QIAGEN Automates Research Sample Prep, Broadens Portfolio
Event summary
- QIAGEN is launching QIAsprint Connect, a high-throughput benchtop automation system for research labs, showcased at SLAS 2026 in Boston.
- QIAsprint Connect processes up to 192 samples per run and reduces plastic use by up to 50%.
- QIAGEN is also introducing QIAsymphony Connect (clinical DNA/RNA extraction) and QIAmini (low-throughput automation).
- The company claims the new systems reflect a strategy to expand automation across all throughput needs.
- QIAGEN employed approximately 5,700 people across more than 35 locations as of December 31, 2025.
The big picture
QIAGEN's move into high-throughput benchtop automation signals a broader trend of labs seeking to increase efficiency and reduce costs while facing pressure to improve sustainability. The company’s strategy to offer a tiered automation portfolio, from low-throughput to ultra-high-throughput, positions them to capture a wider range of lab needs. This expansion could be crucial for maintaining market share in the increasingly competitive life sciences tools sector, which is facing margin pressure and increased scrutiny on environmental practices.
What we're watching
- Market Adoption
- The success of QIAsprint Connect hinges on research labs' willingness to adopt benchtop automation, particularly given existing infrastructure and workflow dependencies.
- Competitive Landscape
- QIAGEN's entry into this segment will likely intensify competition with existing automation providers, requiring them to differentiate on price, performance, or integration capabilities.
- Sustainability Impact
- The claimed reduction in plastic use and packaging waste could become a key differentiator, but the actual impact on QIAGEN’s overall environmental footprint remains to be seen.
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