Shark Tank India featured SugarStrings.ai, a company claimed to predict cancer and heart diseases using DNA tests.
Aman Gupta is a shark on Shark Tank India 4.
Shark Tank India, now in its fourth season on SonyLIV, recently featured three founders from Kerala and Andhra Pradesh who claimed their invention can predict cancer and heart diseases. Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy Ravuri, Dhaneesh Jameson, and Tony Jose presented their company, SugarStrings.ai, which offers DNA-based health screenings. They described their unique genetic test that uses machine learning to find diseases caused by gene issues. The founders asked for Rs 1 crore for 2.5% equity, valuing their company at Rs 40 crore.
They claimed their product can identify genes linked to cancer and heart problems, potentially allowing predictions of these conditions years in advance. Azhar Iqubal was shocked by their bold claims during the pitch.
The founders stated that while similar products have an accuracy of 40%, theirs is more precise. Although some of their claims were muted in the SonyLIV episode, they still surprised the sharks.
In the six months since starting their business, they sold 32 units, predicting a cancer diagnosis for four people. They admitted that these predictions can’t be verified until an actual diagnosis is made. The test costs Rs 58,000, and when asked how it works, they explained that patients have to take the test themselves when it arrives by courier. This shocked Azhar, who suggested that such an expensive test should include professional assistance.
Aman Gupta noted that many people in India don’t have insurance and expressed doubts about the founders’ process. He said, “Samajh nahi aa raha ki yeh genuine hoga ya nahi hoga,” he said. He also wondered what would happen if the machine wrongly said someone might get cancer later on. “Meri toh zindagi kharab ho jayegi (My life will be over),” he said.
Vineeta Singh said that while the test isn’t costly, there’s no proof it actually works. Ritesh Agarwal agreed, noting that the product is still in early development in India. Azhar stated that if the product really works, there should be a credible research paper to back it up, and the founders didn’t provide any evidence during their pitch. Kunal Bahl saw potential in the idea but wasn’t sure it was ready for business. In the end, the founders didn’t receive any offers.
