Full-Time
Posted on 10/31/2025
High-performance enzymes for genomics workflows
$120k - $160k/yr
Boston, MA, USA
In Person
| , |
Watchmaker Genomics develops specialized enzymes and tailored solutions used to read, write, and edit DNA for high-growth molecular biology companies. These enzymes act as biological tools that drive critical workflows like DNA sequencing and synthesis, supported by custom manufacturing and quality control processes. The company distinguishes itself through a leadership team with deep industry experience in enzyme supply chains and a focus on creating bespoke products through collaborative research partnerships. Its goal is to accelerate genomic research and diagnostics by providing high-performance tools that improve the speed and accuracy of genetic data processing.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
Series A
Total Funding
$48.3M
Headquarters
Boulder, Colorado
Founded
2019
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Watchmaker Genomics takes aim at infectious disease dx with new qpcr, isothermal products at ESCMID. MUNICH - Watchmaker Genomics, a company known more for its engineered enzymes for use in next-generation sequencing and cancer research applications, this week showcased its newer products for infectious disease molecular diagnostics developers here at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases global congress (ESCMID Global). Get the full story with 360dx Premium. Only $95 for the first 90 days. Full site access Interest-based email alerts Premium Access - Trial Offer $95.00 for 3 month
Volta Labs and Watchmaker Genomics have launched the Callisto Complete Kit for DNA EF Library Prep at the AGBT 2026 conference in Orlando. The solution combines Watchmaker's NGS sample preparation chemistry with Volta's digital fluidics automation to deliver fully automated, PCR-free whole genome sequencing library preparation. The kit targets clinical research and translational laboratories requiring mid-throughput solutions. PCR-free workflows minimise amplification bias and sequencing artefacts whilst enabling more uniform genome coverage, particularly in GC-rich regions. The automation eliminates manual liquid handling and reduces operator variability. "Labs can run PCR-free whole genome sequencing workflows in a push-button format, delivering consistent, high-quality results," said Udayan Umapathi, CEO of Volta Labs. The companies hosted a joint presentation at AGBT 2026 on 24 February.
Volta Labs and Watchmaker Genomics partner to introduce Callisto(TM) Complete Kit for DNA EF Library Prep at AGBT 2026. BOSTON and BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - At the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT) General Meeting 2026 in Orlando, FL, Volta Labs, a leader in next-generation sequencing (NGS) sample preparation automation, today announced the launch of the Callisto(TM) Complete Kit for DNA EF Library Prep. The new solution pairs Watchmaker Genomics' best-in-class NGS sample preparation chemistry with Volta's digital fluidics automation to deliver a fully automated, PCR-free whole genome sequencing (WGS) library preparation workflow. As whole genome sequencing continues to expand across clinical research and translational settings, PCR-free workflows are increasingly preferred to minimize amplification bias, reduce sequencing artifacts, and enable more uniform genome coverage, particularly in GC-rich regions. However, executing PCR-free library preparation demands precision and reproducibility, making automation critical for labs seeking consistent results without increasing staffing burden. By eliminating manual liquid handling and reducing operator variability, the Callisto(TM) Complete Kit enables laboratories to generate reproducible, high-quality libraries while freeing technical staff to focus on higher-value work. "We designed Callisto to make sequencing sample preparation simpler and more accessible," said Udayan Umapathi, CEO of Volta Labs. "With the Callisto(TM) Complete Kit for DNA EF Library Prep, powered by Watchmaker chemistry, labs can run PCR-free whole genome sequencing workflows in a push-button format, delivering consistent, high-quality results in a practical mid-throughput range." "PCR-free whole genome sequencing demands both high-performance chemistry and workflow precision," said Trey Foskett, CEO of Watchmaker Genomics. "For clinical and translational laboratories that require push-button solutions with dependable performance but do not operate at a high-throughput scale, the Callisto(TM) Complete Kit offers a simple and streamlined path to implementing PCR-free WGS with confidence." To mark the launch, Volta Labs and Watchmaker Genomics will host a joint in suite presentation at AGBT 2026 on February 24 at 8:30 a.m. in the Fulton Suite, where attendees can learn more about the Callisto(TM) Complete Kit for DNA EF Library Prep, see the automated PCR-free WGS workflow in action, and hear directly from both teams. About Volta Labs Volta Labs is pioneering a new future of sequencing sample preparation by combining digital fluidics, modular workflows, and full walk-away automation in a single platform. Callisto(TM) enables high-quality, reproducible NGS library preparation for whole-genome, targeted, and custom applications. Volta Labs is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. About Watchmaker Genomics Watchmaker Genomics is a life sciences company focused on developing high-performance tools that empower genomic research and clinical applications. Leveraging expertise in protein engineering and next-generation sequencing, Watchmaker delivers precision reagents and platforms that enable superior accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in molecular analysis. The company is dedicated to advancing breakthrough technologies to support innovations in cancer detection, epigenetics, and liquid biopsy applications. Media Contacts Volta Labs Nicole Ellis Ovadia Director of Strategic Marketing [email protected] Watchmaker Genomics Jen Pavlica Associate Director, Product Marketing [email protected] SOURCE Volta Labs Inc.
