Illumina unveils roadmap of groundbreaking NovaSeq X advancements in data quality, output, speed, and flexibility

Rhea-AI Summary

Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN) unveiled an 18-month roadmap of NovaSeq X updates delivering higher accuracy, throughput, speed, and flexibility.

Key metrics: Q70 quality introduction, output up to 35 billion reads (from 25B), 30% faster WGS runs (14B in 20–22 hours), new flow cells, staggered starts, and DRAGEN software improvements across ~8,901 systems.

Positive

• Output +40% from 25B to 35B reads
• Q70 quality technology enabling ultrasensitive oncology applications
• Speed +30% with 14B runs in 20–22 hours
• Updates to 8,901 NovaSeq X systems globally

Negative

• Rollout depends on successful, cost-effective implementation and scaling
• Reliance on third-party suppliers for critical components could cause delays
• Customer acceptance of updates may differ from expectations, affecting adoption

Key Figures

Output increase: 40% increase to 35 billion reads NovaSeq X output high mode: 25B to 35B reads NovaSeq X output mid mode: 10B to 14B reads +5 more

8 metrics

Output increase 40% increase to 35 billion reads NovaSeq X roadmap enhancement

NovaSeq X output high mode 25B to 35B reads Output per run upgrade

NovaSeq X output mid mode 10B to 14B reads Output per run upgrade

High-output run time 14B output in 20–22 hours Turnaround time for WGS workflows

Speed improvement 30% average improvement Speed on WGS workflows

Installed base 8,901 NovaSeq X systems Global high-throughput sequencing fleet

Mid-size batching kit 5B kits Flow cells for proteomic studies

Long-read kit 1.5B 600 cycle kit Longer reads for metagenomics and immune repertoire

Market Reality Check

Price: $117.67 Vol: Volume 2,112,751 vs. 20-d...

normal vol

$117.67 Last Close

Volume Volume 2,112,751 vs. 20-day average 2,511,902 (about 0.84x typical activity ahead of this release). normal

Technical Price 117.67 is trading above the 200-day MA at 108.69, indicating the stock was in a recovery trend before this news.

Peers on Argus

Before this announcement, ILMN was down 1.94% while peers were mixed: WAT up 1.9...

Before this announcement, ILMN was down 1.94% while peers were mixed: WAT up 1.93%, MEDP up 2.91%, DGX down 0.95%, LH down 0.7%, and PKI flat. This points to a stock-specific move rather than a clear sector trend.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 17 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 17	Investor conference webcast	Neutral	-0.3%	Announcement of TD Cowen healthcare conference fireside chat webcast.
Feb 05	Earnings results	Neutral	-0.4%	Q4 and FY25 results with flat full-year revenue and provided FY26 guidance.
Feb 03	Sequencing partnership	Positive	-4.0%	Partnership to sequence up to 4,000 samples from 1,300 species for conservation.
Jan 30	Acquisition closed	Positive	-3.3%	Completion of SomaLogic acquisition to expand multiomics and proteomics offerings.
Jan 20	Reimbursement decision	Positive	+3.9%	CMS reimbursement for TruSight Oncology Comprehensive at $2,989.55 per test.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive strategic and partnership news has sometimes coincided with negative price reactions, while reimbursement wins saw a positive move.

Recent Company History

Over the last weeks, Illumina has reported several strategic milestones. On Jan 20, CMS reimbursement for TruSight Oncology Comprehensive at $2,989.55 per test coincided with a positive price reaction. The SomaLogic acquisition closing on Jan 30 and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance sequencing partnership on Feb 3 were both followed by declines. Q4/FY25 earnings on Feb 5 (revenue $1.16B, FY $4.34B) saw only a small negative move. Today’s NovaSeq X roadmap fits into this pattern of platform and clinical ecosystem expansion.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement outlines a significant NovaSeq X roadmap, lifting output to 35B reads, adding 14B-...

Analysis

This announcement outlines a significant NovaSeq X roadmap, lifting output to 35B reads, adding 14B-read runs in 20–22 hours, and enhancing flexibility with new 5B and 1.5B flow cell kits. It builds on Illumina’s recent focus on clinical and multiomic growth. Key factors to monitor include rollout execution across the 8,901-system fleet, customer adoption for oncology and MRD applications, and any follow-up disclosures on manufacturing scale-up and software readiness.

