Affordable Cancer Detection for All: The Mission of 20/20 GeneSystems
- Affordable Cancer Detection for All: The Mission of 20/20 GeneSystems Devin Thorpe 25:53
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Devin: What is your superpower?
Jonathan: I think in my case, if I may, some of my strengths include being a very creative CEO.
Making life-saving cancer detection accessible to everyone, regardless of income, is the driving force behind Jonathan Cohen’s leadership at 20/20 GeneSystems. On today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, Jonathan shared how his team is reshaping cancer testing and leveraging equity Crowdfunding to align with their mission.
The company’s flagship product, OneTest, offers multi-cancer early detection for as little as $200—far below the cost of competing tests. Recently, they introduced a convenient home collection option, allowing people to collect samples themselves, bypassing painful and time-consuming traditional blood draws. “We believe that cancer testing should not just be for the so-called worried rich. It should be for everybody,” Jonathan said.
This philosophy extends to their approach to financing. Jonathan explained, “Just as cancer doesn’t discriminate by income, we think cancer testing—and the opportunity to invest in innovations—should be available to all.” The company pioneered equity crowdfunding for biotech, raising $12 million from nearly 8,000 shareholders through Reg CF and Reg A campaigns. Now, they are hosting another offering on WeFunder to continue this democratized model.
Jonathan’s vision is deeply personal for many. He highlighted how shareholders often become customers and vice versa, strengthening the connection between the company’s mission and its community.
By focusing on affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity, 20/20 GeneSystems is setting a new standard—not just for cancer detection but also for how groundbreaking medical innovations are funded. Their journey illustrates the powerful impact of aligning purpose with action, offering investors and patients alike a chance to join a life-saving mission.
tl;dr:
* Jonathan Cohen’s company offers one of only two multi-cancer early detection tests available today.
* 20/20 GeneSystems’ OneTest uses protein biomarkers, providing an affordable alternative to DNA-based diagnostics.
* The company’s equity crowdfunding campaigns align with its mission of democratizing access to biotech investments.
* During the COVID-19 pandemic, 20/20 GeneSystems pivoted quickly to become an early leader in testing.
* Jonathan’s innovative approach integrates AI and machine learning, modernizing cancer detection and expanding accessibility.
How to Develop Creative Thinking As a Superpower
Jonathan Cohen’s superpower is creative thinking. As the CEO of 20/20 GeneSystems, Jonathan has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to think outside the box to solve problems and innovate. From spearheading novel approaches to cancer detection to adopting unconventional business strategies, Jonathan’s creativity enables him to navigate complex challenges and seize unique opportunities.
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jonathan’s creativity shone when he led 20/20 GeneSystems to pivot quickly into COVID testing. With rapid antibody tests sourced from East Asia, the company was among the first in the U.S. to offer any type of COVID test. Later, they transitioned to PCR testing, adapting to market needs. This quick, strategic shift not only supported public health efforts but also drove substantial Growth, earning the company a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies.
Tips for Developing Creative Thinking:
* Pause and Analyze: Avoid following the crowd; take time to assess alternative approaches when everyone else moves in a single direction.
* Leverage Technology: Use emerging tools like AI and machine learning to modernize older, proven methods.
* Think Holistically: Combine diverse strategies, such as integrating different testing modalities for optimal outcomes, as Jonathan did with protein and DNA testing.
* Engage in Public Policy: Collaborate with policymakers to align innovative solutionsBy following Jonathan Cohen’s example and advice, you can make creative thinking a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Jonathan Cohen (he/him):
President & CEO, 20/20 GeneSystems
About 20/20 GeneSystems: We develop and commercialize innovative lab tests for the early detection and prevention of cancers and chronic conditions.
Website: www.OneTestforCancer.com
Other URL: wefunder.com/2020.gene.systems
Biographical Information: Jonathan Cohen is a visionary life sciences entrepreneur and executive with extensive experience in the biotechnology and healthcare industries. Throughout his career, Jonathan has succeeded at the intersection of capital formation, start-ups and public policy. As the founding CEO of 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc., he has pioneered groundbreaking initiatives in innovative lab testing for the early detection and prevention of cancers and other diseases. These include co-invention of blood tests w/AI-powered algorithms for the early detection of multiple cancers and chronic inflammation. Jonathan is a longtime advocate for state and federal policies that advance the entrepreneurial life sciences industry.
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cohen-22574a12/
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