#Volta Labs #Callisto #Watchmaker Genomics

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving realm of genomic research, the collaboration between Volta Labs and Watchmaker Genomics is a significant landmark. Announced at the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT) General Meeting 2026 held in Orlando, Florida, this partnership aims to introduce the Callisto™ Complete Kit for DNA EF Library Prep. This innovative solution is designed to streamline the library preparation process for next-generation sequencing (NGS) while ensuring high-quality results.

About the Callisto™ Complete Kit

The Callisto™ Complete Kit integrates the cutting-edge NGS sample preparation chemistry developed by Watchmaker Genomics with the state-of-the-art digital fluidics automation technology from Volta Labs. By combining their strengths, they have crafted a solution that enables a fully automated, PCR-free whole genome sequencing (WGS) library preparation workflow.

The demand for PCR-free workflows has surged due to the need to minimize amplification bias, reduce sequencing artifacts, and provide more uniform genome coverage—specifically in GC-rich regions. The traditional manual library preparation methods can pose challenges, such as precision and reproducibility, which automated systems can address effectively. With the Callisto™ Complete Kit, laboratories can expect consistent, high-quality libraries, allowing technical staff to focus on more critical tasks.

Key Features and Benefits

Udayan Umapathi, CEO of Volta Labs, emphasized the simplicity and accessibility that Callisto brings to the sequencing sample preparation process. He stated, “With the Callisto™ Complete Kit for DNA EF Library Prep, powered by Watchmaker chemistry, labs can run PCR-free whole genome sequencing workflows in a push-button format.