Selected researchers gain no-cost access to an NGS-based spatial workflow that delivers single-cell resolution across one of the largest capture areas available
Foster City, CA — June 17, 2026 — Signios Bio today announced a Spatial Transcriptomics Grant Program providing researchers with no-cost access to the new Illumina StrataMap Spatial solution, an advanced next-generation sequencing-based spatial workflow capable of single-cell resolution across an active area of 15 mm × 50 mm. The program is designed to support academic, translational, biopharma, and biotech researchers pursuing ambitious spatial biology research.
Each of the two selected projects will receive one full slide processed, sequenced, and analyzed by Signios at no cost. 3 runners-up projects will be selected to each receive a 50% off discount off end-to-end StrataMap processing of 1 slide at Signios Bio.
The grant program is built around a spatial transcriptomics workflow designed for scalable, high-resolution whole transcriptome analysis on Illumina sequencing infrastructure. The StrataMap workflow combines a continuous 1µm feature size for single-cell resolution with one of the largest NGS-based spatial assay areas currently available. StrataMap enables researchers to capture broader tissue context, increase throughput by processing multiple samples per slide, and perform 3D tissue reconstruction from serial sections processed on a single slide.
Researchers from leading institutions, including Stanford University, Broad Institute, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, NYU Langone, and TGen, have participated in Illumina’s early-access program for the workflow.
StrataMap Spatial’s workflow includes:
- Whole transcriptome coverage with >1K genes per cell and >35K unique genes per sample*
- Sample-to-answer turnaround in as few as 4–5 days
- Benchtop sample preparation with no specialized spatial imaging instrument required
- Integrated DRAGEN Spatial Transcriptome pipeline for alignment, feature-barcode matrix generation, and cell segmentation
- Illumina Connected Multiomics Tertiary Software provides rich spatial context for biological insight via differential expression, pathway enrichment analysis, and powerful visualizations
The grant program is open to researchers across oncology, neuroscience, immunology, developmental biology, and additional spatial biology applications. Projects/applications should feature fresh frozen tissues.
Applications are now open through July 31, 2026. Award notifications will be announced at the end of August 2026.
For full eligibility details, workflow specifications, and application instructions, visit the official grant page
*Performance may vary by tissue type and sequencing depth.
About Signios Bio
Signios Biosciences (formerly MedGenome US Research) is a multi-omics and bioinformatics company dedicated to uncovering the intricate signals in biological data. By combining cutting-edge AI, multiomic technologies, and scientific partnerships, Signios Bio enables the discovery and development of next-generation therapies and diagnostics that are more inclusive, effective, and transformative.