Illumina and SPT Labtech have launched the fireflyGO automation platform, designed to accelerate and simplify targeted oncology research.
The new benchtop system provides laboratories with automated liquid handling and library preparation and integrates with the Illumina MiSeq i100 Series to improve workflow efficiency in next-generation sequencing (NGS).
According to Illumina, the fireflyGO platform aims to reduce manual steps in the sequencing process, potentially increasing reproducibility and decreasing staffing requirements in research laboratories.
The solution is positioned to automate workflows related to targeted oncology research, including library preparation and sequencing analysis, especially when using Illumina’s MiSeq i100 Series.
The platform also supports automation for a range of NGS panels developed by Pillar Biosciences, broadening its application within Illumina’s oncology research offerings.
Illumina global clinical solutions vice-president and general manager Sandy Ottensmann said: “Illumina is delivering end-to-end workflow solutions that help customers across the healthcare and research ecosystem make genomic testing more efficient and accessible.
“The fireflyGO platform, paired with Illumina MiSeq i100 sequencers and Pillar Biosciences targeted panel assays, advances research and serves as a catalyst for broadening genomic testing in cancer, driving shorter turnaround times leading to fast results.”
SPT Labtech CEO Rob Walton said: “Simplifying oncology workflows improves research and access to testing with the goal of delivering treatment faster. Our collaboration with Illumina reflects a shared focus on enabling efficient and accessible genomics workflows.
“By combining SPT Labtech’s expertise in automation with Illumina’s global strength in sequencing, we are positioned to help labs adopt genomics workflows.”
Illumina has also expanded its oncoReveal targeted research portfolio, developed by Pillar Biosciences, to include the oncoReveal Nexus 21 Gene Panel and oncoReveal Lymphoid Panel.
These panels are designed to support rapid sequencing of both solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as characterisation of lymphoid conditions. The oncoReveal panels are now available to customers worldwide.
With the introduction of fireflyGO and the expanded research panels, Illumina states that it aims to make NGS more accessible and scalable for oncology clinical research.
In June 2025, Illumina agreed to acquire proteomics specialist SomaLogic in a deal worth up to $425m, bolstering its portfolio amid investor concerns around its financial performance in 2025.
