MGI Tech Unveils Multiple New Products in Sequencing, Lab Automation, and Emerging Businesses to Empower Genomic Revolution

From NIPT to companion diagnostics, and further to early cancer screening and MRD, genomics has witnessed rapid development over the past two decades.

Core life science tools are the foundation driving the continuous advancement of genomics. As one of the few companies globally capable of independently developing and mass-producing clinical-grade, high-throughput gene sequencers, every move made by MGI often reflects development trends in China’s—and even the global—genomics sector. Over the years, the company has remained committed to innovation, continuously refining its strategic layout in the field of genomics.

The International Conference on Genomics (ICG) is one of the most influential international academic conferences in the omics field, and it is also the preferred venue for MGI’s new product launches.

Since the inaugural launch of its first domestically produced, independently intellectual property-owned gene sequencer, the BGISEQ-500, at the ICG conference in 2015, MGI has established a tradition of unveiling significant technologies and innovative products in the field of omics at each annual ICG conference:

In 2016, the BGISEQ-50 high-throughput sequencing platform was released;

In 2017, MGI launched the MGISEQ-2000 medium-to-high-throughput sequencing platform, the MGISP-100 automated sample preparation system, and the MGIUS-R3 remote ultrasound robot;

In 2018, MGI launched the MGISEQ-T7, an ultra-high-throughput gene sequencer that remains the most productive gene sequencer in the world in terms of daily output.

In 2019, MGI launched the DNBSEQ-E series sequencing platform and portable single-cell omics products;

In 2020, the “One-Stop Platform for Large-Scale Population Genomics” was launched to meet the demand for million-scale, high-depth whole-genome sequencing.

This year, MGI continued its tradition of unveiling its latest products at the International Congress of Genomics (ICG), launching multiple breakthrough technologies and new products for sequencers, laboratory automation, and new business sectors.

Dr. Ni Ming, Senior Vice President of MGI and General Manager of Qingdao MGI

“Higher, Faster, Stronger” is the Olympic spirit, which is equally applicable in the field of omics.At this year’s ICG-16 conference, MGI pursued the goal of “Higher, Faster, Stronger” and comprehensively upgraded the performance of its three mainstream sequencers.

On the DNBSEQ-T7 sequencer, which features ultra-high daily throughput, MGI has significantly upgraded its sequencing reagents to deliver genomic data with higher yield and superior quality. Following the upgrade, the product further reduces sequencing error rates and improves key metrics, including Q30 scores and the accuracy of variant detection for SNPs and Indels.

The conference showcased multi-round testing results from three users, demonstrating that the kit maintains high stability and delivers high-quality data across different laboratories, sample types, and complex libraries. Furthermore, the kit is compatible with all DNBSEQ-T7 platforms and is available for order starting today.

On the medium-to-high-throughput sequencer MGISEQ-2000, MGI launchedThe First PE300 Long-Read Sequencing Kit. This productBased on the Latest DNA Nanoball Generation and Loading Technology—MLG Technology (Make DNB, Load DNB, and Grow), enabling more precise control of DNA nanoballs, increasing copy number and enhancing signal, thereby supporting longer-read sequencing and higher-quality data output.

The MGISEQ-2000 FCS PE300 Rapid Sequencing Reagent Kit supports high-throughput paired-end 300 bp sequencing, generating up to 180 Gb of data per run with a single kit.When the MGISEQ-2000 operates in dual-slide mode with two sets of reagents, the throughput reaches up to 360 Gb.

This reagent kit is particularly suitable for microbial 16S/18S/ITS sequencing and is currently recognized within the industry as the most appropriate strategy for sequencing the V3+V4 regions.

Meanwhile, to accommodate multiplexed targeted sequencing, MGI has officially launched the ATOPlex Multiplex PCR Customization Platform. This platform enables users to develop personalized targeted sequencing library preparation kits based on multiplex PCR technology, supporting high-throughput data generation for multiple samples in fields such as microbiology and agriculture.

On the low-throughput MGISEQ-200 sequencer, MGI and the National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention jointly conducted scientific research.To address the dual needs of frontline users for rapid and precise sequencing in infectious disease prevention and control, we have introduced multi-time-point sequencing data output and sequence analysis (hereinafter referred to as BBS technology).This technology enables multi-timepoint data extraction and analysis during the sequencing process, while initiating sequence analysis in advance, thereby achieving both rapid identification and precise source tracing.

