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 innovative technologies here that are being developed into 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.

view webinar

The path from innovation to impact

Illumina highlights recent innovations in multiomics, library prep, sequencing systems, informatics, analysis, and AI—designed to transform insight into impact. Watch to learn about the latest products, workflow innovations, and strategic partnerships.

Spatial technology
For high-resolution whole-transcriptome profiling

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 across any eukaryotic species. The workflow integrates high-resolution tissue images, machine-learning analysis tools, spatial barcodes, and gene expression profiles to map transcriptional activity in spatial context.

Estimated product availability*: Q3 2026

Spatial

Proximity mapped read technology
For long-range genomic insights

Proximity mapped read technology uses a highly simplified NGS workflow that enables on-flow cell library prep and standard short reads with nanowell proximity information.

This innovative technology eliminates standard library prep and unlocks long-range genomic information. Testing demonstrates enhanced mapping of challenging genomic regions, ultra-long phasing (Mb), and improved detection of large structural rearrangements.

Future technology expansions will include multiplexing capabilities and compatibility with 5-base chemistry for dual, long-range genomic and methylation insights.

The TruPath Genome solution is now available to order.

proximity mapped read technology

5-base chemistry
For dual genomic and methylation studies

The Illumina 5-base solution delivers simultaneous detection of genetic variants and methylation patterns in a single assay.

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.

Future technology expansions will include compatibility with automation and FFPE tissue.

The Illumina 5-base solution is now available to order.

genome and methylome sequencing

PIPseq chemistry
For scalable, flexible single-cell RNA sequencing

Reveal cell-level insights, explore complex biology, and discover new biomarkers with scalable, flexible single-cell sequencing workflows.

PIPseq chemistry offers a scalable, vortexer-based workflow that overcomes the budget and technology constraints of other single-cell sequencing approaches. By enabling highly sensitive and precise transcript detection, this innovative method expands discovery power for both new and experienced single-cell researchers.

Future technology expansions will include capabilities for large-scale Perturb-Seq studies.

Illumina Single Cell 3’ RNA Prep products are now available to order.

single-cell RNA sequencing with PIPseq chemistry

SOMAmer technology
For high-throughput protein detection with NGS

Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer (SOMAmer) technology is an advanced proteomics tool that leverages next‑generation sequencing (NGS) to enable highly multiplexed protein measurement. SOMAmer Reagents accurately bind protein targets with high sensitivity, allowing researchers to quantify thousands of proteins simultaneously in a single assay.

Future technology expansions will include panels targeting larger and smaller numbers of proteins and compatibility with new sample types.

Illumina Protein Prep products are now available to order.

SOMAmer technology

Related resources

Thumbnail

Perspectives on the Illumina 5-base solution

Dr Cande Rogert explores the Illumina 5-base genome solution for methylation profiling and variant detection with DRAGEN analysis.

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.

Be among the first to know

Interested in learning more about these technologies? Sign up to receive updates.

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

† Single-day library prep applies to the whole-genome sequencing version of the kit.

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