Micro-Me Gut Microbiomics

BiomeLink Africa Inc.

Micro-Me Gut Microbiomics

Harnessing AI-analysis, NGS and population-specific generative modelling to build Africa's first integrated maternal/infant microbiome reference.

Nairobi, Kenya

KEN

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

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Approximately 13% of neonatal deaths in Africa are caused by non-communicable disease (NCDs): population mortality increased by 30% and morbidity by 110% since 1990. Novel research shows that the maternal/infant gut microbiome plays a critical role in immunity, metabolism, and lifelong health outcomes, increasing the risk of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and infant/adult onset of NCDs. We know that dysbiosis, microbiome seeding and development are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. However, 97% of microbiome data and interventions excludes African populations, limiting applicability due to Africa’s unique genetic, dietary, environmental and lifestyle contexts. This data gap hinders early-life interventions to prevent or mitigate NCD onset. In Kenya and most African countries, the absence of actionable microbiome insights also restricts integration into public and private health policies. We aim to understand the ideal gut microbiome across a range of ethnicities, lifestyles and socio-economic factors. Additionally, we intend to investigate how dietary choices influence microbiome development and dysbiosis, fulfilling the critical need for targeted research, diagnostic and education strategies across all African population segments. We are creating a cutting-edge laboratory for Africa, with better health and longevity as the key outcomes.

BiomeLink Africa’s pilot will bridge the critical African data gap by generating the first large-scale maternal-infant microbiome reference for African populations. Combining next-generation sequencing, bespoke AI models and community health engagement, we aim to build scalable, preventative frameworks tailored to both policy and health outcomes. Insights will inform interventions for over a thousand mother-infant pairs while significantly enhancing regional (meta)genomics capacity, and creating new avenues of inquiry to support a growing population. We will monitor drivers of early-life dysbiosis: maternal diet, delivery mode, antibiotic exposure, and environment. Our AI models will reveal predictive patterns, enabling personalised care and guiding public health action by linking the results to infant health criteria and early NCD risk indicators. These models will also support the discovery of Africa-specific microbiota, opening new avenues to understand ethnic and lifestyle-related microbiome variation. A microbiome biobank and anonymised dataset will underpin future research, diagnostics and policy engagement. Local capacity will be strengthened through lab and data science training, strategic partnerships, and tech transfer. Ultimately, we seek to return knowledge to communities, transforming personal health data into actionable insights. In this way we will support long-term health, resilience and economic sustainability through African-led science.

BiomeLink Africa Inc. will serve under-resourced mothers, newborns and primary healthcare providers in Kenya by addressing the urgent need for population-specific microbiome data and diagnostics. Our solution focuses on the critical prenatal to early-childhood window when the gut microbiome shapes immune, metabolic and neurological development. By generating the first large-scale maternal-infant microbiome dataset for African populations, we will enable predictive, preventive and personalised care. Using next-generation sequencing and AI-powered analytics, we will identify dysbiosis patterns linked to pregnancy complications, neonatal illness and long-term non-communicable disease (NCD) risk. This empowers frontline healthcare workers with locally relevant, easy-to-interpret insights. This will support earlier, more effective interventions while reducing avoidable referrals, treatment delays and pressure on under-resourced public health clinics. We are also building a microbiome biobank and anonymised data platform to advance research infrastructure and inform public health strategies. Alongside this, we will strengthen regional capacity through skill capacity building, technology transfer and collaborative partnerships in cutting-edge health sciences. We intend to return knowledge to communities, transforming personal health data into actionable insights. As a result, we will support long-term health, longevity, resilience and economic sustainability with our Africa-led research and diagnostics facility.