Jona debuts with $5 million to offer AI-based microbiome profiling

Personalised health startup Jona launched on Wednesday with $5 million in funding to deliver its at-home microbiome profiling kit. The company's platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse an individual's microbiome, offering actionable insights aimed at inspiring users to take a more proactive approach to their health.

"Microbiome medicine is really the new frontier of health, and Jona is well-positioned to lead the charge," remarked chief scientific advisor Jonas Schluter. He believes that "deeply understanding the microbiome will revolutionise healthcare, leading to new diagnostics and treatments, possibly even cures." 

The company's funding round was led by Breyer Capital and Meridian Street Capital. Founded by Leo Grady, former CEO of Paige.ai, Jona's platform is intended to equip users with scientific knowledge to determine the root cause of their gastrointestinal disorders and to develop effective treatment plans.

Personalised interactive report

Jona has developed a proprietary large language model (LLM) that interprets the collection of microbes in a person's gut, and generates a personalised summary of the scientific literature based on their microbiome profile. The interactive report highlights connections between conditions, symptoms and food sensitivities. Users will also be suggested food, diet and lifestyle modifications based on their health goals. 

In August, Viome Life Sciences raised $86.5 million in an oversubscribed Series C round and launched its gut microbiome test in 200 CVS locations across the US.

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