When innovation meets human well-being, incredible things can happen. Nacho Esteban, the CEO and Owner of 24Genetics, is a prime example of this. His journey from the tech industry to the forefront of personalized healthcare has been marked by bold choices and even bolder results. Through 24Genetics, he has reimagined how we understand and use our genetic information, empowering individuals to make decisions that can improve their lives. By combining cutting-edge technology with human-centered care, Nacho is helping transform the way we approach health, wellness, and longevity.
After years working in global tech companies like IBM and Samsung, Nacho’s path took an unexpected turn toward genetics. Motivated by a passion for making healthcare more accessible, he founded 24Genetics to bridge the gap between complex science and everyday decisions. Today, 24Genetics is redefining how we interact with our genetic makeup—offering personalized insights that help people make informed choices about everything from nutrition to fitness. For Nacho, it’s not just about data; it’s about creating tools that people can use to live healthier, more empowered lives.
Let’s delve into the interview details below!
Tell us about your personal background and your career in healthcare and biotechnology.
Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by the mechanisms that drive the world. Though I trained in Economics, my path diverged toward innovation and human well-being. I worked for many years in leading technology companies such as IBM, Samsung, Lenovo, and Alcatel, always in roles connected to technological innovation. That experience gave me a deep understanding of how to bring cutting-edge solutions to customers—knowledge that I now apply to genetics and AI at 24Genetics. After years navigating the tech world, I discovered a profound truth: hidden in our DNA lies a roadmap for a better life. That revelation led me to found 24Genetics—a bridge between science and people, between data and daily decisions.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your leadership journey that defined your path?
A defining moment came when we set out to make genetic testing more accessible—not only to healthcare professionals, but also directly to individuals. At that time, genetic science was often confined to labs and clinics. We wanted to extend its benefits beyond those walls, complementing the work of doctors and empowering people to better understand their own biology. That choice shaped everything that followed.
What inspired you to start 24Genetics, and what problem were you trying to solve?
There was a gap between scientific knowledge and its practical application in people’s lives. Genetics was evolving fast, yet most people had no access to it. I wanted to change that. I envisioned a company that could democratize genetic information, turning abstract science into tangible health, nutrition, and wellness insights. That vision became 24Genetics.
What is the mission of 24Genetics, and what are you most proud of achieving so far?
Our mission is to help people live better through genetics. We translate complex genetic data into actionable insights. The step I’m most proud of right now is the integration of artificial intelligence into our service. Now, instead of just receiving a PDF report, clients also get a personalized video—spoken in their own language—where our AI explains the results and offers advice, just as a professional would. But it doesn’t stop there. With our new subscription, clients can keep interacting with our AI assistant via WhatsApp.
Take Julia, for example—our AI nutrition assistant. She not only helps interpret your nutrigenetic report, but also creates weekly meal plans, recommends restaurant choices based on your DNA, and even builds shopping lists tailored to your goals. You can even send Julia a photo of a restaurant menu, and she’ll tell you what to order based on your genetics, preferences, and dietary needs—something that was unthinkable just months ago. It’s like having a coach in your pocket, 24/7. This is a new level of engagement that’s transforming how people use their genetic data in everyday life.
How does your company use science and technology to advance personalized healthcare?
We use Illumina’s state-of-the-art technology to read over 700,000 genetic markers, and then apply proprietary algorithms that adapt studies based on gender and ancestry. This allows us to generate precise, personalized reports. We blend genetics, artificial intelligence and deep scientific validation to deliver insights that are accurate, relevant, and transformative.
What values guide your leadership and company culture in the fast-evolving genomics field?
Ethics and transparency. In genetics, trust is everything. We never sell or share data. Our reports are grounded in validated science. We operate under European privacy laws, which are among the world’s strictest. And we lead with purpose: helping people make better decisions about their lives.
What future trends do you foresee in healthcare and biotech, and how is 24Genetics preparing for them?
We are moving from reactive medicine to predictive, preventive health. Genetics, microbiome science, and AI will define that shift. At 24Genetics, we’re already there: launching virtual wellness assistants, integrating real-time updates into our reports, and developing tools focused on longevity and mental well-being. We want to shape the future, not just follow it.
What is your vision for the future of 24Genetics, and what advice would you give to aspiring healthcare leaders?
I see 24Genetics as a daily wellness companion—an AI-driven ecosystem where your DNA helps guide your decisions. When it comes to making decisions about health and well-being, we must consider our genetics—and we will see this happening more and more. At the same time, artificial intelligence is proving to be an extraordinary tool that enables both healthcare professionals and consumers to make better decisions. AI can process a vast amount of data in real time, becoming the most effective tool for many types of consultations.
We have already achieved something remarkable: we read DNA, interpret it, and show people how to improve specific areas of their health. Now, thanks to AI, we’ve gone a step further. Our clients have assistants on their WhatsApp who know their genetic makeup and personal context, and can provide them with advice and support, 24/7, in their daily lives. This is the future of personalized health—and it’s already here.
