Advanced Genomics Core Among First to Launch Ultima Genomics UG 100, Unlocking Affordable High-Throughput Sequencing

UG 100

The BRCF Advanced Genomics Core (AGC) is among the first academic facilities worldwide to install the UG100 from Ultima Genomics, a next-generation sequencing platform engineered to deliver ultra-high throughput sequencing at a fraction of current costs. 

“This investment reflects our commitment to advancing the most powerful, cost-effective sequencing technologies for our research community,” said Olivia Koues, Ph.D., AGC Director. “As a UG 100 Certified Service Provider, we’ll soon be able to offer significantly lower-cost sequencing for both internal and external investigators.”

Built around a spinning silicon wafer instead of a traditional flow cell, the UG100 combines innovative hardware and flow-based chemistry to produce up to 3 terabases of data per run—enough to sequence a human genome for about $100 in raw reagents. 

“The AGC’s certification as a UG 100 Service Provider positions Michigan among the leading institutions worldwide in sequencing innovation,” added Judy Meyers, AGC Assistant Director of Short and Long Read Sequencing. “It’s an exciting step forward for our core, our collaborators, and the future of data-driven biomedical discovery.”

The UG 100’s capabilities align perfectly with recent innovations in 10x Genomics’ Flex technology, which enables high-throughput single-cell workflows from diverse sample types, including fixed, frozen, and FFPE material, across hundreds of samples in a single experiment. Together, the UG 100 and Flex platforms will allow the AGC to deliver deep, affordable single-cell datasets at unprecedented scale.

“This platform has the potential to transform how we approach single-cell genomics,” said Tricia Tamsen, AGC Assistant Director of Single Cell and Spatialomic Analysis. “By driving down sequencing costs, it will make high-content, large-scale studies more accessible—allowing researchers to analyze more cells and more samples than ever before.”

The Advanced Genomics Core is part of the Biomedical Research Core Facilities within the Medical School Office of Research, supporting the University of Michigan's research community from insight to impact through access to cutting-edge genomic technologies and expertise. 

More Articles About:

 Office of Research Biomedical Research Core Facilities Advanced Genomics Core

Featured News & Stories

 " "
Office of Research

Real-World Applications of PacBio HiFi Sequencing 

To celebrate the arrival of the PacBio Revio system in the BRCF Advanced Genomics Core and the BRCF Transgenic Animal Model Core are hosting a PacBio Long-Read Sequencing Workshop. Join U-M researchers and PacBio experts for a day focused on real-world HiFi sequencing applications, bioinformatics, and emerging long-read workflows.
 Vega for Next Gen Sequencing
Office of Research

BRCF Cores Highlighted by PacBio for Advances in Mouse Model Validation

Staff from the BRCF Transgenic Animal Model Core and Advanced Genomics Core used a novel CRISPR/Cas9-based PureTarget enrichment and high-throughput PacBio sequencing method to efficiently and accurately validate genetically modified animal models, a breakthrough recently featured by PacBio and presented at the ASHG annual meeting, highlighting the cores’ innovative contributions to translational research technology.
 circular image colorful on navy background
Office of Research

TAMC Transgene Finder Grant Program

The BRCF Transgenic Animal Model Core (TAMC) has launched TransgeneFinder, a next-generation sequencing service that uses Oxford Nanopore and PacBio long-read technologies to precisely identify transgene insertion sites and analyze transgene structures in genome-edited animals and cell lines. To celebrate, TAMC is offering a Core Lab Grant Program awarding one free TransgeneFinder characterization to an investigator who submits a brief abstract about their animal model by October 15, 2025; the winner will be announced on November 3, 2025.
 A decorative image with blues, pinks, and aquas
Office of Research

Win a No-Cost, 4-Sample Single Cell RNA Sequencing Project

Enter to win a no-cost, 4-sample single cell RNA sequencing project! 10x Genomics, in partnership with the BRCF Advanced Genomics Core, invites you to apply for a no-cost single cell RNA sequencing project. Four winners will be selected to receive a 4-sample project at no charge.
 Olivia Koues
Office of Research

Olivia Koues Named BRCF Director

Olivia Koues, Ph.D., has been named the Director of the Biomedical Research Core Facilities (BRCF). Her appointment began on Monday, June 9, 2025.
 " "
Office of Research

BRCF Memorial Day 2025 Holiday Closures

Several Cores that are part of the Biomedical Research Core Facilities (BRCF) will be closed or have adjusted hours for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.