Yogyakarta, October 14, 2026 — The Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) hosted the IGF User Meeting themed “Building a Sequencing Technology User Ecosystem with Integrated Genome Factory” on Wednesday, October 14, at the Auditorium of the Integrated Research and Testing Laboratory (LPPT), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Yogyakarta. This event marks a strategic step for IGF in introducing integrated genome sequencing services while strengthening collaborative networks among academics, researchers, healthcare institutions, and the biotechnology industry in Indonesia.
The Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) is one of the recipients of the PRIMESTeP Start-up Grant Batch 2, incubated by the UGM Directorate of Business Development and operating under the auspices of the UGM Faculty of Biology. The event was also attended by Mr. Arief Sudarsono, S.T., M.Eng., Head of the Sub-directorate of Business Management and Development at UGM, who attended on behalf of the Director of the UGM Directorate of Business Development. The presence of the representative from the Directorate of Business Development forms part of the support for IGF’s development as a technology-based startup with the potential to expand access to genomic services in Indonesia.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Sustainable Genomic Services
In his remarks, Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., a member of the IGF team, explained that the establishment of IGF stemmed from the demand for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) services. High-tech sequencing equipment that originally supported laboratory research now needs to be managed through a broader and more sustainable service model, given the high operational and maintenance costs.
Nationally, the demand for genomic data to support research across various fields continues to grow. Meanwhile, access to domestic sequencing facilities still faces challenges in terms of service availability, cost, and turnaround time. Driven by these conditions, IGF was developed to optimize the utilization of sequencing technology while bridging the needs of researchers and institutions for integrated genomic services.
End-to-End Workflow with Dual Long-Read Platforms
IGF delivers genome sequencing services within a single workflow, ranging from sample reception, DNA/RNA extraction, quality control, library preparation, the sequencing process, and bioinformatics analysis, to results reporting. With this approach, users can access integrated services without having to coordinate each stage separately.
IGF’s services utilize two sequencing platforms: Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) via PromethION and Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) via Revio. Both technologies possess characteristics that can be tailored to specific research needs. ONT offers flexibility and speed in data generation, whereas PacBio HiFi provides highly accurate sequence reads. The integration of these two platforms enables IGF to serve diverse research needs, ranging from microbial genome characterization and gene expression analysis to the assembly of high-quality reference genomes.
Through these services, IGF strives to provide access to international-standard sequencing technology at more competitive costs and with efficient turnaround times. Sample and data management is also a priority in service delivery, while consistently adhering to the needs and terms mutually agreed upon with clients. Thus, the sequencing results and bioinformatics analyses are expected to be directly utilized to support research, scientific publications, and the development of genomic-based innovations.
Connecting Users with Sequencing Technology
As part of efforts to broaden the understanding of sequencing technology, the IGF User Meeting featured three speakers who discussed the application of genomic technology in pharmacogenomics, microbiome research, and breast cancer.
Full-Gene Resolution in Pharmacogenomics with PacBio HiFi
Dr. Dwi Aris Agung Nugrahaningsih, M.Sc., Ph.D., from the Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK) UGM, presented a talk titled “Phasing the Unphasable: Full-Gene Resolution in Pharmacogenomics with PacBio HiFi Sequencing.” This presentation explored the potential of PacBio HiFi technology in obtaining complete gene sequence information and supporting pharmacogenomic analysis, including understanding genetic variations relevant to individual drug responses.
Full-Length 16S Nanopore Sequencing in Microbiome Research
Dr. Rio Jati Kusuma, S.Gz., MS., from the Department of Health Nutrition, FK-KMK UGM, delivered a presentation titled “Beyond the Genus: Full-Length 16S Nanopore Sequencing in Microbiome Research.” This talk discussed the utilization of Nanopore-based full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to support the identification and characterization of microorganisms in microbiome research.
Germline Variant Profiling in Breast Cancer
Dr.rer.nat. dr. Dyah Laksmi Dewi, M.Sc., Sp.B.Subsp.Onk(K), from the Department of Surgery, presented “Germline Variant Profiling in Breast Cancer Using Multigene Panel Sequencing.” Her presentation covered the use of multigene panel sequencing to identify germline variants associated with breast cancer, as well as its relevance in developing genetic testing approaches and understanding cancer risk.
Technology Perspectives from Industry Partners
In addition to featuring expert speakers, the event also received support from industry partners who play a role in providing sequencing technologies. Joko Praptono, representing PT Dynata Inovasi Corporalab, introduced Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), while Archimedes Daely presented PacBio technology on behalf of PT DKSH Market Expansion Services Indonesia, the distributor for PacBio.
The presence of these two partners provided an opportunity for participants to gain deeper insights into the sequencing platforms used by IGF and their potential applications across various research needs.
Building Cross-Institutional Collaborative Networks
The IGF User Meeting was attended by participants from various educational, research, healthcare, and industrial institutions. The IGF User Meeting drew a total of 54 attendees, consisting of 18 invited guests and 36 general participants.
Organizing the IGF User Meeting represents one of IGF’s efforts to align user needs with available technological capabilities. IGF hopes to expand partnerships with academic institutions, research centers, healthcare facilities, and industry, while encouraging the more optimal and sustainable use of high-tech sequencing facilities.
By combining laboratory services, sequencing technology, and bioinformatics analysis, the Integrated Genome Factory is committed to supporting the development of the national genomic ecosystem and providing Indonesian researchers with access to sequencing services to drive the advancement of research and innovation.
Author
Anggraeni Novia Putri, S.Pd., M.Sc.
Project Officer
Integrating advanced sequencing technologies to empower genomic research and strengthen Indonesia’s research ecosystem.