IBM’s Watson is moving on from being Jeopardy! champion toward becoming a genetics counselor. IBM, in conjunction with Pathway Genomics, is introducing the Watson-powered Pathway Panorama cognitive mobile app, which will answer wellness-related questions based on user’s genetics and wearable devices.
In addition, IBM announced today that it is making a significant investment in Pathway Genomics, bringing the healthcare startup’s funding over the past 30 years to $80 million. The company makes DNA collection kits and provides screening for genetic risk factors for illnesses. For example, one kit can be used in detecting mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which can increase risk of breast cancer. Inc. magazine names that kit one of the 12 coolest products of 2014 manufactured by Inc. 500 companies.
An IBM spokesperson said Pathway Genomics is the third direct investment from the IBM Watson Group. On the healthcare front, IBM earlier this year invested in Welltok, the developer of the CaféWell Health Optimization Platform. Also this year, the company invested in Fluid, which builds online shopping experiences for retail businesses to drive customer engagement and conversion.
IBM established it’s Watson Group in January with a $1 billion investment, including $100 million dedicated to venture investments to support startups—such as Pathway Genomics—who are building cognitive apps through the Watson Developer Cloud.
See also “IBM invests in Pathway Genomics to personalize consumer health,” and read my take on Watson as Jeopardy! champion here.
