DnaCapsule red single-button scanning module with LED and camera, manufactured in China for DnaNudge Ltd, 2021

Launched commercially in late 2019 after three years in development, the DnaNudge system is a shoebox sized portable laboratory offering on the spot genetic testing. Customers can provide a cheek swab at the company’s flagship store in Covent Garden, or at pop-up counters in selected branches of John Lewis; the kits are also available by post. Swabs are inserted into a DnaCartridge which is then placed inside the Nudgebox. In just over an hour, the person’s DNA is extracted and analysed for specific SNPs – single 'letter' variations within the genome – relating to health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity and hypertension. The results are loaded onto an app and personalised DnaCapsule intended to be worn on the wrist. Both can then be used to scan food products sold in UK supermarkets which are categorised using a traffic light system depending on the user’s individual genetic profile, nudging consumers towards healthier choices. It also tracks activity levels which are taken into account when making product recommendations.

DnaNudge was co-founded by medical engineer Professor Christofer Toumazou and geneticist Dr Maria Karvela and is based on SNP technology developed by Toumazou. The technology was swiftly adapted during the emerging pandemic to provide rapid, lab free COVID 19 testing.