We highlight upcoming technologies here that are being developed into future products, with a focus on ease-of-use and sustainability. Illumina keenly pursues innovation by prioritizing internal research and development in our roadmap, continually competing against ourselves to create even better products.
Illumina innovation roadmap
Our technology innovation and product development roadmap is designed to enable researchers and clinicians to turn big dreams into impactful genomic discoveries, improving lives and changing the course of diseases globally
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Illumina product development roadmap
Our innovation roadmap is part of a proven track record of biological solutions that empower researchers to perform studies at the throughput, scale, and price that meets their research objectives.
Innovations driving the multiomics revolution
Watch as Illumina introduces a revolutionary next-generation sequencing (NGS) and multiomics technology—engineered to deliver deeper insights, accelerate discovery, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in genomics.
Explore current innovations
Constellation mapped reads
Estimated availability*: 1H 2026
Constellation mapped read technology uses a highly simplified NGS workflow that enables on-flow cell library prep with standard short-reads with cluster proximity information.
This innovative method eliminates standard library prep and unlocks long-distance genomic information. Early testing demonstrates enhanced mapping of challenging genomic regions, ultra-long phasing (Mb), and improved detection of large structural rearrangements.
2024 Illumina Innovation Roadmap
Hear how Illumina innovations in library prep, sequencing, and analysis, including mapped reads, are enabling transformative applications using multiomics, plus get customer insights into early testing of constellation mapped read technology for human whole-genome sequencing.
Related resources
Introducing constellation mapped read technology
Learn how this powerful technology works, understand the benefits for human genome sequencing, and view performance data.
Blog post published: Dec. 20th, 2024
Overview of constellation mapped read technology
See how on-flow cell library prep and proximity information from neighboring nanowells enable long-range genomic insights.
Poster published: Feb. 24th, 2025
Structural variant detection with proximity mapping
Identify complex structural rearrangements using machine learning and colocation analysis of constellation mapped reads.
Poster published: Feb. 24th, 2025
FAQ
Illumina constellation mapped read technology is currently being developed for the NovaSeq X Series and demonstrated compatible with benchtop platforms. Analysis will utilize DRAGEN pipeline and be compatible with the Illumina WGS tertiary analysis solution.
The constellation workflow begins with a novel, on-flow-cell library prep that uses the low DNA inputs characteristic of transposome-based library prep workflows and the high sequencing quality of the NovaSeq X Series. The experimental workflow requires no modifications to the sequencing instrument—only a custom sequencing recipe, making it readily accessible to researchers.
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Results
Spatial transcriptomics
Estimated availability*: 1H 2026
Illumina spatial technology will enable a unique end-to-end spatial transcriptomics solution for use with Illumina high-throughput sequencing systems.
Illumina spatial technology captures poly(A) motifs of RNA transcripts on an advanced substrate for hypothesis-free analysis of gene expression profiling. This design also allows easy application of the technology across any eukaryotic species.
Streamlined and powerful data analysis is being developed for Illumina Connected Multiomics powered by DRAGEN analysis. The complete workflow will offer image integration, machine-learning analysis tools, access to a purpose-built spatial browser for visualizations, future multiomic integration, and data management.
Introducing Illumina spatial technology
Introducing Illumina spatial technology
Building on our expertise in flow cell surface development and manufacturing, Illumina spatial technology will provide highly sensitive whole-transcriptome coverage with unprecedented resolution, giving researchers clarity without compromises.
Related resources
Illumina unveils first-of-its-kind spatial transcriptomics technology
Collaborator data demonstrates ability to map complex tissues and understand cellular behavior at an unprecedented scale.
Press release published: Feb. 19th, 2025
Whole-transcriptome spatial technology workflow
An ex situ whole-transcriptome workflow providing large area capture substrate and scalable, end-to-end software solution.
Poster published: Feb. 24th, 2025
Spatial transcriptomics education
Learn how this approach enables scientists to resolve mRNA expression at the cellular level in structurally preserved tissues.
FAQ
Illumina spatial technology utilizes a large, advanced tissue placement area with continuous 1µm surface features. The captured transcripts are binned with integrated cell segmentation through the Illumina spatial analysis pipeline.
