Rome Foundation
The Rome Foundation is a nonprofit organization that develops and publishes the globally adopted Rome Criteria, the consensus diagnostic standard for Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction. It serves gastroenterologists, primary care clinicians, pediatricians, psychologists, researchers, and pharmaceutical sponsors through publications, CME, licensing, and research programs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1996
- HeadquartersRaleigh, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Rome Foundation does
The Rome Foundation is an independent, North Carolina-incorporated nonprofit organization (Rome Foundation, Inc.) founded around 1996 that develops and publishes the globally adopted Rome Criteria, the diagnostic standard for Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI), formerly termed Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Across five major editions (Rome I in 1994, II in 2000, III in 2006, IV in 2016, and V in 2026), the Foundation convenes international expert consensus panels — most recently 140+ specialists from 27 countries — to define, classify, and codify diagnostic criteria, treatment frameworks, and clinical decision algorithms used by gastroenterologists worldwide.
Its core product portfolio centers on the Rome IV and Rome V textbook collections (two-volume print and online subscription editions), supplemented by specialized volumes (MDCP, Diagnostic Algorithms, Pediatric Functional GI Disorders, Primary Care and Non-GI Clinicians edition, and Diagnostic Questionnaires and Tables), the GI Genius Interactive Clinical Decision-Making Software, the Rome Foundation Mobile App (iOS/Android), and the Rome Foundation University CME platform. Additional offerings include the Bristol Stool Form Scale, Pocket Cards, the Rome Foundation Research Institute and Global Epidemiology Study, and structured training and membership programs (Visiting Scholar, Associates of Rome, Rome Partners, DrossmanCare Communication Skills training, GastroPsych and Anorectal Biofeedback provider directories).
The Foundation monetizes through a diversified nonprofit model: one-time publication and software sales via romeonline.org (with bulk institutional discounts for 10+ copy orders), recurring CME course subscriptions through Rome Campus, licensing royalties on its questionnaires and diagnostic instruments to healthcare institutions, pharmaceutical sponsors, and researchers, and industry-sponsored research grants administered through the Rome Foundation Research Institute. Distribution is global, with operating geographies spanning the US and international markets and a multi-channel GTM anchored at major gastroenterology congresses (DDW, UEG Week, ACG, NASPGHAN).
Rome Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Rome Foundation
- Legal name
- Rome Foundation, Inc.
- Website
- https://theromefoundation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1996
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- The Rome Foundation is a nonprofit organization that develops and publishes the globally adopted Rome Criteria, the consensus diagnostic standard for Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction. It serves gastroenterologists, primary care clinicians, pediatricians, psychologists, researchers, and pharmaceutical sponsors through publications, CME, licensing, and research programs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Rome Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Medical Education and Clinical Decision Support
- NAICS
- Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Healthcare & Clinical Professional Development (CME/CE) (EDAGANAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Test Item Banks, Question Authoring & Assessment Design Tools (EDAFADAC), Site & Investigator Platforms (Site Payments, Feasibility, Activation) (HLACAOAJ)
Keywords
Where Rome Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Raleigh
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Rome Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Publication Sales: Sale of Rome IV and Rome V books, diagnostic manuals, and educational publications in print and digital formats through the Rome Online store.
- CME Course Subscriptions: Continuing medical education courses offered through Rome Foundation University (Rome Campus) for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and psychologists.
- Licensing Royalties: Licensing of Rome diagnostic criteria, questionnaires, and instruments to healthcare institutions, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies for clinical and research purposes.
- Research Grants and Awards: Funding provided by industry sponsors to support DGBI research programs, administered through the Rome Foundation Research Institute.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | One time/ perpetual license | Rome IV Collection - Online and Print versions |
| Other | Multi-year contract | International Research Awards |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Aldo Torsoli Foundation Research Award |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Douglas Drossman Award for Communication |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Rome Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Rome Foundation develops and publishes the Rome Criteria, the global standard diagnostic framework for Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI). It sells textbooks (Rome IV and Rome V editions), diagnostic questionnaires and algorithms, and operates the Rome Foundation University CME platform, mobile app, and GI Genius Interactive Software for clinicians, researchers, and institutions.
Product overview
The Rome Foundation is a nonprofit organization that develops and publishes the Rome Criteria—the international standard for diagnosing Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs), formerly known as Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. The product portfolio centers on Rome IV (2016) and the upcoming Rome V (2026) diagnostic frameworks, delivered as comprehensive 2-volume textbook collections, specialized educational books (MDCP, Diagnostic Algorithms, Pediatric, Primary Care, Questionnaires), and digital formats including the Rome Foundation University CME platform, mobile app, and GI Genius Interactive Software. Additional offerings include research awards and grants, working team publications, training programs (Communication Skills, Visiting Scholar), provider directories (GastroPsych, Anorectal Biofeedback), and educational content (videos, podcasts, pocket cards). Products are distributed through the Rome Online Store (romeonline.org). The Foundation operates across clinical care, education, and research to advance DGBI understanding and treatment worldwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Rome IV Collection A two-volume diagnostic textbook set plus online subscription providing comprehensive diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines for functional gastrointestinal disorders, intended for gastroenterologists, clinicians, and researchers.
- Rome V (5th Edition) - Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction The comprehensive global consensus textbook for the 5th edition of the Rome diagnostic framework, developed by over 140 experts from 27 countries, including adult and pediatric versions, primary care edition, and digital formats (e-books and online access).
- Rome Foundation Mobile App A mobile application for iOS and Android providing clinicians and researchers with mobile access to Rome Foundation resources, diagnostic criteria, and tools.
- Rome Foundation University (Rome Campus) An online continuing medical education (CME) platform offering courses focused on Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and psychologists interested in psychogastroenterology.
