SHENZHEN, China (25 October 2018) – MGI introduced its latest high-throughput genetic sequencer, MGISEQ-T7, at the 13th International Conference on Genomics (ICG-13) in Shenzhen. Designed to significantly improve speed, throughput and flexibility, MGISEQ-T7 is the most powerful sequencer in MGI’s portfolio to date.
Built on an innovative quad-flowcell platform, MGISEQ-T7 enables the simultaneous yet independent operation of one to four flowcells in a single run. This flexibility allows users to process different applications and read lengths concurrently, improving efficiency while reducing time and cost. The system incorporates MGI’s proprietary advancements across flowcell design, fluidics, biochemistry and optical systems to deliver enhanced accuracy and performance.
With a daily output of up to 6 Tb, MGISEQ-T7 sets a new benchmark for sequencing capacity. Sequencing speed has increased by more than 50%, with PE150 runs completed in under 24 hours at full load. In addition, a 20% increase in chip density enables ultra-high throughput, with each chip capable of producing terabyte-scale data.
Jian Liu, Executive Vice President of MGI, officially unveiled MGISEQ-T7 at the conference.
“MGI is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and our technology continues to evolve to meet the demands of the market,” said Feng Mu, CEO of MGI. “MGISEQ-T7 reflects our commitment to innovation and our goal of making highly accurate next-generation sequencing more accessible worldwide.”
The MGISEQ-T7 supports a wide range of applications, including whole genome sequencing, ultra-deep exome sequencing, epigenomics and large-panel tumour profiling. Its flexible design allows users to initiate sequencing runs based on specific project requirements without delay.
Researchers and partners have recognised the advantages of MGI’s platform. Dr. Ken Yagi, Senior Research Scientist at RIKEN, highlighted its cost-effectiveness, accuracy and technical capability, noting its strong potential for long-term collaboration. Dr. George Church of Harvard and MIT also acknowledged MGI’s progress towards affordable, high-accuracy genome sequencing.
MGISEQ-T7 is expected to play a key role in accelerating large-scale genomics initiatives. The system can sequence up to 60 human genomes per day and complete 10,000 genomes annually on a single instrument. This capability significantly shortens timelines for national genome projects, enabling programmes that previously required several years to be completed in as little as one year with scaled deployment.
“The new T7 capability will provide a major boost to national genome projects worldwide,” said Duncan Yu, President of MGI. “It will help drive faster discoveries and improve population health outcomes.”
Alongside MGISEQ-T7, MGI introduced supporting technologies designed to streamline the sequencing workflow. The MGISP-960 automated sample preparation system enables high-throughput processing of up to 96 samples per run, significantly increasing efficiency compared to earlier systems.
MGI also highlighted advances in library preparation and bioinformatics. Its single-tube Long Fragment Read (stLFR) technology simplifies long fragment library preparation while reducing cost and complexity. In addition, MegaBOLT Somatic, an extension of the MegaBOLT bioinformatics accelerator, enables rapid tumour mutation analysis, reducing processing time to as little as 6.5 hours for whole genome sequencing.
Through continuous innovation across sequencing platforms, automation and data analysis, MGI remains committed to advancing life science tools and enabling more efficient and accessible genomic research worldwide.
