Psifas

What Psifas does

Psifas is a nonprofit Israeli public benefit company (חל"צ) launched in 2022 as the country's National Genomic Medicine Initiative, operating under inter-university cooperation with Bar-Ilan University as a partnership contact and headquartered in Ramat Gan. Its core product is a virtual biobank that integrates Whole Genome Sequencing (performed at 30x coverage on Illumina NovaSeq X systems in CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited labs) with more than 20 years of longitudinal Electronic Health Records drawn primarily from Clalit Health Services. The initiative has sequenced samples from 57,000+ Israeli volunteers, paused broad enrollment in March 2025 while continuing physician-referred targeted recruitment, and runs an Israel Reference Genome Study mapping ~60 sub-populations at ~50 individuals each to build a population-specific genomic reference.

The technology platform is layered: the biobank is secured through a dual-protection architecture co-designed with the Israeli Privacy Protection Authority and National Cyber Directorate, with researchers accessing de-identified data through Lifebit's federated Trusted Research Environment (TRE) deployed on AWS. Building on the core dataset, Psifas offers three distinct commercial offerings: subsidized data access for academic researchers, negotiated data-access and CRO service contracts for biotech and pharma industry partners, and end-to-end targeted clinical study services (patient recruitment, IRB preparation, sample collection, CRF data acquisition). Strategic collaborations in 2025–2026 with OpenDNA (32 Polygenic Risk Score models for cardiovascular, breast, prostate, colorectal cancer), OMGene (PTSD and behavioral genomics), Lifebit (secure research environment), and Weizmann Institute (MDS targeted study) extend the platform into predictive analytics and specialized disease cohorts. The initiative is funded by the Israeli Ministries of Health, Treasury, Defense, and Education, plus CHE, PBC, the National Digital Agency, and the Innovation Authority, with oversight by a Scientific Advisory Board chaired by Karl Skorecki and including Aviv Regev (Genentech/Roche), Tal Zaks (former Moderna CMO), Gidi Rechavi (Sheba Cancer Center), Amos Tanay (Weizmann), and Ran Balicer (Clalit). Prof. Gabi Barbash, former Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Health, serves as CEO.

Name

Psifas

Legal name

פסיפס – המיזם הלאומי לרפואה מותאמת אישית בע"מ, חל"צ

Website

https://psifas.org.il

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Psifas is Israel's National Genomic Medicine Initiative — a nonprofit virtual biobank integrating 30x whole genome sequencing with 20+ years of longitudinal EHR across 57,000+ volunteers to serve academic researchers and biotech/pharma partners via subsidized data access and CRO services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Genomic Biobank & Clinical-Genomic Research Services

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Services-Medical Laboratories (8071), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Population Genomics & Preventive Precision Health Programs (HLAAANAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Molecular Diagnostics & Genomics Laboratories (HLAFAMAE), Molecular & Genetic Testing (PCR/NGS/qPCR) (HLAGADAF), Genomics & Molecular Diagnostics (Trial Support) (HLAGAEAD), Public Health Genomics & Sequencing (WGS/Metagenomics) Networks (HLAJAIAK)

Keywords

• Genomic biobank services
• Clinical genomic database
• Whole genome sequencing
• Precision medicine research
• Polygenic risk scoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Ramat Gan

HQ country

Israel

HQ region

Middle East

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government & Public Funding: Psifas is a public benefit company (חלצ) funded by the Israeli government ministries (Health, Treasury, Defense, Education, CHE, PBC), the National Digital Agency, and the Innovation Authority. State-supported funding covers recruitment, genome sequencing, and infrastructure costs. Sequencing costs are heavily subsidised for researchers.
2. Research Data Access & Collaboration Fees: Researchers from industry (including biotech startups) and academia access the Psifas biobank database for genomic and clinical research. Industry collaborators pay for data access and service-based collaborations, while academic researchers receive prioritized access. The platform offers flexible collaboration models including data access agreements and full-cycle CRO services for targeted studies.
3. Targeted Clinical Study Services: Psifas provides end-to-end clinical research services including patient recruitment, sample collection, IRB approvals, study monitoring, and CRF data acquisition for investigator-initiated studies. These services are offered to pharma companies, biotech firms, and academic researchers, generating service revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Psifas operates Israel's national virtual biobank, integrating Whole Genome Sequencing performed at 30x coverage with 20+ years of longitudinal Electronic Health Records to create a de-identified, nationally scaled clinical-genomic database. It provides academic and industry researchers with secure data access through Lifebit's Trusted Research Environment, offers end-to-end CRO services for investigator-initiated targeted clinical studies, and develops AI-driven Polygenic Risk Score models for predictive disease risk. The initiative is funded by Israeli government ministries and operates as a public benefit company.