Visby Medical, Watchmaker Genomics partner to develop at-home respiratory pathogen detection tests. NEW YORK - Visby Medical said on Thursday that it has inked a partnership with Watchmaker Genomics to develop diagnostic tests for detecting respiratory pathogens in the at-home setting. To read the full story...
Visby Medical, Watchmaker Genomics collaborate on respiratory pathogen detection. The partnership pairs Visby Medical's instrument-free PCR testing tech with Watchmaker's expertise in engineering enzymes. Visby Medical has forged a strategic collaboration with Watchmaker Genomics to develop next-generation diagnostic tests for respiratory pathogen detection in the at-home setting. The partnership pairs Visby Medical's instrument-free PCR testing technology - billed as the first and only of its kind - with Watchmaker's expertise in engineering enzymes to address application-specific performance gaps. "Recent increases in COVID cases involving new strains and the current flu season highlight the need for tests that are reliable and fast," explained Visby Medical Chief Medical Officer Gary Schoolnik, M.D., infectious disease expert and professor of Medicine at Stanford University. "Every patient and their healthcare professional needs test results they can have confidence in so that appropriate treatment decisions can be made quickly for optimal recovery, infection control, and the judicious use of antibiotics. The essential tool is rapid PCR testing that does not require instruments or extended lab preparation." Clinical samples collected from patients for at-home testing are typically unprocessed, making them vulnerable to molecular inhibitors that can reduce signal strength and lower assay sensitivity. The need for rapid results in the at-home setting also places unique performance demands on the assays and the enzymes they rely on. "This partnership underscores Watchmaker's commitment to delivering solutions that address real issues in clinically relevant applications, and we are excited to work with Visby Medical to provide a unique and urgently needed solution that utilizes their PCR platform," Watchmaker Genomics Co-Founder/CEO Trey Foskett stated. "Our StellarScript HT+ Reverse Transcriptase is engineered to be highly inhibitor-tolerant and thermostable - the novel enzyme is an excellent fit for rapid pathogen detection." Watchmaker Genomics applies advanced enzymology to enable breakthrough applications for the reading, writing, and editing of DNA and RNA. The company combines domain expertise in protein engineering with large-scale enzyme manufacturing to address the demanding quality, performance, and scale requirements of high-growth clinical genomics applications. Watchmaker's product portfolio includes enzymes and kits for next-generation sequencing, synthetic biology, and molecular diagnostics. Founded in 2012, Visby Medical is striving to revolutionize infectious disease diagnosis by empowering users to accurately test for infections anywhere, anytime, with laboratory accuracy. The company's proprietary technology platform delivers true PCR results in under 30 minutes through instrument-free, single-use PCR tests that fit in the palm of the hand. Currently, Visby Medical offers U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) directly to consumers. Visby Medical is actively expanding its platform targeting other critical respiratory and sexual health pathogens.