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

Featured Illumina R&D innovations

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.

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.

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 and 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.

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Perspectives on constellation mapped read technology

Dr Stephen F. Kingsmore, President/CEO of Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, shares his perspective on the new constellation mapped read technology and its potential impact on rapid whole-genome sequencing for rare genetic disease.

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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 paired with a custom DRAGEN pipeline. 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.

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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.

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Alveolar dysregulation in pulmonary fibrosis

Dr Nicholas Banovich explains how Illumina spatial technology aids research in pulmonary fibrosis and epithelial remodeling.

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Spatial sequencing reveals tumor environment changes

Dr Jasmine Plummer shows how Illumina spatial technology aids prostate cancer research, potentially improving diagnostics and patient stratification.

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Whole-transcriptome profiling of large tissue areas

Dr Michal Lipinski shares how Illumina spatial technology enabled more detailed cell type clustering and new prospective gene marker identification.

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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.

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Perspectives on the Illumina 5-base solution

Dr Cande Rogert explores the Illumina 5-base genome solution for methylation detection. This solution offers a streamlined workflow, enabling simultaneous methylation profiling and genetic variant detection, and integrates DRAGEN analysis for high-accuracy dual insights.

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Illumina 5-base solution

This solution measures DNA methylation and genetic variation together, with exceptional accuracy, simplicity, and scale.

Epigenetics education

Explore specific techniques to study epigenetic modifications such as methylation patterns, DNA–protein interactions, and chromatin accessibility.

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Multiomic data analysis for biologists

Estimated availability*: 2H 2025

Illumina data analysis technology enables an environment where researchers can combine different omic types such as genomics and proteomics. The technology will also support multimodal analysis, including spatial and single-cell data, in the near future.

Outputs from DRAGEN secondary analysis for Illumina multiomics assays will be available in Illumina Connected Multiomics, optimizing data accuracy across the sample workflow. This end-to-end approach streamlines multiomic analysis, providing powerful insights and publication-ready visualizations.

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Streamlined and powerful spatial data analysis

Illumina Connected Multiomics, with DRAGEN Spatial Transcriptome, 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.

Recently launched innovation products

Explore examples of innovative Illumina products that were developed and launched recently.

Illumina Protein Prep

This automated NGS-based proteomics solution with SOMAmer technology and Illumina sequencing and analysis detects and quantifies 9.5K human proteins in 2.5 days.

Illumina Single Cell 3' RNA Prep

Accessible and highly scalable single-cell RNA-Seq solution for mRNA capture, barcoding, and library prep without complex workflows or microfluidics

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*Product availability estimates are rough timing estimates that are subject to change.

References
  1. Data on file. Illumina, Inc. 2025.