Volta Labs Automates Nanopore Sequencing for Clinical Diagnostics

BOSTON, MA – May 21, 2026 – Volta Labs today announced a significant advancement in genomic sequencing automation, launching a new application for its Callisto™ Sample Prep System that fully automates library preparation for Oxford Nanopore Technologies' latest sequencing chemistry. The move promises to streamline complex workflows, enhance data quality, and accelerate the adoption of long-read sequencing in clinical diagnostics.

The new protocol, developed for Oxford Nanopore's Ligation Sequencing Kit V14 (SQK-LSK114) and optimized for its high-throughput PromethION platform, addresses one of the most persistent bottlenecks in modern genomics: the manual, time-consuming, and error-prone process of preparing DNA samples for sequencing. By providing a push-button, walkaway solution, Volta Labs aims to bring a new level of consistency and efficiency to laboratories on the front lines of genomic medicine.

The Automation Imperative in Genomics

For years, the pace of innovation in DNA sequencing itself has far outstripped the technologies used to prepare samples. While sequencers can now generate massive volumes of data in hours, the upstream process of extracting high-quality DNA and preparing it into a 'library' ready for sequencing remains a significant hurdle. This sample preparation bottleneck not only slows down research but also introduces variability that can compromise results, a critical concern for clinical applications where accuracy is paramount.

Volta Labs, an MIT spinout founded in 2018, is tackling this challenge with its Callisto system. The benchtop instrument leverages a proprietary electrowetting technology, using electrical fields to precisely manipulate tiny droplets of liquid across a surface. This method contrasts with traditional robotic liquid handlers that rely on pipettes and moving arms, offering a more contained and potentially more precise system. The company claims its platform can reduce hands-on time by up to 80%.

This new application for Oxford Nanopore’s V14 kit is a key part of Volta's strategy to create a universal, 'apps-based' model for sample prep. Instead of labs spending months developing and validating their own automation protocols, they can use pre-loaded, pre-validated applications on the Callisto, enabling them to 'load and go' in under 15 minutes. This approach drastically lowers the barrier to entry for adopting new sequencing chemistries and platforms.

Paving the Way for Clinical-Grade Sequencing

The most compelling evidence for the new solution's impact comes from an independent clinical evaluation at the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht), a leading European medical institution. In a presentation at the AGBT 2026 conference, UMC Utrecht researchers reported that libraries prepared on the Callisto system achieved up to 120 gigabases (Gb) of data output from a single Oxford Nanopore PromethION flow cell—a substantial yield for whole genome sequencing.

Crucially, the data quality proved to be diagnostic-grade. The evaluation demonstrated a 99.66% single nucleotide variant (SNV) recall, indicating exceptional accuracy in detecting genetic variations. This level of performance is vital for clinical labs seeking to use whole genome sequencing (WGS) for diagnosing genetic diseases. UMC Utrecht confirmed that Callisto's integrated workflow, which includes both high molecular weight (HMW) DNA extraction and library preparation, supports their efforts to achieve ISO 15189 accreditation—an international standard for quality and competence in medical laboratories.

"As we evaluate whole genome sequencing for routine clinical diagnostics, having a robust, automated workflow is essential," said Bert van der Zwaag of the Department of Genetics at UMC Utrecht, in a statement included in the press release. "Callisto's HMW DNA extraction and library preparation have given us the consistency and throughput we need to move toward ISO 15189 accreditation for Oxford Nanopore-based sequencing, while delivering variant calling accuracy comparable to our established short-read pipelines."

This validation is a critical step in transitioning WGS from a research tool to a routine diagnostic procedure. By automating the process and ensuring it meets stringent quality standards, the collaboration helps overcome major hurdles that have slowed the clinical adoption of long-read sequencing technologies.

A Strategic Win for the Long-Read Ecosystem

The announcement also marks a strategic milestone for both Volta Labs and Oxford Nanopore. By joining Oxford Nanopore's Compatible Products Programme, Volta Labs gains a stamp of approval from a major sequencing platform provider, enhancing its credibility and market access. For Oxford Nanopore, the partnership enriches its ecosystem with a powerful automation solution that makes its PromethION platform more attractive, especially for high-throughput clinical and research labs.

"The results achieved with libraries prepared with the Callisto™ Sample Prep System demonstrate the performance our platform can deliver when paired with high-quality sample preparation for whole genome sequencing applications," stated Thomas Bray, Vice President of Corporate Business Development at Oxford Nanopore Technologies. "We are excited to welcome Volta Labs into our Compatible Products programme."

Such open ecosystem strategies are becoming increasingly important in the competitive sequencing market. By fostering a network of third-party technology providers, platform companies like Oxford Nanopore can accelerate innovation and offer customers more flexibility and choice, ultimately driving broader adoption of their core technology.

Navigating a Competitive Automation Landscape

Volta Labs is not alone in its quest to automate genomics. The sample preparation market is a competitive field populated by established automation giants like Hamilton, Tecan, and PerkinElmer, all of which offer sophisticated liquid handling robots compatible with various sequencing platforms. Tecan, for instance, has also collaborated with Oxford Nanopore on an automated workflow for the same V14 sequencing kit.

However, Volta Labs is differentiating itself with its unique electrowetting technology, its 'sequencer-agnostic' philosophy, and its focus on a simplified, app-driven user experience. The Callisto system is designed to work with all major sequencing platforms—including those from Illumina, PacBio, Element Biosciences, and Ultima Genomics—positioning it as a versatile central hub for any modern genomics lab. This strategy allows laboratories to avoid being locked into a single sequencing ecosystem and to flexibly adopt the best technology for their specific needs.

This latest launch for the Oxford Nanopore platform is a key execution of Volta's broader vision. By systematically rolling out validated applications for the industry's most popular sequencing technologies, the company is building a comprehensive portfolio that addresses the critical need for robust, reproducible, and easy-to-use sample preparation across the entire genomics landscape.