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Illumina and NVIDIA Partner to Drive AI-Powered Genomics and Precision Health

• By John K. Waters
• 01/13/2025

Genomic sequencing company Illumina, has announced a strategic collaboration with chipmaker NVIDIA to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in accelerating the analysis of "multiomic" data, which the two companies say will revolutionize clinical research, genomics AI development, and drug discovery.

The partnership combines Illumina’s cutting-edge sequencing technologies and informatics tools with NVIDIA’s advanced AI and accelerated computing platforms. Together, the companies aim to simplify the interpretation of vast genomic datasets, enabling researchers and pharmaceutical companies to identify novel drug targets and streamline clinical development.

"Over the past 20 years, Illumina has democratized sequencing," said Rami Mehio, Illumina’s global head of software and informatics, in a statement. "This collaboration with NVIDIA moves us closer to enabling customers to derive novel insights, providing total workflow solutions for deeper biological insights."

Multiomics, also known as integrative omics or pan-omics, is an advanced biological analysis method that integrates data from multiple "omes" to explore complex biological processes. An "ome" represents a specific area of study focusing on biological molecules, such as the genome, transcriptome, proteome, or epigenome. By combining data from different omes, multiomics enables researchers to investigate intricate processes that cannot be fully understood through the study of a single "ome." The method is used in the creation of detailed disease models, to facilitate the identification of biomarkers, and to support the development of targeted therapies for complex medical conditions.

The collaboration integrates NVIDIA’s BioNeMo generative AI models and MONAI imaging tools with Illumina’s DRAGEN-powered multiomics platforms and connected analytics software. These tools will be accessible on Illumina’s platform, allowing researchers to use NVIDIA’s accelerated data science tools and fine-tune generative AI models with proprietary datasets for specific applications, such as gene transcription prediction and cell state analysis.

Rory Kelleher, NVIDIA’s senior director of global healthcare business development, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in genomics: "Combining Illumina's world-leading sequencing and analytics platforms with NVIDIA's AI capabilities will drive the next generation of genomic interpretation and democratize genomics for drug discovery," he said.

In the initial phase, the companies will work to integrate Illumina’s DRAGEN algorithms with NVIDIA GPUs, the companies say, making multiomic analysis more accessible and efficient. They also plan to bring NVIDIA’s image processing and single-cell analysis capabilities to Illumina’s Connected Software.

The collaboration promises to address key challenges in genomics, including managing the scale and complexity of multiomic data. By optimizing workflows and enhancing interpretive tools, the partnership has the potential to accelerate breakthroughs in precision medicine, oncology, and beyond.

This announcement underscores Illumina’s ongoing commitment to innovation and its vision for AI-powered genomics, the company says, a sentiment echoed by NVIDIA, which sees genomics as a transformative application for its AI technologies.