Key Terms

whole-genome sequencing, molecular residual disease, multiomic, proteomics

4 terms

whole-genome sequencing medical

"scale access to whole-genome sequencing research in oncology"

Whole-genome sequencing is the process of reading an organism’s entire DNA instruction manual to capture all genetic information rather than just selected parts. For investors, it matters because having the full genetic picture can reveal new diagnostics, drug targets, or personalized treatments that drive product value, regulatory approvals, and long-term revenue potential, while improvements in speed and cost can expand market reach like making a complex map easier and cheaper to produce.

molecular residual disease medical

"including highly sensitive molecular residual disease (MRD) testing"

Molecular residual disease is the tiny amount of cancer that can remain in the body after treatment and is detectable only by sensitive tests that find cancer DNA or other molecular traces. It matters to investors because these measurements can predict relapse, guide whether additional therapy is needed, and shape the market for diagnostics and drugs—much like finding embers after a fire helps decide if more firefighting is required.

multiomic medical

"growing portfolio of multiomic and oncology-focused assays"

Multiomic describes the combined analysis of different layers of biological information—such as genes, proteins and small molecules—to build a more complete picture of how cells and diseases work. Like viewing a problem from several camera angles instead of one, it can reveal stronger drug targets, clearer diagnostic markers and better predictions of who will benefit from a therapy, which helps investors assess scientific validity, market potential and development risk.

proteomics medical

"improve read volume for single-cell, proteomics, and Perturb-seq applications"

Proteomics is the large-scale study of all the proteins produced by a cell, tissue or organism, like taking a full inventory and watching how the workforce and machines inside a factory behave. For investors, proteomics matters because it helps identify drug targets, disease indicators and responses to treatments—information that can speed development, reduce risk, guide partnerships and reveal new commercial opportunities in biotech and diagnostics.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

40% increase in output to 35 billion reads, up to Q70 quality scores, improved turnaround time, and staggered starts are among the updates to be rolled out on all NovaSeq X systems, advancing precision medicine and delivering compounded value for NovaSeq X customers

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) today unveiled an 18-month roadmap of innovations that enhance the power and value of the NovaSeq X system. Updates include technology that will deliver up to a Q70 quality score for the first time, along with 30% increased speed and output up to 35 billion reads (35B). Staggered starts and new flow cells go live across the customer base in the coming weeks.

Together, these advances increase daily sequencing productivity and expand the range of applications that can be run at scale on a single instrument. With higher output, increased accuracy, faster run times, and new flexible workflow modes, the roadmap delivers compounded value for customers seeking better, faster, and more cost-effective sequencing for their most demanding applications. Improved accuracy ushers in a new era for applications that require ultrasensitivity. Upon rollout, these updates will enhance the performance and value of the 890¹ NovaSeq X systems installed globally—the world's largest high-throughput sequencing fleet.

"The NovaSeq X is already the gold-standard in sequencing, and Illumina is constantly innovating to meet the growing needs of our customers' ambitious projects," said Steve Barnard, PhD, chief technology officer of Illumina. "With our roadmap of advances in quality, speed, output, and flexibility, we are bringing the industry the latest in cutting-edge technology and chemistry. These updates will set the stage for a new wave of research breakthroughs, inspiring a new standard of care in oncology and rare disease, ultimately improving human health."

These advances—together with a growing portfolio of multiomic and oncology-focused assays—accelerate Illumina's ability to deliver higher-quality data at a lower total cost. The updates also set the company on track to scale access to whole-genome sequencing research in oncology, including highly sensitive molecular residual disease (MRD) testing, and genetic disease.

Roadmap highlights

Key product enhancements expected to be to be rolled out over the next 18 months include:

• Data quality: Illumina will introduce Q70 quality score technology, enabling cutting-edge oncology applications with unmatched accuracy.
• Output: NovaSeq X output will increase from 25B to 35B (a 40% uptick) and 10B will increase to 14B, enabling larger and more complex studies on the same instrument.
• Speed: Illumina will deliver faster turnaround times, with 14B output in 20–22 hours, representing a 30% average improvement in speed on WGS workflows.
• Flexibility: Illumina will provide enhanced batching flexibility and new high-throughput modes, optimizing flow cell usage to improve read volume for single-cell, proteomics, and Perturb-seq applications.

