Genequest

What Genequest does

Genequest Inc. is a Tokyo-based genetic analytics company established in December 2013 that operates as a subsidiary of the publicly listed Euglena Co., Ltd. (TSE: 2801) within the Euglena Group. The company sells direct-to-consumer saliva-based genetic testing kits — Genequest ALL (¥32,780, 350+ items) and Genequest LITE (¥16,280, 34 items) — built on a Japanese-population-specific DNA chip using Illumina Infinium assay and Fluidigm EP1 genotyping systems, with approximately 97% and 90% result yields respectively. Customers self-administer saliva samples, register online, and view results indefinitely at no additional cost, with new items such as the June 2026 sex hormone-related update added free as research advances.

The core technological and commercial asset is a consented Japanese genomic database of approximately 100,000 individuals spanning all 47 prefectures, with 300,000+ genome-wide loci per individual plus detailed lifestyle, medical, and personality questionnaires. This dataset underpins both the consumer interpretation service and a parallel B2B offering branded Genequest Research, which provides commissioned genetic analysis, joint research, system development, and consulting to pharmaceutical companies (Astellas, Daiichi Sankyo, Takeda), consumer goods firms (Lion, Ito En), and academic/government institutions (University of Tokyo, AIST, NCNP, Fujita Health University, Tokai University). Domestic lab work is handled by Riken Genesis, with overseas genotyping subcontracted to Macrogen in South Korea.

Revenue derives from one-time consumer kit sales, corporate welfare plans bundled through Benefit Station, B2B research contracts, and data-monetization via research collaborations. The D2C product is extended through free ecosystem features including GeneConnect (sharing results with partner medical, fitness, and beauty facilities), Pharmacy Coordination (pharmacogenomic medication guidance at dispensing pharmacies), and an upload service allowing users of competing tests to view Genequest-interpreted results. The company holds the JIPDEC Privacy Mark (since December 2015) and the AGI Genetic Information Proper Handling Certification, reinforcing its regulatory standing in a sensitive data category. Most recently, in October 2025, Genequest published a causal AI research breakthrough with Fujitsu analyzing data from approximately 4,000 individuals.

Name

Genequest

Legal name

株式会社ジーンクエスト

Website

https://genequest.jp/

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Genequest is a Tokyo-based consumer genomics company offering saliva-based DNA testing kits (Genequest ALL and LITE) for Japanese consumers, backed by a 100,000-person consented genomic database and a parallel B2B research service for pharmaceutical and academic partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Consumer Genomics

NAICS

Medical Laboratories (621511), Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835), Services-Medical Laboratories (8071), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Genetic & Genomic Testing (germline, somatic, carrier, pharmacogenomics) (HLAAALAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Molecular & Genetic Testing (PCR/NGS/qPCR) (HLAGADAF)

Keywords

• Consumer genetic testing
• Saliva DNA analysis
• Genomic research services
• Corporate wellness benefits
• Pharmacogenomic data platform

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Consumer genetic testing kit sales: One-time purchase of saliva-based genetic testing kits (Genequest ALL and LITE) sold directly to consumers via the company's e-commerce site. Additional welfare/benefit plans sold to enterprises.
2. Enterprise research services: B2B services including commissioned genetic analysis, joint research, genome research consulting, system development, and research participant recruitment for pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.
3. Upload service (free): Free service allowing customers to upload results from other genetic testing providers to view Genequest's interpretation. No direct revenue but supports customer acquisition and retention.
4. Data monetization (research): De-identified genomic and questionnaire data from consented customers used for research collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and corporations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Genequest sells saliva-based direct-to-consumer genetic testing kits (Genequest ALL with 350+ items at ¥32,780 and Genequest LITE with 34 items at ¥16,280) analyzed on Japanese-population-specific DNA chips, with results viewable online indefinitely plus free ongoing item updates. The company also delivers B2B enterprise services through Genequest Research, including commissioned genetic analysis, joint studies, genomic research consulting, and system development for pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and corporate clients, supported by a proprietary database of 100,000+ consented Japanese individuals.

