Bystro AI: Interview With Founder Alex Kotlar About Making Genomic Data Accessible Through Conversational AI
Bystro AI is changing how we interpret genetic data. Founded by Dr. Alex Kotlar, this Boston-based company offers a platform that allows users to query complex DNA information using conversational language. The goal is to strip away the technical barriers that often stall biological research.
Dr. Kotlar’s motivation stems from his personal history. Born in Kyiv shortly before the Chornobyl disaster, he experienced the health impacts of radiation exposure firsthand. After moving to the United States as a refugee, his family faced health challenges that lacked clear answers. This prompted his transition from business studies to genetics research at Emory University.
During his PhD, Kotlar noticed a significant inefficiency in the field. Biological research produced massive datasets, but many scientists lacked the computational background to analyze them quickly. He spent years developing a search engine for genetics that would enable researchers to ask questions in plain English.
Today, the platform functions as an agentic AI. It can trigger genetic analysis algorithms, perform statistical tests, and generate new findings based on specific queries. While current users are primarily researchers at scientific institutions, the platform is expanding into drug discovery and clinical trial optimization.
Looking ahead, the company aims to move beyond institutional settings and reach individual users. Kotlar believes that people deserve direct access to information regarding their own genetic health. By lowering the barrier to entry, Bystro AI intends to support anyone interested in understanding their predispositions, from longevity enthusiasts to those searching for answers regarding rare diseases.