In the coming weeks, Illumina will introduce new flow cells, staggered starts, and software enhancements that expand the sequencer's applications.

• Flow cells: 5B kits present a mid-size batching option ideally suited for proteomic studies. A 1.5B 600 cycle kit offers longer read length for metagenomics, immune repertoire studies, and amplicon sequencing.
• Staggered starts: Near-independent flow cell sides allow for asynchronous runs as samples become available, maximizing instrument flexibility and boosting throughput.
• DRAGEN software advances: DRAGEN pipelines for multiomics, oncology, and genetics.

Texas A&M Agri Life utilizes the NovaSeq X to handle large volumes of samples and recently participated in an early access trial of the 1.5B 600 cycle kit and upcoming NovaSeq X software enhancements.

"The NovaSeq X is becoming better, cheaper, and faster," said Charlie Johnson, PhD, director of Genomics and Bioinformatics. "Since we purchased the NovaSeq X, the data yield for a run has increased by 30% on average, thanks to the advances Illumina continues to introduce. Today, the 600-cycle flow cell delivers everything we hoped for in high-throughput, longer-read sequencing for our metagenomics work."

The updates will be rolled out across all NovaSeq X systems, benefiting both current users and future adopters.

Illumina NovaSeq X systems are used around the world supporting research and clinical labs that are working to advance science and improve human health. Treatment breakthroughs, diagnostic models, and entire industries have been built on Illumina's next-generation sequencing capabilities, from discoveries in targeted cancer therapy to cancer and rare disease diagnosis, non-invasive prenatal screening, and MRD testing.

To learn more about the NovaSeq X, visit https://www.illumina.com/systems/sequencing-platforms/novaseq-x-plus.html.

Use of forward-looking statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors to which our business is subject that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements are: (i) our ability to successfully implement NovaSeq X updates on a cost-effective and timely basis, (ii) challenges inherent in developing and launching new products and services, including modifying and scaling manufacturing operations, and reliance on third-party suppliers for critical components; (iii) our ability to manufacture robust instrumentation and consumables and develop reliable software solutions; and (iv) the acceptance and adoption by customers of our newly launched or updated products, which may or may not meet our and their expectations, together with other factors detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand. We undertake no obligation, and do not intend, to update these forward-looking statements, to review or confirm analysts' expectations, or to provide interim reports or updates on the progress of the current quarter.

About Illumina
Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments. To learn more, visit illumina.com and connect with us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Contacts
Investors:
Illumina Investor Relations
858-291-6421
IR@illumina.com 

Media:
Christine Douglass
PR@illumina.com

1. As of the Q4 financial disclosures, the NovaSeq X active install base was 890 at the end of FY2025.

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SOURCE Illumina, Inc.

FAQ

What are the NovaSeq X output improvements announced by Illumina (ILMN) on Feb 23, 2026?

Illumina announced NovaSeq X output rising to 35 billion reads, a 40% increase from 25B. According to Illumina, a 10B option will increase to 14B, enabling larger studies and higher-throughput projects on the same instrument.

How much faster will NovaSeq X whole-genome sequencing be after the ILMN updates?

NovaSeq X WGS speed improves by about 30%, with 14B output running in 20–22 hours. According to Illumina, this reduces turnaround time for large WGS workflows and supports higher daily sample throughput for research and clinical labs.

What does the Q70 quality announcement mean for NovaSeq X users and oncology testing?

Q70 quality introduces substantially higher per-read accuracy aimed at ultrasensitive applications like MRD and oncology assays. According to Illumina, higher accuracy should improve detection sensitivity for low-frequency variants in research and clinical workflows.

What new flow cells and batching options did Illumina (ILMN) introduce for NovaSeq X?

Illumina will add a 5B kit for mid-size batching and a 1.5B 600-cycle kit for longer reads and metagenomics. According to Illumina, these options target proteomics, immune repertoire, amplicon, and longer-read applications.

What operational risks did Illumina disclose about rolling out NovaSeq X enhancements (ILMN)?

Illumina warned rollout risks include implementation timing, manufacturing scale, and third-party supplier reliance. According to Illumina, these factors could affect cost, timing, and customer adoption of the new NovaSeq X updates.