Product overview

Genequest offers a consumer genetic testing platform built around two tiers of saliva-based DNA analysis services: Genequest ALL (full package, 350+ items covering health risks, traits, ancestral roots, and specialized diet/alcohol profiles) and Genequest LITE (mid-tier, 34 items). Both use Illumina Infinium assays and/or Fryðaím EP1 systems on DNA chips tailored for Japanese populations. The company extends its core service through several integrated features: GeneConnect (data sharing with medical/fitness/beauty partners), Pharmacy Coordination (sharing results with prescription pharmacies), and an Upload Service (importing results from competing services into the Genequest mypage). A corporate welfare plan bundles Genequest ALL with employee benefits and insurance. The platform is backed by a proprietary Japanese genomic database of ~100,000 consented individuals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ジーンクエスト ALL (Genequest ALL): Full-package genetic testing kit offering 350+ health risk and trait items, plus ancestral analysis. Price: ¥32,780 (tax included).
• ジーンクエスト LITE (Genequest LITE)
• ジーンクエスト ALL 福利厚生プラン (Genequest ALL Welfare Plan)
• GeneConnect
• 薬局連携 (Pharmacy Partnership)
• アップロードサービス (Upload Service)
• Genequest Research (ジーンクエストリサーチ)

Products and services

• Genequest ALL (ジーンクエスト ALL) Full-package saliva-based genetic testing service for individual Japanese consumers offering 350+ result items covering cancer, lifestyle diseases, exercise, diet, alcohol metabolism, skincare, ancestral lineage (母系の祖先ルーツ), and polygenic scores. Results are viewable online indefinitely at no extra cost, with new items added free as research advances.
• Genequest LITE (ジーンクエスト LITE) Mid-tier saliva-based genetic testing kit for individual Japanese consumers offering 34 result items (7 health risk categories and 27 physical trait categories) selected by purpose, covering specific traits and health risks without the ancestral lineage feature of ALL.
• Genequest ALL Welfare Plan (ジーンクエスト ALL 福利厚生プラン) Corporate-only plan bundling the full Genequest ALL service with one year of Benefit Station (ベネフィット・ステーション) membership-based employee welfare services and group comprehensive life compensation insurance (group 総合生活補償保険). Sold to Japanese corporations as an employee fringe benefit; pricing is inquiry-based and the billing cadence is a multi-year contract.
• Genequest Research (ジーンクエストリサーチ) B2B enterprise services offering commissioned genetic analysis, joint research, genomic research consulting, system development, and research-participant recruitment for pharmaceutical companies (Astellas, Daiichi Sankyo, Takeda), consumer-goods companies (Lion, Ito En), and academic/government research institutions (University of Tokyo, AIST, NCNP, Fujita Health University, Tokai University). Backed by Genequest's 100,000+ consented Japanese genomic database.

