The Signios Bio × Illumina Spatial Transcriptomics Grant Program

Now accepting applications

Supporting researchers pursuing next-generation spatial biology through access to Illumina Spatial Technology, an advanced NGS-based workflow with single-cell resolution and whole transcriptome coverage.

Award Structure

Two selected projects will each receive one full slide processed, sequenced, and analyzed at no cost, supporting whole transcriptome spatial analysis at single-cell resolution across a 15 mm × 50 mm assay area.

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 awardee, following completion of the study, will have an opportunity to present their findings at upcoming Signios Bio and/or Illumina events.

Apply now

A Spatial Transcriptomics Workflow Built for Discovery

The grant program is built around an NGS-based spatial workflow designed for scalable, high-resolution whole transcriptome analysis on Illumina sequencing infrastructure.

  • Single-cell resolution with a continuous 1µm feature size
  • One of the largest NGS-based spatial assay areas available at 15 mm × 50 mm
  • Whole transcriptome coverage with >1K genes per cell and >35K unique genes per sample*
  • Sample-to-answer in as fast as 4 to 5 days
  • Multi-sample throughput on a single slide
  • 3D tissue reconstruction capability using a single slide
  • Benchtop sample preparation with no specialized spatial imaging instrument required
  • Integrated DRAGEN Spatial Analysis Pipeline for alignment, feature-barcode matrix generation, and cell segmentation
  • Currently compatible with fresh frozen tissue, with FFPE support planned for future release

*Performance may vary by tissue type and sequencing depth.

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.

Who Can Apply

The program is open to researchers pursuing next-generation spatial biology research, including:

  • Academic researchers
  • Translational research groups
  • Core facilities
  • Biotech and BioPharma R&D teams

Research areas may include oncology, neuroscience, immunology, developmental biology, and tissue microenvironment studies.

Only projects with fresh frozen tissue are eligible to apply.

How to Submit

Applicants must submit a research abstract describing the proposed project. Abstracts should be no more than 500 words and must be uploaded in PDF format.

How Awards Are Selected

Applications will be evaluated through a review process conducted by scientists from Signios Bio. Evaluation criteria include:

  • Scientific merit and novelty
  • Feasibility within the workflow’s capabilities
  • Translational impact
  • Fit with the program’s research focus areas
  • Sample availability

Ready to Apply?

Submit your proposal for consideration in the Signios Bio × Illumina Spatial Transcriptomics Grant Program.

About Signios Biosciences

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.