diagnostics will no longer be niche—they will define the future of routine health check-ups and early disease detection. From gut and skin to oral and vaginal microbiomes, these tests will emerge as essential tools for both prognosis and preventive care. At the helm of this shift, BugSpeaks is committed to leading the charge. We are building scalable, personalized solutions rooted in cutting-edge science—designed not just for the few, but for the many. Our vision is clear: make next-generation healthcare both precise and profoundly accessible.