During development, we have seen that coverage varies based on tissue type, tissue quality, and sequencing depth. We have observed that the technology can detect over 200% more genes in a tissue section compared to other spatial solutions.1
The initial version of Illumina spatial technology is optimized for use with fresh-frozen tissue. A version supporting formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue is in development.
Due to the required depth of sequencing, we recommend the NovaSeq X Series or NovaSeq 6000 System. The NextSeq 2000 System may be used for smaller tissue sections or tissue arrays.
Two versions will be available: a large-format slide with a 50 x 15 mm capture area and a second format with a smaller capture area. Both versions will use a standard 75 × 25 mm microscope slide.
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Results
5-base solution for methylation studies
Estimated availability*: 1H 2026
The Illumina 5-base solution will deliver simultaneous high-accuracy genomic and epigenomic discovery in a single readout.
Novel chemistry converts 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to thymine (T) in a simple, single step. The streamlined workflow includes optimized library prep that’s complete in less than a day and easy-to-use analysis for dual genomic and epigenomic annotations and visualizations.
Related resources
This solution measures DNA methylation and genetic variation together, with exceptional accuracy, simplicity, and scale.
DNA methylation analysis education
Investigate methylation patterns across the genome to gain insight into gene regulation and identify potential biomarkers.
Explore specific techniques to study epigenetic modifications such as methylation patterns, DNA–protein interactions, and chromatin accessibility.
FAQ
The 5-base solution uses a combination of Illumina proprietary innovations, including novel conversion chemistry and cutting-edge algorithms, to provide accurate genetic variant and methylation detection in a single, easy-to-use assay.
While conventional methylation conversion technologies convert unmethylated cytosine to thymine, Illumina proprietary conversion chemistry selectively converts methylated cytosine to thymine. As the majority of cytosines in a healthy human genome are unmethylated, selective conversion of methylated cytosine produces higher complexity libraries and, when combined with novel informatics, provides comprehensive, cost-effective 5-base insights.
- 5-base insights: Accurate genetic variant and methylation detection in a single assay.
- Simplicity: Single-step conversion and library prep completed in a single day.
- Flexibility: Compatible with different sample types and methods, including PCR+, enrichment, and PCR-Free.
- Affordability: Efficient sequencing for 5-base insights.
- Seamless solution from single provider: Illumina library prep-through-analysis solution and support.
The solution will be scalable on Illumina mid- to high-throughput sequencing platforms: the NextSeq 2000 System and NovaSeq X Series.
The bioinformatics solution does not require advanced expertise. It offers highly accurate variant and methylation detection. This is a simple, powerful, and easy-to-use multiomic analysis solution. Insights from Illumina Connected Multiomics are powered by DRAGEN analysis.
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Results
Multiomic data analysis for biologists
Estimated availability*: 2H 2025
Illumina Connected Multiomics is a fully integrated multiomic analysis software solution that will enable seamless sample-to-insights workflows.
With intuitive and scalable multiomic analysis, it empowers researchers to leverage powerful statistics and interactive visualizations to unlock deeper biological insights. Illumina Connected Multiomics integrates datasets from genomics, spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and more with out-of-the-box workflows to support Illumina multiomic library prep kits.
Spatial data analysis with Illumina Connected Multiomics
Streamlined and powerful spatial data analysis
Illumina Connected Multiomics, with DRAGEN analysis, will offer streamlined and powerful multiomic visualization and insights. The workflow will offer image integration, machine-learning analysis tools, access to a spatial browser for visualizations, future multiomic integration, and data management.
In addition to spatial transcriptomics, Connected Multiomics supports other data types including single cell, protein, and more.
Related resources
Connected Multiomics unlocks biological insights
Learn how our first fully integrated multiomics software simplifies data integration, with powerful analysis, and visualization.
Blog post published: Feb. 23, 2025
Illumina R&D leader Joachim Schmid spoke with Theral Timpson of Mendelspod podcast about Multiomic data analysis and how AI is poised to play a key role in moving multiomic analysis forward. Tune in.
Multiomics multiplies your discovery power
See how you can use multiomics to better connect genotype to phenotype and obtain a full cellular readout not found through single omics approaches.
Multiomics multiplies your discovery power
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Recently launched innovation products
Explore examples of innovative Illumina products that were developed and launched recently.
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*Product availability estimates are rough timing estimates that are subject to change.
References
- Data on file. Illumina, Inc. 2025.