SPT Labtech and EMBL GeneCore Team Up for Fully Walkaway Automated Genomics Workflows
By Bio-IT World Staff
April 16, 2026 | SPT Labtech and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory’s Genomics Core Facility (EMBL GeneCore) have entered a collaborative partnership to advance fully walkaway automated genomics workflows. SPT Labtech’s firefly+ all-in-one liquid handling platform has been installed at EMBL GeneCore.
SPT Labtech’s firefly+ is a compact, flexible all-in-one liquid handling platform that simplifies complex genomics workflows by combining pipetting, dispensing, incubation, and shaking in a single system. By installing firefly+, EMBL GeneCore will expand protocol development and optimize workflows for demanding applications, such as low-input and metagenomic samples, benefiting the wider genomics community.
“The installation of SPT Labtech’s firefly+ platform as part of our collaboration underscores our commitment to remain at the forefront of scientific innovation,” said Vladimir Benes, head of Genomics Core Facility (GeneCore) at EMBL, in a press release. “Fully walkaway automation will address key bottlenecks in genomics workflows, helping us develop high-quality, scalable NGS protocols.”
The collaboration also involves the use of New England Biolabs (NEB) NEBNext library preparation kits, which will generate high-yield, high-quality sequencing libraries across a broad range of input amounts. These kits support the development of low-bias, high-sensitivity next-generation sequencing protocols while minimizing plastic waste.
By installing SPT Labtech’s firefly+ platform into EMBL GeneCore and fusing with the streamlined workflow enabled by NEB kits, a solid foundation for fully walkaway automation is established. According to Morten Frost, chief commercial officer at SPT Labtech, the collaboration will provide “end-to-end genomics workflows for a much wider range of applications, including environmental and rare species research.”
Officials at EMBL GeneCore state that the facility will expand its capacity to develop new protocols while further validating and optimizing existing workflows for challenging applications, including low-input and metagenomic samples, in support of the broader genomics community.