Boston, MA and Boulder, CO, February 23, 2026 – At the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT) General Meeting 2026 in Orlando, FL, Volta Labs, a leader in next-generation sequencing (NGS) sample preparation automation, today announced the launch of the Callisto™ Complete Kit for DNA EF Library Prep. The new solution pairs Watchmaker Genomics’ best-in-class NGS sample preparation chemistry with Volta’s digital fluidics automation to deliver a fully automated, PCR-free whole genome sequencing (WGS) library preparation workflow.

As whole genome sequencing continues to expand across clinical research and translational settings, PCR-free workflows are increasingly preferred to minimize amplification bias, reduce sequencing artifacts, and enable more uniform genome coverage, particularly in GC-rich regions. However, executing PCR-free library preparation demands precision and reproducibility, making automation critical for labs seeking consistent results without increasing staffing burden. By eliminating manual liquid handling and reducing operator variability, the Callisto™ Complete Kit enables laboratories to generate reproducible, high-quality libraries while freeing technical staff to focus on higher-value work.

“We designed Callisto to make sequencing sample preparation simpler and more accessible,” said Udayan Umapathi, CEO of Volta Labs. “With the Callisto™ Complete Kit for DNA EF Library Prep, powered by Watchmaker chemistry, labs can run PCR-free whole genome sequencing workflows in a push-button format, delivering consistent, high-quality results in a practical mid-throughput range.”

“PCR-free whole genome sequencing demands both high-performance chemistry and workflow precision,” said Trey Foskett, CEO of Watchmaker Genomics. “For clinical and translational laboratories that require push-button solutions with dependable performance but do not operate at a high-throughput scale, the Callisto™ Complete Kit offers a simple and streamlined path to implementing PCR-free WGS with confidence.”

To mark the launch, Volta Labs and Watchmaker Genomics will host a joint breakfast suite presentation at AGBT 2026 on February 24 at 8:30 a.m., where attendees can learn more about the Callisto™ Complete Kit for DNA EF Library Prep, see the automated PCR-free WGS workflow in action, and hear directly from both teams.

 

About Volta Labs

Volta Labs is pioneering a new future of sequencing sample preparation by combining digital fluidics, modular workflows, and full walk-away automation in a single platform. Callisto™ enables high-quality, reproducible NGS library preparation for whole-genome, targeted, and custom applications. Volta Labs is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.


About Watchmaker Genomics

Watchmaker Genomics applies advanced enzymology to enable breakthrough applications for the reading, writing, and editing of DNA and RNA. The company combines domain expertise in protein engineering with large-scale enzyme manufacturing to address the demanding quality, performance, and scale requirements of high-growth clinical genomics applications. Watchmaker's product portfolio includes enzymes and kits for next-generation sequencing, synthetic biology, and molecular diagnostics. For more information, please visit watchmakergenomics.com, follow Watchmaker Genomics on Twitter @WatchmakerGeno1 or find us on LinkedIn.

Media Contacts 

Volta Labs
Nicole Ellis Ovadia
Director of Strategic Marketing
novadia@voltalabs.co

Watchmaker Genomics
Jen Pavlica
Associate Director of Product Marketing
jen.pavlica@watchmakergenomics.com