Bringing affordable precision oncology to SEA

This article is a part of Startup Spotlight, a series that features young, up-and-coming startups.

Image credit: Timmy Loen

Dr. Susanti spent years studying cancer genomics as a molecular oncologist before being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Indonesia.

Navigating the country’s resource-constrained healthcare system firsthand led her to establish PathGen Diagnostik Teknologi. The company develops affordable precision medicine locally.

😟 Problem

More than 408,000 people in Indonesia are diagnosed with cancer annually, according to 2022 data from the Global Cancer Observatory. Only about 18% of the country’s healthcare facilities offer molecular diagnostic testing.

Most available tests are imported and cost up to 10 times more than locally developed alternatives. These imported tools rely on data from Western or East Asian populations, making them less suitable for Indonesian patients.

💡 Solution

PathGen combines locally manufactured diagnostic kits, clinical testing, and research services to improve access to molecular cancer testing. The platform relies on several core capabilities:

• Locally manufactured PCR diagnostic kits validated on Indonesian patient populations to ensure high clinical accuracy.
• A clinical testing network that channels samples from nationwide collection points to a central laboratory in Jakarta.
• AI-powered platforms that analyze real-world clinical data to support doctors in making treatment decisions.
• A dedicated science hub offering training, bioinformatics, and customized molecular research services to local institutions.

Image credit: PathGen

📊 Market size

Indonesia has more than 900 hospitals with pathology laboratories, representing an estimated US$45.6 million market for diagnostic kits.

Around 122,600 Indonesian cancer patients require molecular testing annually, creating an additional US$23 million opportunity in clinical services.

Expanding these integrated diagnostics across Southeast Asia unlocks a regional market valued at over US$167 million.

🤝 Team

• Dr. Susanti. Founder and CEO. She holds a PhD in medical oncology from the University of Nottingham and previously conducted postdoctoral research at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute.

🚀 Traction

🏆 Competition

💰 Financials

🚩 Risks