NEWS Researchers Antón Carcedo Martínez and Åke Brännström at Umeå University are the founders of the EpiVida project. Through a simple at-home saliva test and a specially developed analysis method, users receive a personalised health report with insights into their biological age and factors that can contribute to more healthy years. The project has been a part of Venture Track, Umeå University Holding's new investment into research-based ideas.
The founders of the EpiVida project: Antón Carcedo Martínez and Åke Brännström.
ImageSekaiMediaThe solution is based on epigenetics – research that shows how genetics, the environment, and lifestyle together shape our biological development. Factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, and lifestyle leave traces in our cells that can provide valuable information about health and ageing.
By combining epigenetic data with advanced machine learning, the team has developed a method for analysing biological patterns. The goal is to give people a better understanding of how their lifestyle affects biological ageing and health over time.
For the team, privacy and data security are paramount. There are competing solutions in the U.S., but few alternatives in Europe. Epivida will store and manage all data within the EU, something that Antón Carcedo Martínez believes will become increasingly important as people become more aware of how their personal data are used.
“For us, it’s important to develop a product where consumers keep all their data within Europe. Our dream is for epivida to become the go-to health test, and we don’t think customers will be comfortable sharing their biological data just any old way," says Antón Carcedo Martínez.
After taking a simple test at home, users receive a personalized health report with information about their biological age and what can help them enjoy more healthy years.
ImageSekaiMediaThis spring, the project participated in Venture Track, Umeå University Holding's new initiative for research-based ideas deemed to have the potential to reach the market. The programme offers funding, project support, business development, and opportunities to network with investors.
“For us, Venture Track has been about gaining an understanding of the world of entrepreneurship and important insights into how others perceive our project. We’ve worked on validation, branding, and business planning, and we’ve had the opportunity to meet with investors at a trade show in Stockholm. We’ve received wonderful and valuable help," says Antón Carcedo Martínez.
Åke Brännström and Antón Carcedo Martínez are continuing to work on the project, which is now in an intensive and exciting phase of technical verification and preparations for a launch in 2027.
Åke Brännström and Antón Carcedo Martínez.
ImageSekaiMediaContact the founders or visit the project's website for more information and to express your interest in future trials.
Antón Carcedo Martínez
anton.carcedo@umu.se
Åke Brännström
ake.brannstrom@umu.se
The next round of Venture Track is now open for new applications. Submit your application by 15 October 2026.