Launched by Leucine Rich Bio, BugSpeaks is a gut microbiome testing technology that uses next-generation sequencing and machine learning technology to analyse microbial composition, generating personalised nutrition and lifestyle recommendations. Enterprise Times talked to Dr. Debojyoti Dhar, Cofounder and Director at Leucine Rich Bio, to know what led to the creation of BugSpeaks, and how has the journey been since its inception.
Enterprise Times: What led to the creation of BugSpeaks, and how has the journey been since its launch in 2018?
Dr. Debojyoti Dhar: BugSpeaks was born from the realization that microbiota, especially the gut microbiota is a key driver of chronic disease, and we wanted to change the paradigm of healthcare by providing solutions based on the microbiome.. The team at Leucine Rich Bio began building India‑specific microbiome datasets and machine learning algorithms starting in 2014, culminating in the commercial launch of BugSpeaks in 2018 and expanding to direct-to-consumer access in 2020. Over the years, BugSpeaks has analyzed over 10,000 TB of genomic data, executed nearly 1,000 genomics projects, and served more than 25000 clients in 10+ countries. Our first randomized controlled trial, published in PeerJ in 2024, assessed the efficacy of BugSpeaks-mediated nutritional recommendations in patients with type 2 diabetes, demonstrating significant improvements in HbA1c levels, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers.
Enterprise Times: How does gut microbiome testing through BugSpeaks help individuals improve their overall health?
Dr. Debojyoti Dhar: BugSpeaks decodes your unique gut microbiome using next-generation sequencing and uses machine learning to generate personalised nutrition and lifestyle recommendations. The detailed report covers Rych index (a microbiota-derived score to assess gut health), the disease risk index for 15–16 conditions (like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and IBS), and suggestions for prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary changes to rebalance gut flora and support metabolism, immunity, mood, and digestive health. Users benefit from targeted and personalized guidance rather than generic advice, making prevention truly proactive. We have also started providing personalized probiotics based on the BugSpeaks gut microbiome report
Enterprise Times: What makes BugSpeaks different from other microbiome tests globally?
Dr. Debojyoti Dhar: BugSpeaks is uniquely tailored to Indian demographics, accounting for local dietary habits, cultural diversity, and region-specific microbial patterns. It was South Asia’s first microbiome test and remains the only platform in India with ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 17025, NABH, and NABL accreditations, a combination of technical quality, clinical rigour, and lab competence. Its interpretive engine is patent pending and continually updated through partnerships with research institutes globally. The interpretation engine (the brain behind the development of the report) utilises one of the largest customised databases in the world of curated microbiota reference genes, nutrient information, nutrient and microbiota link information, etc.
Enterprise Times: Can you explain how your technology works in simple terms for someone unfamiliar with genomics or microbiome science?
Dr. Debojyoti Dhar: You can start by ordering the kit and filling out a brief lifestyle questionnaire. Then you collect a small stool sample at home and send it back. In the lab, we extract microbial DNA and use next-generation sequencing or NGS technology to sequence it to identify the types and abundance of microbes in your gut. Our algorithms compare your profile with curated databases to gauge your gut health, disease risks, and nutritional needs. Finally, you receive a user-friendly and actionable report outlining various parameters of your gut health and personalised recommendations to improve digestion, metabolism, immunity, mood and general wellbeing.
Enterprise Times: Have you seen real‑life success stories where BugSpeaks made a visible health difference?
Dr. Debojyoti Dhar: Yes, many customers and partner clinicians report positive health outcomes one clinical trial, type 2 diabetic patients achieved measurable reductions in HbA1c, CRP (inflammation) levels, and blood pressure after following BugSpeaks microbiome-based nutritional guidance. Testimonials from customers in various cities in India as evidenced from their Google reviews on BugSpeaks, confirm transformations around skin issues, IBS, fatigue, IBD etc . Clinics in major cities like in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Bengaluru also use BugSpeaks data to fine-tune probiotic and nutrition plans, reporting notable outcomes in metabolic and inflammatory conditions.
Enterprise Times: What are your expansion plans, and how do you plan to scale in markets like Southeast Asia and the Middle East?
Dr. Debojyoti Dhar: Major diagnostic firms in India have partnered with us to sell microbiome tests in India. BugSpeaks has also been launched in markets like Qatar, Thailand, UAE, Malaysia, and Brazil through partnerships (e.g., Micro Health Labs in Qatar and Medsol diagnostic labs in UAE). Expansion plans focus on localized digital partnerships, mobile sample collection, and collaborations with wellness clinics and telemedicine platforms. The aim is to adapt interpretation engines to regional diets and build micro‑databases specific to each region while maintaining the same clinical quality standards.
Enterprise Times: Tell us more about your upcoming AI‑based health recommendation platform. How will it change user experience?
Dr. Debojyoti Dhar: Our upcoming versions of the report will use AI to generate dynamic, real‑time lifestyle recommendations tailored to individual gut profiles. Beyond static reports, users will get actionable meal plans, supplement suggestions, wellness routines, and follow‑up pathways. We are also working on integrating video reporting to improve accessibility and interpretation of the reports. The result: continuous, personalized engagement that evolves with your gut microbiome, making health improvement intuitive and adaptive.
Enterprise Times: In a competitive wellness market, how does BugSpeaks stay credible and relevant?
Dr. Debojyoti Dhar: Credibility comes from scientific rigour and regulatory validations. BugSpeaks is ISO- and NABL-/NABH-certified, and its nutrition platform is validated by peer-reviewed clinical trials. We continuously update our interpretive algorithms with new evidence, collaborate with global research institutes, and maintain transparency through publication. Relevance comes from a strong user base, consumer testimonials, and adoption by clinics and wellness professionals, keeping BugSpeaks anchored in real-world outcomes and preventive healthcare innovation. Also, as a stand-alone microbiome company, we are going to launch skin microbiome tests and oral and vaginal microbiome tests and use the microbiome science to launch more products in our Rychbiome nutraceutical brand. At present, Rychbiome has multiple microbiome-based solutions in terms of capsules and cream for:-
A) General gut health
B) Supplements for 50+ aged men and women
C) Skin microbiome balance