Quantifiable outcome
- Rome IV Criteria includes 20 pediatric disorders of gut-brain interaction affecting patients from infancy to adolescence
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Rome Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Rome Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Rome Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- DrossmanCarecoreCollaboration on Train the Trainer communication skills programs to improve patient-provider relationships in DGBI care. The program identifies key opinion leaders committed to enhancing communication skills and certifying them as future facilitators.
- Gastroenterology JournalcorePublication partnership for Rome V textbook materials, with diagnostic criteria and research published as a 13th edition supplement in Gastroenterology journal.
- Aldo Torsoli FoundationflagshipJoint annual award program recognizing excellence in research, education and patient care in disorders of gut-brain interaction. The award is presented during the Rome Foundation Annual Reception at DDW, with recipients delivering lectures on their work.
- American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)flagshipAnnual AGA-Rome Lectureship at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) addressing broad aspects of healthcare relevant to digestive diseases and DGBI. This collaboration has produced annual lectureships since 2008.
- Industry SponsorscorePharmaceutical and healthcare industry partners who provide funding support for Rome Foundation research programs, educational initiatives, and the Rome Foundation Research Institute.
- Anorectal Biofeedback Section PartnersminorInternational collaboration with gastroenterologists, physical therapists, and behavioral therapists to advance anorectal biofeedback therapy for pelvic floor disorders through education, research, and standardization.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Rome Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Medscape (WebMD Health Network): Medscape is a major CME and clinical reference platform for physicians across specialties, including gastroenterology. Comparable to Rome Foundation University as a competing CME delivery channel, though with a vastly broader medical scope and a for-profit operating model.
Direct peers
- American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS): ANMS is the U.S. society specifically focused on neurogastroenterology and GI motility — the exact subspecialty the Rome Foundation's DGBI criteria target. Operates as a niche medical society publishing research, running meetings, and supporting trainees, mirroring Rome's role at a smaller scale.
- American Gastroenterological Association (AGA): The AGA is the largest U.S. professional society for gastroenterology and a flagship collaborator with the Rome Foundation (co-produces the AGA-Rome Lectureship at DDW). Both publish clinical guidelines, run CME programs, fund GI research, and serve the same gastroenterologist audience, making AGA the most directly comparable peer organization.
- American College of Gastroenterology (ACG): ACG is a major U.S. gastroenterology society with overlapping membership, CME programs, clinical guidelines, and annual meetings (William D. Chey, Rome V Associate Editor, is also ACG President). Comparable in mission of advancing GI clinical practice through education, research, and guideline publication.
- European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM): ESNM is the European counterpart society for neurogastroenterology and motility, with overlapping expert contributors (many of the Rome V working team members are ESNM-affiliated). Comparable in publishing position papers, hosting research meetings, and serving as a credentialing body for DGBI clinicians.
Broad incumbents
- United European Gastroenterology (UEG): UEG is a broad European umbrella GI society that publishes clinical guidelines, runs UEG Week (where Rome Foundation presents lectureships), and funds research. Comparable as a larger, broader incumbent operating in the same gastroenterology education and guideline space.
- Wolters Kluwer (UpToDate): UpToDate, owned by Wolters Kluwer, is the dominant evidence-based clinical decision support platform used at the point of care. Directly comparable to Rome's GI Genius Interactive Software as a competitor for clinician mindshare on DGBI diagnosis and treatment guidance, though covering a far broader medical scope.
Regional players
- British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG): BSG is the primary U.K. gastroenterology society publishing clinical guidelines, hosting meetings, and running CME. Comparable in delivering GI clinical education and guidelines, but with a UK-centric footprint rather than Rome's global DGBI specialization.
- North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN): NASPGHAN is the dedicated pediatric GI society that hosts sessions where Rome pediatric criteria are presented. Comparable as a specialty society producing pediatric-focused guidelines and CME, but with a narrower pediatric-only mandate and a North American geographic focus.
Emerging players
- EBSCO (DynaMed): DynaMed is a clinical decision support reference competing with UpToDate and Rome's software products for gastroenterology content adoption. Comparable as an alternative source of synthesized, evidence-based clinical guidance that clinicians consult alongside or instead of Rome criteria.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Rome Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceRome Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Rome Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Rome Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Rome Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Rome Foundation
What does Rome Foundation do?
The Rome Foundation develops and publishes the Rome Criteria, the global standard diagnostic framework for Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI). It sells textbooks (Rome IV and Rome V editions), diagnostic questionnaires and algorithms, and operates the Rome Foundation University CME platform, mobile app, and GI Genius Interactive Software for clinicians, researchers, and institutions.
Is Rome Foundation a public or private company?
Rome Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Rome Foundation founded?
Rome Foundation was founded in 1996. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Rome Foundation based?
Rome Foundation is headquartered in Raleigh, United States, in the North America region.
How does Rome Foundation make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Publication Sales are the primary driver. The others are CME Course Subscriptions, licensing Royalties and research Grants and Awards.
Who are Rome Foundation's main competitors?
Medscape (WebMD Health Network) is listed as an others. Direct peers are American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS), American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM). Broad incumbents are United European Gastroenterology (UEG) and Wolters Kluwer (UpToDate). Regional players are British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN). EBSCO (DynaMed) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Rome Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Rome Foundation.
What industry is Rome Foundation in?
Rome Foundation's product category is Medical Education and Clinical Decision Support. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAGANAJ, Healthcare & Clinical Professional Development (CME/CE), with a secondary code of EDAFADAC, Test Item Banks, Question Authoring & Assessment Design Tools. Its NAICS code is 5417 and its SIC code is 7372.