Amplifying the Expert: Jing Gao on Illumina's Connected Insights

Illumina’s new interpretation software, Illumina Connected Insights, signals a turning point in oncology genomics—where sequencing power meets end-to-end clinical utility. On this episode of Mendelspod, host Theral Timpson sits down with Jing Gao, VP of Software Engineering at Illumina, to explore how the company is extending its leadership from sequencers to software.

“We’ve moved from offering modular tools to building full-stack solutions,” Jing explains. “Connected Insights is about taking raw genomic data and delivering meaningful answers—quickly and consistently.”

* 0:00 With Connected Insights, Illumina now has end-to-end support

* 4:30 What’s your niche in oncology?

* 10:40 Can software really interpret biology?

* 14:45 What’s new and updated?

* 17:00 The future of genomic interpretation in oncology

From variant annotation to case summaries aligned with clinical guidelines, Connected Insights integrates more than 55 curated databases, AI-driven tools like SpliceAI and PrimateAI-3D, and a design philosophy that emphasizes both comprehensiveness and human-centered transparency.

Gao previews upcoming innovations—such as integration with Illumina’s MRD and Constellation technologies—and paints a future where interpretation is more automated, collaborative, and expansive.

“Our goal,” says Gao, “is not to replace scientists, but to scale their expertise. Connected Insights is an intelligent assistant that amplifies what experts do best.”

🎧 Also, don’t miss the GenomeWeb Webinar on July 9 at 10 AM EDT, where Jing Gao and team go deeper into real-world use cases and the future of variant interpretation in precision oncology.