Callisto™ Platform Implementation at Prinses Máxima Center Enhances Pediatric Oncology Workflow Efficiency
The Prinses Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, located in Utrecht, Netherlands, is the largest pediatric cancer center in Europe, renowned for its commitment to integrating groundbreaking research with top-notch clinical care. On September 10, 2025, Volta Labs announced the successful implementation of its innovative Callisto™ platform, aimed at optimizing genomic workflow processes at this esteemed institution. This state-of-the-art platform enhances sample preparation for genomic analysis, significantly improving the efficiency and reproducibility of laboratory operations.
Callisto™ stands out for its ability to support various genomic workflows by integrating seamlessly with Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing platforms. The implementation of this technology underscores the center's dedication to advancing pediatric oncology by establishing whole genome sequencing as the standard care practice for all pediatric patients. Bastiaan Tops, Head of the Pediatric Cancer Pathology Laboratory at Prinses Máxima, emphasized the strategic importance of adopting Callisto™, stating, "The full automation provided by Callisto for multiple sequencing approaches allows us to set Illumina's whole genome sequencing as a standard of care for all pediatric patients while supporting the fast adoption of Oxford Nanopore sequencing for quick diagnostics. By simplifying complex sequencing workflows, Callisto enables our team to focus on what truly matters – achieving better outcomes for children with cancer."
Integrating Callisto™ into the center's operations not only increases productivity but also minimizes the labor-intensive nature of genomic sample preparation. The compact and intuitive design of Callisto™ automates extraction, library preparation, and target enrichment, thereby enhancing laboratory functionalities without the need for specialized technical expertise. This flexibility allows both clinical and research laboratories to optimize various sequencing applications across different platforms efficiently.
Udayan Umpathi, CEO of Volta Labs, expressed pride in collaborating with the prestigious Prinses Máxima Center. He highlighted how the center's implementation of advanced genomic technologies sets a high standard in pediatric cancer care. Umpathi remarked, "Seeing how the team at Prinses Máxima applies advanced genomic technologies as a standard of care, especially for children battling cancer, is truly inspiring. We are proud to partner in developing technologies that bring timely and insightful information to these patients."
The global demand for automation solutions to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows is on the rise. The implementation of the Callisto™ platform reflects a growing trend in clinical settings, emphasizing the importance of improving laboratory processes to better serve patients and healthcare providers alike.
The Prinses Máxima Center’s mission is to ensure optimal quality of life and successful outcomes for all children diagnosed with cancer. With a keen focus on innovation, collaboration, and excellence, the center works tirelessly towards this goal. By incorporating the Callisto™ platform into their routine operations, they are poised to significantly advance their capabilities in cancer genomics further.
In tune with this vision, Volta Labs has positioned itself at the cutting edge of genomic applications, having developed a pioneering digital fluid platform that maximizes performance and scalability in sample preparation while offering unparalleled consistency. Their commitment to providing advanced solutions is evident, as seen in their partnership with institutions like the Prinses Máxima Center.
For more information about Volta Labs and their innovative products, interested readers can visit their website at www.voltalabs.com.
As pediatric oncology continues to advance, the collaboration between Volta Labs and the Prinses Máxima Center serves as a shining example of how technology can foster better healthcare outcomes for children facing cancer, ultimately paving the way for more efficient and effective treatments.