Pioneering Innovation in Nutrigenetics & Genetic Healthcare
Dr. Daniel Wallerstorfer, an Austrian molecular biologist and biotechnologist, is the founder and CEO of Novogenia GmbH. With over a decade of experience, he has become a leader in genetic testing, personalized dietary supplements, and cosmetic technologies.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Novogenia played a pivotal role as Austria’s leading SARS-COV-2 testing laboratory. Dr. Wallerstorfer continues to push the boundaries of genetic innovation, guiding Novogenia and its parent company, DARWIN AG, toward new breakthroughs in healthcare.
Key Innovations
- Automated Gene Testing Lab: Advancing efficiency in genetic diagnostics.
- Over 30 Genetic Tests: Offering actionable insights for personalised care.
- Personalised Health Solutions: Tailored dietary supplements and cosmetics.
- Medical Devices: Novel tools for DNA and COVID sample collection.
- DEEP GENOME AI: AI-powered genome interpretation for advanced insights.
Advancing Science and Supporting Global Innovation
Renowned as an expert in his field, Dr. Wallerstorfer has pioneered innovations such as an automated genetic testing laboratory and the DEEP GENOME AI system for genome interpretation, underscoring his commitment to advancing genetic science. His expertise is sought after by numerous companies, and he frequently shares his knowledge through lectures and collaborations in the fields of genetics, lifestyle genetics, and nutrigenetics.
Among the companies Dr. Wallerstorfer works with include:
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Chief Scientific Officer
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Background & Career
Education and Early Passion: Dr. Daniel Wallerstorfer is an Austrian molecular biologist and biotechnologist. Born in Salzburg, Austria (1982), he moved to the UK for schooling and later attended the University of Manchester. There he earned a B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and went on to complete a Ph.D. in Biotechnology by the age of 25. His doctoral research focused on medical biotechnology (recombinant protein expression, RNA interference, and epigenetics). During these years, Wallerstorfer developed a keen interest in human genetics, especially preventive genetic diagnostics – using genetic information not just for treating illness, but to prevent disease. This vision was sparked early (“Ever since I was 13 watching Jurassic Park I have been interested in genetics” he once noted) and shaped his career path.
Founding Novogenia: In 2009, after finishing his Ph.D. in the UK, Wallerstorfer returned to Austria and founded Novogenia GmbH in Salzburg. He secured private investors to launch this startup, aiming to make preventive genetic testing and personalized health a reality. Novogenia began as one of Europe’s first dedicated preventive genetic testing laboratories and quickly obtained an Austrian license to conduct medical genetic tests. Under Wallerstorfer’s leadership as CEO, the company grew steadily and became profitable by 2013. In the early 2010s, he expanded Novogenia’s reach by creating a network of over 100 partner laboratories (2011) and acquiring other genetics firms – notably Genosense Diagnostics in 2012, a pioneer in preventive genetic diagnostics. He also broadened the business into related areas: by 2013 Novogenia added personalized nutritional supplements based on DNA, and later cosmetic genetics, integrating these into its service portfolio. Beyond Novogenia, Wallerstorfer has been involved in other biotech ventures: he co-founded Rootine (a US-based personalized vitamin startup) and served as CTO there, and he leads several subsidiaries acquired under Novogenia (such as Genome Plus, Innovogene, DNA Plus). This reflects a broader contribution to the biotechnology and genetics industry, with Wallerstorfer at the helm of multiple innovative companies in the genetic testing and personalized health space. Throughout, he has remained deeply involved in scientific R&D in addition to executive duties, continually pushing for new applications of genetic science.