Currently, this technology has undergone Phase I testing and validation in collaborative industry-academia projects between the two parties. The results demonstrate that by enabling time-staged output and analysis of sequencing data, this technology facilitates more timely responses in public health prevention and control, specifically for the rapid identification and precise source tracing of pathogenic microorganisms. The technology will be first deployed on the MGISEQ-200 platform and will serve as an innovative solution to support pathogenic microbial genomics analysis within China’s public health system.

MGI began developing laboratory automation technologies and products in 2016. Currently, laboratory automation has become one of its three core business segments, with product offerings structured around two directions: standardized and customized solutions.

By leveraging laboratory automation equipment, the tedious process of sample preparation can be greatly simplified, significantly improving testing efficiency. This approach also meets the requirements of various application scenarios, including non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), precision medicine, early cancer screening, and drug development and screening.

At this year's ICG,MGI Unveils Next-Generation Automated Sample Preparation System MGISP-Smart 8. This product features high-end core components, including an independent 8-channel pipette, intelligent sensing gripper, and triple linear rail work surface.

Among them, eight independent pipettors feature dual liquid-level detection via capacitance and pressure, supporting liquid samples of varying volumes as well as pipetting operations with unequal heights and spacing. They offer a wide optional pipetting range (1–1000 μL) and high pipetting accuracy.

MGISP-Smart 8 supports the preparation of various types of sequencing libraries and nucleic acid detection samples, and can also serve as a flexible liquid handling workstation.This equipment has achieved significant breakthroughs in flexibility and intelligence, further enhancing MGI’s laboratory automation product portfolio and expanding the application scenarios of automated production lines.

New Generation Automated Sample Preparation System MGISP-Smart 8

Developed and manufactured by MGI in QingdaoUltra-Low Temperature Automated BiobankIt is also a highlight of this new product launch.

In recent years, the demand for the preservation and utilization of genetic resources—including human genetic resources, animals, plants, microorganisms, and marine organisms—has grown increasingly robust. However, this field currently faces challenges due to insufficient standardization and automation. There is an urgent need to adopt new automated and intelligent technologies and products to address the challenges associated with large-scale sample preservation and management.

MGI’s ultra-low temperature automated biobank addresses key pain points of traditional biobanks, such as difficulties in sample information management, cumbersome and error-prone manual access, and challenges in ensuring sample quality. It offers customizable storage capacities ranging from 500,000 to several million samples, allowing users to flexibly tailor solutions based on their actual site conditions and storage requirements.

MGICLab-LT Ultra-Low Temperature Automated Biobank

Furthermore, leveraging the platform support capabilities of MGI, this ultra-low temperature automated biobank can be integrated with sample pre-processing and preparation systems as well as high-throughput sequencing application equipment. It provides users with a one-stop “storage + application” platform solution, empowering data management across the entire sample lifecycle to maximize sample value—enabling intelligent storage for smart utilization.

Innovative technology and innovation-driven development have always been the enduring driving force and foundation for MGI's growth.

It is reported that in 2020 alone, MGI disclosed multiple new advances in life science tools: In October, MGI launched the “One-Stop Solution for Large-Scale Population Genomics”; in September, China’s first high-throughput intelligent nucleic acid testing vehicle, developed by MGI, was officially rolled off the production line and delivered; in August, MGI released the MGISTP-NE32 Automatic Nucleic Acid Extraction and Purification Instrument, and its self-developed MGISTP-7000 Automated Tube Processing System, the world’s first of its kind, received approval for market launch; in May, MGI’s remote ultrasound robot, the first of its kind globally, obtained Class III medical device certification from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).

The field of omics, particularly the genomics industry, has entered a phase of deep and complex development. From the Human Genome Project (HGP) in the 1990s to the recent Earth BioGenome Project (EBP), and further to BGI’s long-standing advocacy of the “8B6G” concept (providing whole-genome sequencing at 6G coverage for each of the world’s 8 billion people), exploration of omics technologies has become increasingly profound.

Dr. Ni Ming, Senior Vice President of MGI and General Manager of Qingdao MGI, stated, “As a provider of core tools for life sciences, MGI has been relentlessly pursuing technological excellence and maintaining a steady pace of innovation by launching multiple new products each year. With the continuous introduction of a series of new products,”MGI will continuously improve its business layout in the fields of life sciences and biotechnology, contributing to the realization of a fully integrated ‘read-write-store’ platform and the creation of a complete suite of equipment for real-time, panoramic, and full-lifecycle digitalization of life.”