What's Happening?
Volta Labs, a leader in next-generation sequencing (NGS) sample preparation automation, has partnered with Watchmaker Genomics to introduce the Callisto™ Complete Kit for DNA EF Library Prep. Announced at the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology
(AGBT) General Meeting 2026 in Orlando, Florida, this new solution combines Watchmaker Genomics' NGS sample preparation chemistry with Volta's digital fluidics automation. The kit offers a fully automated, PCR-free whole genome sequencing (WGS) library preparation workflow. This development is significant as PCR-free workflows are preferred for minimizing amplification bias and reducing sequencing artifacts, which are crucial for achieving uniform genome coverage, especially in GC-rich regions. The Callisto™ Complete Kit aims to provide laboratories with a push-button solution that ensures high-quality, reproducible results while reducing manual handling and operator variability.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the Callisto™ Complete Kit is a significant advancement in the field of genomic research and clinical applications. By offering a PCR-free, automated solution, the kit addresses the growing demand for precision and reproducibility in whole genome sequencing. This is particularly important for clinical and translational laboratories that require reliable performance without the need for high-throughput operations. The automation of the library preparation process not only enhances the quality of the results but also allows technical staff to focus on more complex tasks, thereby increasing overall laboratory efficiency. The collaboration between Volta Labs and Watchmaker Genomics highlights the ongoing innovation in genomic technologies, which is essential for advancing research in areas such as cancer detection, epigenetics, and liquid biopsy applications.
What's Next?
Following the launch, Volta Labs and Watchmaker Genomics will host a joint presentation at AGBT 2026 to demonstrate the Callisto™ Complete Kit and its capabilities. This event will provide attendees with an opportunity to see the automated PCR-free WGS workflow in action and engage directly with the teams behind the innovation. The presentation is scheduled for February 24 at 8:30 a.m. in the Fulton Suite. As the kit becomes available, it is expected to be adopted by laboratories seeking to enhance their sequencing capabilities with a focus on precision and efficiency. The success of this product could lead to further collaborations and innovations in the field of genomic research.
