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Volta Labs Unveils Callisto™: Pioneering Whole Genome Sequencing Sample Preparation

In an era where genomic research and clinical applications demand efficiency and precision, Volta Labs has stepped up to the challenge by expanding its Callisto™ Sample Preparation Platform. As a recognized leader in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) automation, Volta Labs officially announced the enhanced capabilities of Callisto, which now supports fully automated DNA library preparation suitable for any sequencer and any chemistry in the realm of whole-genome sequencing (WGS).

Features of the Callisto™ Platform

One of the most noteworthy advancements brought by Callisto is its incorporation of seven validated WGS DNA apps, which strengthens its position as a versatile tool for researchers and clinicians alike. The newly added capabilities encompass a variety of workflows, seamlessly accommodating renowned sequencing technologies, including Illumina, Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), PacBio, Element Biosciences, and Ultima Genomics. Additionally, it integrates chemistries from industry leaders such as Illumina, New England Biolabs, Twist Bioscience, PacBio, Qiagen, and Watchmaker Genomics.

The platform's core offerings include:

• - Seven validated WGS DNA Apps for both PCR-free short-read and long-read sequencing, ensuring elevated flexibility across applications.
• - Pre-validated kits for short-read sequencing, exemplified by the Watchmaker DNA Library Prep Kit, Illumina DNA PCR-Free Prep, and NEBNext® Ultra™ II FS DNA Library Prep Kit.
• - Assured kits for long-read sequencing, featuring Oxford Nanopore Technologies' LSK114 and PacBio's SMRTbell prep kit 3.0.

Advantages of the Callisto™ System

The enhancements provided by the Callisto platform are more than just features; they represent significant improvements in laboratory workflows:

• - Universal access: Users can run over seven validated WGS applications without needing to re-train or adapt current methodologies. This cuts down on the traditional scripting and protocol development time, allowing labs to buy the relevant kits, load them, and start the procedure almost instantly.
• - Accelerated workflow: Pre-validated methods enable teams to transition from development to production in a matter of weeks, bypassing the lengthy 4-6 month method optimization period. The result is a reduction of hands-on time by approximately 75-80%, while also slashing time-to-first-data by 50-70%.
• - Enhanced reliability: The platform guarantees high-quality, reproducible whole-genome libraries across diverse laboratory settings, achieving cross-site coefficient of variation (CV) of ≤5% on key quality control metrics.

Workshop Announcement at AMP Annual Meeting

To effectively showcase the innovations of Callisto, Volta Labs hosted a workshop at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) Annual Meeting, taking place on November 12, 2025. The session titled "Reimagining NGS Prep End-to-End Automation for Faster Clinical Insights" presented insights from Dr. Lennart Kester from the Prinses Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology. Dr. Kester shared how the Callisto platform has been integral to streamlining whole-genome sequencing workflows, fostering quicker delivery of clinical insights particularly within the pediatric oncology space.

The session not only underlined the transformative potential of the Callisto device but also served as a practical guide for laboratories looking to automate, optimize, and scale high-quality genomic workflows.

The Vision Behind Callisto™

With Callisto, Volta Labs encapsulates a bold vision: to redefine the standard for DNA library preparation in whole-genome sequencing. Udayan Umapathi, CEO of Volta Labs, emphasized that the platform's design prioritizes flexibility and reproducibility at scale. By supporting a wide array of sequencing platforms and chemistries, Callisto effectively removes the constraints associated with traditional workflows, enabling laboratories to conduct advanced genomic sequencing tailored to their operational requirements.

Availability and Future Prospects

As of now, the seven Callisto WGS Apps are available in North America and the EU, with plans to extend access to additional regions in Q1 2026. The apps have already been implemented in several ISO-certified laboratories and are primarily designated for Research Use Only (RUO). For information on access and special launch promotions, interested parties can reach out to Volta Labs directly.

To learn more about Callisto and its applications in genomic research, visit Volta Labs. This innovative platform is poised to not only enhance the quality and reproducibility of genomic research but also significantly improve human health outcomes through expedited clinical insights.