Illumina

Corporate brand

A global genomics company specializing in next-generation DNA sequencing systems, consumables, software, and multiomics technologies.

Last updated November 4, 2026

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Overview

Illumina is a publicly traded life-sciences and biotechnology company headquartered in San Diego, California. Founded in 1998, it developed into one of the central technology suppliers for modern genomics by commercializing high-throughput next-generation sequencing, or NGS, systems and the reagents, library-preparation products, informatics, and services required to operate them. Its platforms are used by academic laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, hospitals, clinical laboratories, public-health agencies, agricultural researchers, and consumer-genomics businesses. The company’s business model combines instrument placements with recurring sales of sequencing consumables and associated software and services. Its sequencing portfolio has included the MiSeq, NextSeq, HiSeq, NovaSeq, and NovaSeq X families, ranging from compact systems for targeted or smaller-scale projects to high-throughput instruments intended for population-scale whole-genome sequencing and other large studies. Illumina’s technology is based on sequencing-by-synthesis and has been applied to whole-genome and exome sequencing, RNA sequencing, single-cell analysis, cancer research, reproductive-health testing, infectious-disease surveillance, and other genomic workflows. The company also supplies microarray products and computational tools such as DRAGEN for secondary analysis of sequencing data. Illumina’s growth was accelerated by its 2007 acquisition of Solexa, whose sequencing technology became a foundation of the company’s dominant NGS franchise. Other acquisitions expanded its capabilities in oligonucleotide synthesis, sample preparation, informatics, and molecular analysis. The company has marketed sequencing as both a research platform and an enabling infrastructure for precision medicine, emphasizing scientific publications, conferences, customer collaborations, demonstrations, and educational content rather than mass-market advertising. Illumina has also pursued clinical and multiomics opportunities. It formed GRAIL as a cancer-screening venture in 2016, later agreed to reacquire the business, and ultimately divested GRAIL in 2024 following regulatory conflict over the transaction. In proteomics, Illumina collaborated with SomaLogic from 2021 and announced an agreement to acquire SomaLogic in 2025, with the transaction reported as completed in January 2026. The deal was intended to connect SomaLogic’s protein-measurement technology with Illumina’s sequencing ecosystem and broader multiomics strategy. The company remains best known for sequencing instruments and consumables, but its strategic scope includes clinical genomics, software, data analysis, proteomics, and integrated multiomics workflows. Its position reflects a large installed base, extensive researcher familiarity, high switching costs, and a substantial ecosystem of protocols and published applications. At the same time, Illumina faces competition from other sequencing technologies, pressure to make advanced sequencing more affordable, regulatory scrutiny of acquisitions, and the challenge of translating research platforms into routine clinical use.

History

Illumina was established in 1998 by a group including David Walt, Larry Bock, John Stuelpnagel, Anthony Czarnik, and Mark Chee. The company initially focused on array-based genomic analysis and related technologies. In 1999 it acquired Spyder Instruments, gaining high-throughput oligonucleotide-synthesis technology, and it completed an initial public offering in July 2000. A decisive turning point came in January 2007, when Illumina acquired Solexa for approximately $650 million. Solexa had originated from sequencing research by Shankar Balasubramanian and David Klenerman at the University of Cambridge. Its sequencing-by-synthesis approach provided the technological foundation for Illumina’s later high-throughput platforms and helped the company become a major supplier of research sequencing systems. Illumina subsequently broadened its portfolio through the acquisition of Epicentre Biotechnologies in 2011, adding capabilities in sample preparation and molecular biology. In 2012 Roche made an unsolicited proposal to acquire Illumina. Roche raised its offer during the process, but Illumina rejected the bids and Roche abandoned the attempt in April of that year. Remaining independent allowed Illumina to continue investing in sequencing platforms, consumables, informatics, and applications. In 2014 the company introduced the HiSeq X Ten system, aimed at making large-scale whole-genome sequencing more economical. During this period Illumina’s systems accounted for a very large share of sequencing output and were widely adopted by research institutions and clinical-development organizations. The company expanded beyond core research sequencing through software, clinical partnerships, and strategic investments. It invested in Enancio, whose compression technology was intended to reduce the storage burden associated with large sequencing datasets. Illumina also created GRAIL in 2016 as a separate company pursuing blood-based early cancer detection. In 2020 Illumina announced an agreement to reacquire the approximately 85 percent of GRAIL that it did not already own in a transaction valued at about $8 billion. The deal attracted significant regulatory scrutiny, especially in the United States and Europe, because authorities argued that Illumina could disadvantage competing cancer-test developers that relied on Illumina sequencing technology. Illumina ultimately completed the divestiture of GRAIL in June 2024, leaving GRAIL as an independent public company. During the 2020s Illumina introduced the NovaSeq X generation and emphasized lower cost per genome, higher throughput, and improved sustainability. It also pursued a multiomics strategy combining genomic information with other molecular measurements. Illumina and SomaLogic entered a proteomics co-development relationship in late 2021 to bring the SomaScan assay to Illumina sequencing platforms. In June 2025 Illumina announced an agreement to acquire SomaLogic and specified assets from Standard BioTools for cash consideration of $350 million at closing, plus potential performance-based payments and royalties. Illumina announced that the acquisition was completed on January 30, 2026. The transaction extended the company’s activities into proteomics and was presented as a way to connect scalable protein analysis with sequencing, DRAGEN analytics, and connected multiomics workflows. Today Illumina’s core business remains the development and commercialization of NGS instruments, consumables, arrays, software, and related services. Its customers use these products in research, clinical testing, oncology, reproductive health, infectious-disease monitoring, agriculture, and population genomics. The company’s long-term opportunity is tied to broader adoption of genomic and multiomic analysis, while its principal challenges include intense technological competition, regulatory oversight, reimbursement and clinical-validation barriers, capital costs for customers, and the need to preserve an open ecosystem while expanding into adjacent markets.

