Next Labs Genomics provides an integrated, low‑cost platform that automates DNA sample preparation and library construction in a compact, cartridge‑based system. By combining sonication, magnetic separation, thermocycling and real‑time detection, the solution eliminates manual pipetting and expensive robotic equipment, enabling point‑of‑care sequencing with portable devices such as Oxford Nanopore’s MinION for applications like infectious‑disease diagnostics, cancer liquid biopsies, and neurodegenerative disease screening.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Current next‑generation sequencing workflows require manual, labor‑intensive sample processing or expensive high‑throughput robotic systems, limiting the ability to perform sequencing at the point of need. This complexity restricts rapid diagnostics and research applications outside specialized laboratories.
Solution
Next Labs Genomics offers an integrated, low‑cost platform that automates all steps of DNA sample preparation and library construction using a compact controller and disposable cartridges. The system combines sonication, chemical disruption, magnetic separation, reagent mixing, heating (including thermocycling), and optical/electrical detection within a single automated workflow. By eliminating manual pipetting and large capital equipment, the platform reduces labor costs by up to 90% and requires less than $10,000 in upfront investment. The automated cartridges enable rapid, reproducible results suitable for on‑site sequencing with portable devices such as Oxford Nanopore’s MinION, supporting a range of applications from infectious‑disease diagnostics to early cancer detection.
Target Audience
Primary customers are research laboratories, clinical diagnostics groups, and field teams that require rapid, on‑site sequencing for infectious disease testing, cancer liquid biopsies, and neurodegenerative disease screening.
Features
- Proprietary disposable cartridges that perform sample disruption, filtration, magnetic separation, and column cleanup automatically
- Integrated heating and thermocycling modules for PCR and library preparation without external equipment
- On‑cartridge optical or electrical detection for real‑time monitoring of reactions
- Low‑cost controller that orchestrates reagent mixing, incubation, and cleanup steps with minimal user interaction
- Compact design suitable for point‑of‑care or field deployment, compatible with existing portable sequencers
- Reduces labor effort by ~90% compared to manual protocols and eliminates the need for expensive robotic stations