Ivanna Salehudin

The co-founder and executive director of healthcare company Nova Satra DX. Ivanna and her Singaporebased partner Kane Black are committed to empower patients and physicians through research, development and commercialisation of blood-based tests. Two years ago, Nova Satra raised $2.8m in funding from Genting Bio Cellular.

WHEN London to KANE pitch AND to advisors I started for Nova the company. Satra, we As travelled I sat there to in the boardroom, I realised I am the only woman in the discussion—i was in the ‘big boy’s league’ and from then on, I took my representation at the table very seriously. I DO WHAT I DO because I think health tech is the future of mankind. Our Novotect Bc diagnoses for cancer cells based on the epigenetic targets associated with breast cancer in Asian women, using blood samples. OUR TECHNOLOGY is described as disruptive, but that’s not how I see it. We are not here to replace the mammogram as the gold standard of breast cancer testing. Our technology acts as a supporting system. Both diagnostic procedures work better hand-in-hand. A TURNING POINT in my life was when my father passed away—he was my safety net and guru. When I started my business, he walked me through every step of the process. I trusted him and knew he would never lead me astray. After his passing, I knew I can’t be blasé and carefree anymore. I have to open my eyes, listen, learn and grow on my own. I VALUE COURAGE and honour in the business world. As an entrepreneur, there will be challenging days. You will meet naysayers and people who will tell you negative things. You must be brave, stand your ground and push on. As for honour, it’s a matter of keeping your word to build trust, whether it is with your investors, customers or stakeholders. My father taught me these values and I stand by them.