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Volta Labs and Watchmaker Genomics Partner to Introduce Callisto™ Complete Kit for DNA EF Library Prep at AGBT 2026

February 22, 2026

Boston, MA and Boulder, CO – February 23, 2026 / Sciad Communications Watchmaker Genomics 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. 


ENDS

For further information, please contact:

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

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

Sciad Communications, Media Relations  

Jasmin Shearan 

T: +442034057892  

Notes for Editors

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 is a life sciences company focused on developing high-performance tools that empower genomic research and clinical applications. Leveraging expertise in protein engineering and next-generation sequencing, Watchmaker delivers precision reagents and platforms that enable superior accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in molecular analysis. The company is dedicated to advancing breakthrough technologies to support innovations in cancer detection, epigenetics, and liquid biopsy applications.