2026
SomaLogic acquisition completed
[5]Illumina completes acquisition of SomaLogicillumina.com
Illumina announces completion of the SomaLogic acquisition.
2025
SomaLogic acquisition announced
[4]Illumina to acquire SomaLogicillumina.com
Illumina agrees to acquire SomaLogic to strengthen its proteomics and multiomics strategy.
2024
GRAIL divestiture completed
[3]Illumina completes the divestiture of GRAILillumina.com
Illumina completes the spin-off of GRAIL as an independent public company.
2020
Agreement to reacquire GRAIL
[7]GRAIL is spun outbiopharmadive.com
Illumina announces an approximately $8 billion transaction to acquire the portion of GRAIL it did not already own.
2016
GRAIL is spun out
[7]GRAIL is spun outbiopharmadive.com
Illumina establishes GRAIL as a separate venture focused on blood-based cancer detection.
2014
HiSeq X Ten launch
[1]Illumina, Inc. history referenceen.wikipedia.org
Illumina announces the HiSeq X Ten system for high-throughput whole-genome sequencing.
2011
Epicentre acquisition
[1]Illumina, Inc. history referenceen.wikipedia.org
Illumina acquires Epicentre Biotechnologies to expand molecular-biology and sample-preparation capabilities.
2007
Solexa acquisition
[1]Illumina, Inc. history referenceen.wikipedia.org
Illumina completes the acquisition of Solexa, bringing sequencing-by-synthesis technology into the company’s platform portfolio.
2000
Initial public offering
[1]Illumina, Inc. history referenceen.wikipedia.org
Illumina completes its initial public offering in July.
1999
Spyder Instruments acquisition
[1]Illumina, Inc. history referenceen.wikipedia.org
Illumina acquires Spyder Instruments and adds high-throughput oligonucleotide-synthesis capabilities.
1998
Illumina is founded
[1]Illumina, Inc. history referenceen.wikipedia.org
Illumina is established in the United States to develop genomic analysis technologies.

Products and positioning

A leading enabling-technology provider for high-throughput genomics, precision medicine, population-scale sequencing, and increasingly integrated multiomics.

High-throughput DNA sequencing · 2022
NovaSeq X Series
Illumina’s high-throughput sequencing generation for large genomic studies. The platform is positioned for whole-genome sequencing, population projects, oncology research, and other applications requiring substantial output and lower cost per data unit. It is supported by a recurring consumables model and integrates with Illumina’s library-preparation and informatics workflows.
High-throughput DNA sequencing · 2017
NovaSeq Series
The NovaSeq family provides scalable sequencing capacity for laboratories running large research, clinical-development, and population-genomics workloads. It occupies the high-throughput end of Illumina’s portfolio and is designed to support multiple read configurations and project sizes through instrument and consumable choices.
Mid-throughput DNA sequencing · 2014
NextSeq Series
NextSeq instruments are intended for laboratories needing more capacity than a compact benchtop system but not the output of a large production sequencer. They support applications including exome sequencing, RNA sequencing, targeted sequencing, and smaller whole-genome studies.
Benchtop DNA sequencing · 2011
MiSeq Series
MiSeq systems are compact sequencers used for targeted sequencing, microbial genomics, amplicon analysis, and other projects requiring relatively modest throughput and rapid turnaround. Their smaller laboratory footprint has made them suitable for decentralized research and specialized workflows.
High-throughput DNA sequencing
HiSeq Series
The HiSeq family represented an important stage in Illumina’s expansion of high-throughput sequencing. These instruments served whole-genome, exome, transcriptome, and other research applications before newer NovaSeq-generation systems became the company’s principal high-output platform.
Genomic data analysis software
DRAGEN Bio-IT Platform
DRAGEN is Illumina’s computational platform for secondary analysis of sequencing data. It is designed to accelerate workflows such as alignment, variant calling, small-variant detection, structural-variant analysis, and other genomic analyses, helping customers convert instrument output into interpretable results.
Genotyping and genomic analysis
Illumina microarrays
Illumina’s array products measure selected genetic variants and other genomic features at scale. They are used in genotyping, population studies, agricultural research, expression analysis, and other applications where a defined set of markers can provide an efficient alternative or complement to sequencing.

