Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries is preparing to disrupt India’s healthcare diagnostics space by sharply reducing the cost of genomic testing. The conglomerate plans to offer genetic tests for under ₹1,000—nearly one-tenth of the current entry-level price of around ₹10,000.
This push is being driven through Strand Life Sciences, a Bengaluru-based genomics company in which Reliance holds an 80.3% controlling stake after acquiring it for ₹393 crore in 2021. By leveraging Strand’s technology and expertise, Reliance aims to make advanced genetic testing both affordable and widely accessible.
Nilesh Modi, Director at Strand Life Sciences, said, “We would like to make an impact. This is kind of a Jio-fication in genomics, so that the tests can be accessed across all income groups. However, we have not fixed timelines. Our chairman (Mukesh Ambani) has given us the task.”
One of the key focus areas is CancerSpot, a screening solution developed for the early detection of 10 different cancers, including breast, liver, and pancreatic cancers. The initiative is expected to strengthen Reliance’s broader ambitions in genomics-driven diagnostics and preventive healthcare.
Reliance’s efforts in this field align with its wider investments in life sciences and research. In May 2025, Mukesh Ambani announced a ₹75,000 crore investment plan for India’s North-East, which includes setting up a cutting-edge diagnostics laboratory in Guwahati and a genomics research collaboration with Mizoram University. Earlier, in October, Reliance Life Sciences received approval to conduct Phase I/III clinical trials for its biosimilar version of nivolumab, a drug used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Beyond healthcare, Reliance’s R&D initiatives are also exploring the use of genomics in synthetic biology, including applications in next-generation agriculture, functional nutrition, and algae-based biofuels.
What is genome testing?
Genome testing is a laboratory-based genetic analysis that studies an individual’s DNA to detect changes or variations in genes, chromosomes, or proteins. By 2025, such tests have become essential tools for personalised healthcare, helping doctors diagnose diseases, assess future health risks, customise treatments, and support informed family planning decisions.