Childhood in Salzburg; schooling at Ardingly College in England
Molecular biology studies at the University of Manchester
Doctoral focus: recombinant proteins and RNAi
Awarded PhD at age 25
Recognized expert in molecular biology and biotechnology
Achievements & Innovations
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Over the past decade, Daniel Wallerstorfer has built a reputation as an innovator in genetics and personalized medicine. Some of his key accomplishments and contributions include: Pioneering Preventive Genetic Testing: Founded Novogenia (2009)
which has grown into one of Europe’s leading genetic testing laboratories focusing on preventive health and nutrigenetics. Wallerstorfer’s early business plan to use genetics for prevention rather than “damage control” was ahead of its time. Novogenia became a global pioneer in preventive genetic diagnostics, at one point supplying a large portion of the European market for lifestyle genetic tests. -
Advancing Nutrigenetics & Personalized Wellness:
Under his leadership, Novogenia developed over 30 different genetic tests and panels, translating genetic insights into practical guidance for nutrition, fitness, and wellness. For example, the company’s DNA analyses can personalize diet plans or fitness programs by identifying how an individual’s genes affect nutrient metabolism, weight management, or even skincare needs. Wallerstorfer also spearheaded the creation of personalized products – tailored nutritional supplements and cosmetics manufactured based on a person’s genetic profile. This integration of genetics into everyday healthcare is a notable innovation he championed. He even co-authored patents in this domain, such as methods for personalized nutrient compositions based on genetic data. -
COVID-19 Pandemic Response:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wallerstorfer pivoted Novogenia’s capabilities to support nationwide testing. He transformed Novogenia into Austria’s largest SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing laboratory, significantly bolstering the country’s testing capacity. At the peak of the crisis, Novogenia’s lab processed up to 275,000 PCR tests per day, a volume that made it one of the busiest COVID labs in Europe. Wallerstorfer’s team also produced millions of medical sample collection kits during this period. This rapid scaling (staffing grew to ~1,500 at peak) demonstrated Novogenia’s agility and his leadership in applying biotech solutions to an urgent public health need. The success of this effort not only aided the pandemic response but also marked a milestone for the company, raising its profile significantly. -
Entrepreneurial & Industry Recognition:
Wallerstorfer’s achievements have earned him and Novogenia multiple accolades. Notably, in October 2021 he was honored as “Entrepreneur of the Year” (Salzburg) in the category “Innovation & Hightech Rising Stars”. This award recognized the impact of Novogenia’s cutting-edge services and fast growth. Under his leadership, Novogenia also went public as part of a biotech group (Darwin AG) on the Munich stock exchange in late 2021, marking a significant business milestone. In addition, Wallerstorfer has been acknowledged as a thought leader in the field – for example, he was featured by Global Shakers as a “world shaker” in biotechnology for his work on DNA-based personalized nutrition and preventive genomics. -
Publications and Thought Leadership:
Complementing his scientific and business innovations, Dr. Wallerstorfer has contributed to public education on genetics. He is the author of the book “Die Macht unserer Gene” (translated: “The Power of Our Genes”), which explains the potential of human genetics in everyday life. Through this book and regular speaking engagements, he demystifies genetic science for the public and highlights how lifestyle choices can be informed by DNA. This commitment to science communication is another facet of his contributions to the field. He frequently lectures and advises in areas of nutrigenetics and preventive medicine, sharing expertise with both professionals and general audiences.
Media Coverage & Public Perception
Positive Coverage & Industry Praise: Dr. Daniel Wallerstorfer and Novogenia have generally been portrayed as innovators in both Austrian and international media. His work on nutrigenetics and personalized health has been highlighted in industry press and tech features. For instance, Global Shakers profiled him as a notable biotech entrepreneur, detailing how Novogenia became a top European genetic testing lab and a pioneer in preventive genetics. Similarly, nutrition and health news outlets have touted Novogenia’s technology; a 2025 report on a UK launch of a new genetic nutrition test noted the system was “developed in Austria by… Dr. Daniel Wallerstorfer”, underscoring its cutting-edge precision and Wallerstorfer’s reputation as a “renowned biotechnologist”.
In Austria, Wallerstorfer gained widespread recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Media reports credited Novogenia for dramatically expanding testing capacity when it was most needed. Major newspapers described Novogenia as “the largest PCR laboratory” in the country, and stories were published taking readers “inside” this high-throughput COVID testing center. Local business and innovation journals also noted how Novogenia’s rapid response not only aided public health but exemplified a successful biotech pivot (*“Fighting Covid-19 as an economic boost” was one such headline). Wallerstorfer’s leadership during this time was often portrayed positively, emphasizing the “tremendous risk” he took and the intense pressure his team managed in scaling up, as he turned a potential crisis into an opportunity to help the nation.
Wallerstorfer’s contributions have also been recognized through awards and public honors, which received media attention. The Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 award he won in Salzburg was covered by local news and press releases, highlighting Novogenia’s innovative edge in high-tech health services. This added to his public image as a successful young founder in the biotech arena. Moreover, his book “The Power of Our Genes” and public speaking engagements have positioned him as a science communicator; interviews and articles often cite him explaining how genetic insights can empower individual health choices. This educational outreach has generally bolstered his reputation, with media portraying him as an expert making complex genetics accessible and useful to the public. Overall, positive coverage centers on Wallerstorfer as a forward-thinking entrepreneur who introduced state-of-the-art genetic testing to mainstream healthcare and who stepped up to support Austria during a health crisis.
In summary, public perception of Daniel Wallerstorfer is shaped by both high praise and cautious critique. He is broadly seen as a dynamic biotech entrepreneur who has introduced innovative genetic health solutions and significantly contributed during the COVID-19 crisis. Industry media and local press have lauded his scientific advancements and business successes. At the same time, he navigates the challenges that come with pioneering in genetics – ensuring that novel health tests are credible and responsibly managed. The media’s coverage reflects this balance: celebrating Wallerstorfer’s accomplishments and leadership, while also echoing the questions that any disruptive biotech company faces regarding science, profit, and privacy.