Controversies

2022
Illumina files trade-secrets lawsuit against Guardant Health
Illumina filed a lawsuit against Guardant Health, alleging that Guardant's co-founders took confidential Illumina documents and that patents central to Guardant's cancer-detection work relied on that information. Guardant disputed Illumina's claims and said they had no merit.
Source
2021
FTC sues to block Illumina’s acquisition of Grail
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit seeking to block Illumina’s acquisition of Grail. The FTC said the acquisition could hinder innovation in multi-cancer detection; this is the regulator’s stated concern, not a court determination.
Source
2020
Regulatory dispute over GRAIL acquisition
Illumina’s proposed reacquisition of GRAIL prompted regulatory scrutiny in the United States and Europe. Authorities raised concerns that Illumina could restrict or disadvantage rival cancer-test developers that depended on its sequencing technology. Illumina later completed the divestiture of GRAIL in 2024.
Source
2020
BGI questions fairness of gene-sequencer tender
BGI Manufacturing, an unsuccessful bidder, publicly questioned the tender process, alleging that the short timetable and specifications were tailored to Illumina equipment and exclusionary. The report also said the purchase funds might have come from a Tesla donation and noted that the winning equipment was an Illumina product; it described questions about the donation's purpose as allegations.
Source
2020
Illumina files patent suits in the UK and Sweden
Illumina announced that it had filed two patent infringement suits relating to BGI sequencing products: one against MGI Tech Co., Ltd. and Latvia MGI Tech SIA in the United Kingdom, and another against Latvia MGI Tech SIA in Sweden. The complaints allege infringement of Illumina patents.
Source
2019
Complete Genomics files patent infringement counterclaim against Illumina
Complete Genomics, a U.S. affiliate of MGI, filed a patent infringement counterclaim against Illumina. The counterclaim alleged that Illumina and its customers used gene sequencers and related reagents that infringed a Complete Genomics patent covering Patterned Array technology. Complete Genomics sought damages and an injunction.
Source

2014Illumina Home Page / NextSeq 500 online campaign
International digital marketing
An online advertising campaign promoted the NextSeq 500 system and its appeal to researchers seeking whole-genome sequencing capability in a desktop-oriented format.
Outcome. The campaign received the 2014 Internet Advertising Competition awards for Best Biotechnology Online Campaign and Best Technology Online Campaign.
Source
Genomics education and concept-selling program
Global research and clinical markets
Illumina uses scientific content, conference activity, professional video and print materials, customer stories, and product-family communications to explain sequencing applications while presenting its instruments and workflows as an integrated portfolio.
Outcome. The available reference describes the program as supporting professional education and demand generation, but does not provide independently verified performance figures.
Source

Brand decisions

2025
Agree to acquire SomaLogicM&A
Background
Illumina’s multiomics strategy called for broader access to proteomics and integration of protein measurements with genomic data.
Action taken
Illumina agreed to acquire SomaLogic and specified assets from Standard BioTools.
Aftermath
The transaction was presented as a way to combine SomaScan proteomics with Illumina sequencing, DRAGEN analysis, and connected multiomics workflows.
Cash consideration at closing. $350 million, plus up to $75 million in near-term performance-based milestones and performance-based royalties (2025 agreement)
Source
2024
Divest GRAILStrategy
Background
The divestiture followed regulatory challenges to Illumina’s ownership of GRAIL and the company’s decision to separate the cancer-screening business.
Action taken
Illumina completed a spin-off that made GRAIL an independent public company.
Aftermath
GRAIL began trading independently under the ticker GRAL, while Illumina retained its core sequencing and multiomics businesses.
Source
2020
Agree to reacquire GRAILM&A
Background
Illumina sought to bring its former cancer-screening venture back into the company before GRAIL’s planned public offering.
Action taken
Illumina announced a cash-and-stock transaction for the approximately 85 percent of GRAIL that it did not already own.
Aftermath
The transaction generated extended regulatory opposition and was followed by GRAIL’s eventual spin-off in 2024.
Announced transaction value. Approximately $8 billion (2020)
Source
2012
Reject Roche takeover proposalOther
Background
Roche made an unsolicited proposal to acquire Illumina and later increased its offer.
Action taken
Illumina rejected the proposals, and Roche abandoned the effort in April 2012.
Aftermath
Illumina remained independent and continued developing its sequencing platform business.
- Roche — Roche raised its proposal during the takeover attempt before withdrawing it.
Source
2007
Acquire SolexaM&A
Background
Illumina sought a stronger position in next-generation sequencing by acquiring Solexa and its sequencing-by-synthesis technology.
Action taken
Illumina completed the acquisition in January 2007.
Aftermath
Solexa technology became a foundation of Illumina’s high-throughput sequencing franchise.
Acquisition consideration. Approximately $650 million (2007)
Source