Product overview

Psifas is Israel's National Genomic Medicine Initiative — a virtual biobank operating as a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core offering is the Israeli Virtual Biobank, which integrates Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) with longitudinal Electronic Health Records (EHR) to create a national clinical-genomic database used by academic researchers, hospitals, and industry partners. Built on top of this database are several distinct modules and sub-products: the Israel Reference Genome Study (IRGS), which constructs a population-specific genomic reference across ~60 Israeli sub-populations; Targeted Clinical Studies offering end-to-end CRO services for investigator-initiated studies on rare and complex conditions; Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) Models developed with OpenDNA for predictive disease risk scoring; a Secure Research Data Access module powered by Lifebit's Trusted Research Environment; and a Genetic Counseling & Recall module for actionable findings. A dedicated Partnership Portal (partnership.psifas.org.il) serves as the commercial engagement layer for data access and research collaborations. The initiative was launched in 2022 and operates under open informed consent, retaining the ability to recontact participants for future studies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Israel Reference Genome Study (IRGS): A cornerstone project mapping the genetic diversity of over 60 Israeli sub-populations by sequencing whole genomes of approximately 50 individuals from each sub-population, creating a population-specific genomic reference.

Products and services

• Psifas Israeli Virtual Biobank A nonprofit, university-controlled virtual biobank that integrates Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) at 30x coverage with deep, multidimensional, longitudinal Electronic Health Records (EHR) to create a national clinical-genomic database supporting academic and industry research in personalized medicine. Targeted at academic researchers, biotech and pharma companies, and hospitals.
• Israel Reference Genome Study (IRGS) A national cornerstone project that sequences the whole genomes of approximately 50 individuals from over 60 distinct Israeli sub-populations, constructing a population-specific genomic reference and identifying ethnic-specific allele frequencies to improve variant interpretation and enable inclusive genomic medicine. Targeted at clinical researchers and geneticists.
• Targeted Clinical Studies & Real-World Evidence (CRO Services) Investigator-initiated clinical studies on targeted populations with rare and complex conditions, conducted in collaboration with leading hospitals and research institutions. Provides end-to-end CRO services including contracting with hospitals, IRB approval, study monitoring, patient recruitment, and CRF & data acquisition. Targeted at pharma companies, biotech firms, academic researchers, and hospitals.
• Secure Research Data Access (Lifebit Trusted Research Environment) Secure, cloud-based access to Psifas's clinical-genomic database through Lifebit's federated Trusted Research Environment (TRE). Researchers operate within designated 'research rooms' on Psifas computers, with no ability to download data, ensuring strict privacy compliance and audit trails. Targeted at approved academic and industry researchers globally.
• Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) Models AI-driven Polygenic Risk Score models trained on Psifas's genomic and clinical data to predict genetic risk for common diseases including cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. Results are added back to the biobank to enrich future research. Targeted at clinicians, researchers, and ultimately the volunteers themselves.
• Genetic Counseling & Actionable Findings Recall A proactive recontact system that identifies approximately 3-4% of volunteers carrying 'actionable genes' (genetic variants predicting high disease risk such as cancer or sudden cardiac arrest). Affected volunteers are invited for genetic counseling and treatment recommendations at the partner medical center where they volunteered, subject to their prior consent. Available to enrolled Psifas volunteers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Early disease identification during the 'incubation stage' — before symptoms manifest — enabling intervention when treatment can alter disease trajectory
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship and core.

• OMGeneminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 June 2026Psifas and OMGene (an AI research lab integrating genetic, psychological, and behavioral data) announced a research collaboration to advance the study of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), trauma-related outcomes, and resilience. The collaboration leverages OMGene's behavioral models with Psifas's genomic data infrastructure.
• OpenDNAflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2025Psifas and OpenDNA (a Genomic AI biotech company) announced a strategic collaboration to develop AI models predicting genetic risk for common diseases. The study will develop 32 Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) models for cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. PRS results will be added back to the Psifas biobank to enrich future research. Led by Prof. Gabriel Barbash (Psifas) and Eran Feldhay (OpenDNA).
• LifebitcoreTechnology or Integration · 26 January 2025Lifebit provides its federated Trusted Research Environment (TRE) platform as the backbone for securely managing and analysing Psifas's clinical-genomic database. The partnership enables researchers to access and analyse de-identified data without downloading, ensuring compliance with strict privacy regulations. Dr. Maria Chatzou Dunford, CEO of Lifebit, described the collaboration as setting a global benchmark for personalised medicine.
• Illumina, Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationIllumina is a key technology partner providing NovaSeq X sequencing systems. Four machines were imported and installed at Rabin, Sheba, and Ichilov medical centers. Illumina describes Psifas as a flagship Israeli success story. The Israel Reference Genome Study (IRGS) is conducted in partnership with Illumina under a funded research partnership agreement.
• Weizmann Institute of ScienceflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeizmann Institute developed novel advanced genetic sequencing methods used in the MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome) targeted study conducted jointly with Psifas and the hematology department at Ichilov. The Institute is also represented on Psifas's Scientific Advisory Board through Prof. Amos Tanay.
• Northwell Health (New York)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorthwell Health (New York) is a co-development partner in the severe schizophrenia targeted study being conducted under the Psifas biobank framework, in collaboration with Israeli researchers.
• Israeli Government Ministries (Health, Treasury, Defense, Education)coreOthersPsifas is jointly established and funded by the Israeli Ministries of Health, Treasury, Defense, and Education, the Council for Higher Education (CHE), the Planning and Budgeting Committee (PBC), the National Digital Agency, and the Innovation Authority. These government bodies provide the mandate, funding, and regulatory framework for the national initiative.
• Clalit Health ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClalit Health Services is the primary HMO partner, providing access to its electronic health records spanning 20+ years and hosting volunteer recruitment at its 7 network hospitals (Rabin, Carmel, Soroka, Lin, HaEmek, Meir, Wolfson). Clalit's Chief Innovation Officer Ran Balicer serves on Psifas's Scientific Advisory Board.
• Privacy Protection Authority (Israel)coreOthersThe Israeli Privacy Protection Authority provides regulatory oversight of Psifas's data protection practices and has co-developed the dual-protection privacy architecture with Psifas, the National Cyber Directorate, and the Ministry of Health.
• National Cyber Directorate (Israel)coreOthersIsrael's National Cyber Directorate co-designed the dual-protection system that separates personal identifiers from medical information, creating individual 'safes' to protect volunteer privacy. The system was built by a skilled team of veterans from the Israeli Security Forces.
• Partner Hospitals (Sheba, Ichilov, Wolfson, Hadassa)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor Israeli hospital systems serve as blood collection sites and genome sequencing hosts. Sheba and Ichilov each host Illumina NovaSeq X machines. Hadassah is an expansion site for the MDS study. These hospitals also serve as investigators for targeted clinical studies. Prof. Gidi Rechavi (Sheba Cancer Center) sits on the Scientific Advisory Board.
• Israeli Universities (Inter-University Cooperation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPsifas is managed through inter-university cooperation. Bar-Ilan University serves as the institutional host for the partnership office. The Scientific Advisory Board includes members from academic institutions across Israel, and the initiative aims to advance academic research in personalized medicine.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• 23andMe: Consumer genomics platform with millions of genotyped customers and a therapeutics research arm. Relevant comparator for genomic data monetization and pharma collaborations, though operating via a consumer-led rather than biobank model.
• deCODE genetics: Icelandic population-genetics pioneer (now Amgen) operating a national-scale genomic biobank integrated with Iceland's health records and genealogy. The closest commercial analog for monetizing a small-population, deep-coverage genomic dataset.

Direct peers

• Estonian Biobank (University of Tartu): National population biobank with genome, EHR, and lifestyle data on ~200,000 participants, with similar researcher-access and industry-collaboration models. A smaller-scale but functionally identical European national biobank.
• UK Biobank: One of the world's largest population biobanks, combining genetic data with deep longitudinal health records for academic and industry research. The closest international comparator for Psifas in terms of cohort-driven, longitudinal clinical-genomic research.
• FinnGen: Public-private Finnish genomics program combining genotype data with national health registries for drug discovery and polygenic disease research. Closely mirrors Psifas's biobank-plus-industry-access model in a population with strong founder effects.
• All of Us Research Program (NIH): US NIH-led national precision-medicine initiative sequencing and collecting EHR data from over one million participants. Comparable in scale, government mandate, and researcher-access model.
• Genomics England: UK government-backed national genomics initiative that sequences participants and integrates clinical data at a population scale. Highly comparable as a publicly funded national precision-medicine program that provides data access to researchers and industry under a controlled model.

Others

• DNAnexus: Cloud-based genomic and biomedical data analysis platform serving clinical and research customers. Comparable as enabling infrastructure for large-scale genomic databases with regulated researcher access, similar to Psifas's Lifebit-based stack.
• Lifebit: Federated Trusted Research Environment provider and Psifas's infrastructure partner. Highly relevant as a peer/ecosystem enabler for federated genomic analytics, and a potential direct competitor for secured biomedical data access platforms.

Emerging players

• Our Future Health: UK-based large-scale prevention-oriented biobank recruiting up to 5 million participants with genetic and health data. Comparable in mission (early disease detection, preventive precision medicine) and emerging-stage maturity.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php?id=100090569422911
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/psifas-initiative-for-precision-medicine

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Psifas