Quantifiable outcome

• 92% customer satisfaction rate among 3,911 Genequest ALL users surveyed
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Fujitsu Limited (富士通株式会社)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration using causal AI to analyze the links between genetics, lifestyle, and health. The study analyzed genetic data and questionnaires from approximately 4,000 individuals, revealing insights into factors influencing BMI and beverage preferences. Joint research aims to support targeted health interventions based on individual genetic and lifestyle data.
• Astellas Pharma Inc. (アステラス製薬株式会社)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate joint research partner utilizing Genequest's Japanese genomic database for pharmaceutical research and development purposes.
• Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (第一三共株式会社)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate joint research partner leveraging Genequest's genomic database for clinical and pharmaceutical research targeting Japanese populations.
• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (武田薬品工業株式会社)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate joint research partner utilizing Genequest's genomic data for drug discovery and personalized healthcare research.
• Lion Corporation (株式会社ライオン)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner applying Genequest's genomic insights to consumer health and personal care product development.
• Ito En, Ltd. (株式会社伊藤園)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentral Research Institute at Ito En collaborates on research studying genetic links to beverage preferences and health outcomes.
• National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology — AIST (産業技術総合研究所)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerComputational Regulatory Genomics Research Group at AIST's Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery collaborates with Genequest on genomic research projects.
• National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry — NCNP (国立精神・神経医療研究センター)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDepartment of Mental Disorder Research at NCNP collaborates on genetic research related to mental health, neuroscience, and psychiatric disorders.
• University of Tokyo (東京大学)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple collaborative research engagements with University of Tokyo departments including Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Prof. Naokata Ishii), Corporate Sponsored Research Program (Prof. Hisanori Kato), Department of Mental Health at Graduate School of Medicine (Prof. Norito Kawakami), and the Department of Molecular Life Science at Tokai University School of Medicine (Prof. Tadashi Imanishi).
• Tokai University School of Medicine (東海大学)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDepartment of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine collaborates on genetic and molecular life science research.
• Fujita Health University (藤田医科大学)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDivision of Systems Medical Science, Fujita Academy collaborates on research (Prof. Tsuyoshi Miyakawa).
• Macrogen Corporation (マトロジェン)coreTechnology or IntegrationOverseas subcontractor for genetic analysis. Genequest sends customer saliva samples to Macrogen Corporation in South Korea for genotyping services. Macrogen holds ISO27701, ISMS-P, and ISO/IEC27001 certifications, and is subject to Korea's Personal Information Protection Act and Japan's APEC CBPR system.
• Euglena Co., Ltd. (株式会社ユーグレナ)coreOthersGenequest belongs to the Euglena Group. Shared management, joint data utilization, and co-branding as part of the Euglena Group's health and sustainability ecosystem. Euglena Group's privacy policy and data protection standards apply.
• Riken Genesis Co., Ltd. (株式会社理研ジェネシス)coreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary domestic genetic analysis laboratory partner. Analysis conducted at Propel-certified (Illumina) and CAP-accredited facilities meeting strict quality standards.
• Benefit Station (ベネフィット・ステーション)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMembership benefit service integrated into the Genequest ALL 福利厚生プラン (corporate welfare plan), allowing employees to access Genequest testing through the benefit platform.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Helix: US-based DNA-testing platform partnering with health systems and consumer brands for sequencing-based offerings. Comparable to Genequest as a population-scale DNA platform with health and wellness applications, but with a sequencing rather than chip-based approach.

Direct peers

• Ancestry (AncestryDNA): Largest DTC genetic testing service globally, with deep ancestry roots in its offering. Comparable to Genequest on the saliva-based consumer genomics business model, though more ancestry-focused than Genequest's health-and-trait positioning.
• 23andMe: Pioneering US-based direct-to-consumer genetic testing company offering saliva-based health, ancestry, and trait reports. Closely comparable to Genequest on product (DTC saliva kit with health and trait interpretation), though Genequest is differentiated by its Japanese-population DNA chip design.
• MyHeritage: Israel/Europe-headquartered DTC genetic testing platform offering ancestry and health-focused kits. Comparable to Genequest on DTC saliva-kit model and digital results delivery, while operating primarily outside Japan.
• Color Health: US-based health-focused genetic testing company offering DTC and employer-sponsored screening. Comparable to Genequest on the health-risk testing emphasis and B2B/B2B2C distribution, including employer benefit channels.
• MYCODE (DeNA): Japanese DTC genetic testing service historically operated by DeNA, offering saliva-based health and trait reports to Japanese consumers. Direct competitor with the most overlapping product surface and target customer to Genequest.
• Genesis Healthcare Co., Ltd. Japanese competitor offering consumer and clinical genetic testing services. Directly competes with Genequest in the Japan DTC genetic testing market with overlapping customer targets and a similar emphasis on Japanese-population content.

Regional players

• Riken Genesis Co., Ltd. Japanese CAP-accredited genetic analysis laboratory serving as Genequest's primary domestic genotyping partner. Adjacent rather than directly competitive; overlapping technology and customer base among Japanese research and clinical clients.
• Macrogen Corporation: Korea-based genetic analysis and sequencing services provider. Both partner (Genequest outsources genotyping to Macrogen) and adjacent competitor in population-scale genomic analysis, with comparable technology stack on the lab-services side.

Broad incumbents

• Illumina: Global leader in DNA sequencing and genotyping platforms, whose Infinium assay Genequest uses. Broader incumbent across the genomics stack rather than a direct consumer competitor, but a key upstream technology provider shaping Genequest's roadmap.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/genequest_GQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/genequest.jp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/genequest

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Genequest