Recent events

2026.11.02
Reported2026.11.03
Illumina selected to provide sequencing services for Singapore’s SG-INSIGHT study[14]Illumina获选为新加坡SG-INSIGHT研究提供测序服务rttnews.com
Illumina announced that it had been selected to provide whole-genome sequencing services for Singapore’s SG-INSIGHT study, part of Phase III of the country’s National Precision Medicine programme. The study is expected to include approximately 450,000 individuals.
2026.10.29
Reported2026.10.29
Illumina raises fiscal 2026 revenue and earnings guidance[15]Illumina上调2026财年营收和收益指引prnewswire.com
Illumina announced it was raising its full-year revenue and earnings guidance. Its updated fiscal 2026 outlook included total revenue of $4.64–$4.66 billion and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $5.40–$5.45.
2026.10.29
Reported2026.10.29
Illumina reports third-quarter fiscal 2026 results[15]Illumina上调2026财年营收和收益指引prnewswire.com
Illumina announced its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, reporting revenue of $1.13 billion.
2026.10.14
Reported2026.10.14
Illumina launches BioInsight Platform, its first unified software environment[16]Illumina发布BioInsight平台，其首个统一软件环境prnewswire.com
Illumina debuted the BioInsight Platform, its first unified software environment designed to help researchers turn complex genomic and multiomic data into meaningful biological evidence. The launch includes the newly released DRAGEN v4.6 with expanded cloud and standard CPU deployment options, and replaces traditional annual subscriptions with a usage-based BioInsight Credits model.
2026.10.08
Reported2026.10.09
Illumina launches SpliceAI2 genomic AI model for rare disease research[17]因美纳发布SpliceAI2基因组人工智能模型助力罕见病研究prnasia.com
Illumina announced on October 8, 2026 the launch of SpliceAI2, a new genomic AI model for predicting the functional splicing effects of genetic variants. In a rare disease research dataset, SpliceAI2 identified 17% more disease-related variants than other splicing models; researchers in rare disease and drug discovery can access it through Illumina BioInsight applications including DRAGEN Annotation and Emedgene.
2022.03.16
Reported2022.03.17
Illumina files trade-secrets lawsuit against Guardant Health[11]Illumina files trade-secrets lawsuit against Guardant Healthstatnews.com
Illumina filed a lawsuit against Guardant Health, alleging that Guardant's co-founders took confidential Illumina documents and that patents central to Guardant's cancer-detection work relied on that information. Guardant disputed Illumina's claims and said they had no merit.
2022.02.03
Reported2022.02.17
Illumina agrees to support a French genomic-profiling study[18]Illumina同意支持法国基因组分析研究news-medical.net
Illumina announced an agreement with the Jean Perrin Center to assess the clinical value of comprehensive genomic profiling for therapy options in patients with late-stage cancer. Illumina is providing sequencing reagents and biostatistician expertise for the study.
2022.01.24
Reported2022.01.24
Illumina and National Cancer Center Japan announce international research collaboration[19]Illumina与日本国立癌症中心宣布国际研究合作prnewswire.com
Illumina and the National Cancer Center Japan announced an international joint research project using Illumina sequencing technology to study patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and support development of personalized treatments.
2022.01.10
Reported2022.01.10
Illumina and Agendia announce multi-year partnership[20]Illumina与Agendia宣布多年合作prnewswire.com
Illumina announced a multi-year partnership with Agendia to co-develop in vitro diagnostic tests for oncology testing, including plans to develop tests for breast cancer using Illumina’s MiSeqDx platform.
2022.01.10
Reported2022.01.10
Illumina and Nashville Biosciences announce genomics collaboration[21]Illumina 与 Nashville Biosciences 宣布基因组学合作prnewswire.com
Illumina and Nashville Biosciences announced a multi-year agreement to advance medicines development through large-scale genomics and establish a clinico-genomic resource. Illumina will sequence samples from Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s biobank and upload the data to its analytics platform.

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