Meet Gavenraj Sodhi

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gavenraj Sodhi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gavenraj, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Maddie BioGenetics started with my daughter, Maddie. Seeing her struggle with a rare condition, navigating the maze of doctors and treatments with numerous misdiagnoses… it hit me hard. We needed better answers, faster. And I knew, with my background in chemical engineering, that technology, especially AI, could be a game-changer. I’m not a doctor, not a researcher. But I’ve always been a problem-solver. And I figured, if I could bring my engineering brain together with the medical expertise of doctors and scientists, we could see things from a different angle. We could find solutions way faster than if everyone just stayed in their own lane. That personal drive, mixed with my tech skills, it’s what got me started. It’s about finding real solutions for real people, like my daughter.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career path has been anything but conventional, and it’s deeply intertwined with my personal journey. I’m a chemical engineer by training, not a doctor or researcher, but my daughter Maddie’s rare medical condition changed everything. It wasn’t just about finding a solution for her; it was about recognizing the immense potential of technology, specifically AI, to revolutionize how we approach rare diseases and cancer.

What sets me apart, I think, is that I’m driven by a unique blend of engineering problem-solving and a father’s unwavering determination. I’m not just building a company; I’m building a lifeline. And to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges patients face, and to connect with experts in the field, I drive Uber and Lyft every night. It’s not just a side gig; it’s my research. It’s where I meet the biological experts working on the frontlines in San Diego, and it’s where I hear the heartbreaking stories of those suffering from disease and loss. Those conversations fuel my passion and remind me of the urgency of our mission at Maddie BioGenetics.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. There were countless nights of coding, research, and navigating the complex world of biotech. There were setbacks, moments of doubt, and the constant challenge of balancing my personal life with the demands of building a startup. But I learned that resilience, collaboration, and a relentless focus on the patient are paramount. I learned that listening to those directly affected by disease is just as important as reading scientific papers.

What I want the world to know about Maddie BioGenetics is that we’re not just a company; we’re a mission. We’re developing an AI-driven platform that combines diagnostics, biomarker discovery, and patient-derived ‘mini-brains’ to repurpose drugs and create personalized cures. We’re driven by the belief that technology can empower patients and provide them with the information and treatments they desperately need. And we’re doing it with a level of empathy and urgency that comes from personal experience. I want people to know that we are fighting for them. I am fighting for my daughter, and for everyone who is suffering.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to San Diego for a week, I’d want them to experience the sheer diversity and beauty of this place, the things that renew my own spirit. We’d start with the ocean, of course.

Day 1: We’d head straight to La Jolla Cove. Kayaking through the sea caves, snorkeling with the seals, and then a sunset dinner at Shiku, a great sushi spot overlooking the water.
Day 2: We’d explore Balboa Park, hitting the museums, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and maybe catch a show at the Old Globe. Lunch would be tacos in Barrio Logan, experiencing the vibrant art and culture.
Day 3: A day trip to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Hiking along the cliffs, breathing in the ocean air, and appreciating the raw beauty of the coastline.
Day 4: We’d head inland, to the mountains. A drive up Palomar Mountain for stargazing, or a hike in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, just to get that perspective of the vastness and beauty of life, the same perspective that gives me strength in my fight.
Day 5: We’d spend the day in Coronado. Renting bikes, exploring the Hotel Del Coronado, and relaxing on the beach. Ending the day with a sunset sail in the bay.
Day 6: A brewery tour in North Park or Miramar, experiencing San Diego’s amazing craft beer scene. Then, a late-night concert at the Casbah, catching some live music.
Day 7: A relaxed morning at a local farmers market, picking up fresh produce and enjoying the community vibe. Then, a final farewell dinner at a hidden gem, somewhere with amazing seafood and a view, reflecting on the week’s adventures.

For me, San Diego is about the balance – the raw power of the ocean, the serene beauty of the mountains, and the vibrant culture of the city. I see this balance in a very unique way. Driving Uber and Lyft every night takes me to all corners of San Diego, from the quiet neighborhoods to the bustling downtown streets, and everywhere in between. I see the heart of the city, the people who make it what it is, and the very real need for the work we’re doing at Maddie BioGenetics. It’s a place that reminds me of the resilience of life, something I carry with me in my work every day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, my shoutout goes to my daughter, Maddie. Her complex medical journey is the entire reason I’m here. She’s the driving force behind everything I do at Maddie BioGenetics. Without her, this company wouldn’t exist.

Secondly, I have to shoutout the incredible medical and research communities, especially those at UCSD and Houston Methodist. The doctors, researchers, and scientists who are collaborating with us, and who have shared their expertise, have been instrumental in our progress. Their dedication to finding solutions for rare diseases and cancer is truly inspiring.

And finally, a massive shoutout to the entire Maddie BioGenetics team. Their tireless work, dedication, and belief in our mission have been invaluable. Also, I want to thank my family for their unwavering support and understanding during this intense journey. Without them, none of this would be possible.

Website: https://www.maddiebio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minutewithmaddie/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavenraj

Twitter: https://x.com/MaddieMinutes

Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maddie-biogenetics

Image Credits
Gavenraj Sodhi and family, including wife, Mia, sons (Dylan and Ayden), and daughter (Maddie).