Atera has arrived, bringing a new era of spatial analysis with no trade offs on breadth, sensitivity or scale. Take on complex biology in a whole new way. Power larger cohort studies, gain deeper insights into the tumour microenvironment and speed up biomarker and target discovery.

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The Atera platform is an end-to-end solution from 10x Genomics that provides high-throughput, highly scalable, sensitive, and targeted gene expression information at subcellular resolution. The platform includes the Atera instrument, an instrument for high-throughput single cell spatial imaging, Atera panels for in situ RNA detection, consumables, software, and cloud connectivity.

The Atera instrument combines automated fluidics, high-throughput imaging, and integrated analysis in a single platform, making high-plex spatial transcriptomics easier and more efficient. Designed for large-scale studies, it enables researchers to image up to four slides simultaneously, process extensive tissue areas with minimal hands-on time, and generate highly sensitive spatial data at subcellular resolution.

High-Throughput Imaging

Analyze up to four standard glass slides in a single run, each with 625 mm² of imageable tissue area. The large imaging capacity allows you to process tissue microarrays, large tissue sections, or multiple samples in parallel to maximise throughput.

Automated End-to-End Workflow

From reagent delivery and incubation to imaging and washing, the Atera instrument automates every assay cycle. This streamlined workflow reduces manual intervention while ensuring consistent, reproducible performance across experiments.

Subcellular Resolution

Advanced wide-field epifluorescence imaging and parallel image processing precisely localise transcripts with <30 nm XY and <150 nm Z localisation precision, enabling accurate mapping of gene expression within individual cells.

Integrated Data Analysis

Built-in analysis software automatically detects transcripts, performs image-based cell segmentation, assigns molecules to individual cells, and reconstructs spatial maps across the entire tissue section. Results are ready for downstream visualisation and biological interpretation immediately after the run is complete.

Find details on outputs and algorithms in the Onboard Analysis Software documentation.

Atera combines next-generation imaging, advanced chemistry, and a future-ready platform to accelerate high-plex spatial biology research. Its imaging system features an expansive ~1 mm² field of view, redesigned optics, and high-throughput fluidics that enable rapid imaging of larger tissue areas while maintaining exceptional data quality. Enhanced chemistry delivers higher plex capacity, increased sensitivity for detecting low-abundance targets, and outstanding specificity, giving researchers greater confidence in every experiment. Built with a flexible architecture, Atera is designed to evolve with future chemistry, software, and algorithm updates, protecting your investment while enabling access to new capabilities such as advanced cell segmentation and base-by-base sequencing as the platform continues to advance.

Atera custom panel flexibility and scalability

Custom Panels are now easier to design and integrate and come with flexible per-gene pricing and large reaction options.

• Cross-compatibility means you can use Custom modular panels with either the Whole Transcriptome Assay (WTA) or the Atera Select panels.
• Target Number Flexibility allows you to order panels ranging from 50 targets up to a maximum of 1,000 targets.
• Scalability is also built in, offering reaction pack sizes of 4 for initial testing and proof-of-concept, or larger packs of 40 reactions for full-scale studies.

The Atera workflow is designed to improve ease-of-use and operational efficiency
Sample Preparation: Users can process 4 slides in a single prep using standard microscopy slides. See the FFPE and Fresh Frozen Tissue Preparation Handbooks.
Assay Workflow: The assay preparation is a streamlined 2-day workflow, excluding the optional cell segmentation staining. See the User Guide.
Optional Storage: Preprocessed slides can be stored for up to one month for efficient operational queueing.
Instrument Run Times: Run times are approximately 1–2 days for Select 1K and 6–7 days for WTA.
Onboard Analysis: Continues after the run is complete and includes transcript quantification, cells segmentation, and secondary analysis
Explore Data: Users can analyze and visualize data off-instrument.

Greater Sensitivity: Outperforms single-cell RNA sequencing for per-gene sensitivity.

• Subcellular resolution
• Whole-transcriptome discovery
• High-throughput imaging
• Flexible custom panels
• Automated workflow
• Future-ready platform