Healthcare leaders expect genomics to become part of routine care within a decade

Singapore, 30 September 2026 – More than 80% of healthcare and research leaders surveyed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies believe clinical genomics will move from being used primarily within specialist centres today to becoming part of routine healthcare within the next decade.

The findings, gathered from experts attending Oxford Nanopore’s Health Summit 2026 in Singapore, point to growing confidence in the potential for genomics to play a greater role in healthcare, while highlighting the practical challenges that need to be addressed to support wider adoption.

Davide Manissero, Chief Medical Officer at Oxford Nanopore Technologies, commented:

“Genomics is moving rapidly towards routine care, but how it is implemented is still taking shape. What was striking in Singapore was the ambition across Asia-Pacific and the opportunity to share lessons from healthcare systems already putting genomics into practice. There is still enormous scope to shape how genomic medicine is delivered at scale.”

Funding emerged as the most significant barrier, with 50% of respondents citing a lack of sustainable funding and reimbursement. Discussions at the Summit also highlighted the need for strong real-world evidence, simple and accredited clinical workflows, interoperable systems, a trained workforce and regulatory frameworks that can respond to new evidence and approaches.

Across these discussions, participants emphasised that the goal should not simply be to generate more genomic data, but to turn genomic insights into useful information that can support clinical decision-making.

Gretchen Weightman, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, added:

“Crossing the chasm starts with the patient. Progress should be measured not simply by what genomic technology can reveal, but by whether that insight helps deliver the right action, at the right time.”

The Summit brought together perspectives from healthcare systems at different stages of genomic adoption, with particular focus on the rapid development of genomics and precision medicine across Asia-Pacific.

Oxford Nanopore is working with healthcare and research partners in a number of settings as genomics moves closer to routine clinical use. In the UK, this includes work with the NHS through the CNS tumour and respiratory metagenomics networks, as well as its collaboration with Genetic Alliance’s RISE programme. Across Asia-Pacific, national genomics and precision medicine programmes are investing in the data, infrastructure and clinical capability needed to support wider adoption.