This article describes the development and implementation of a real-time, portable genome sequencing system for Ebola virus surveillance during the West African Ebola epidemic. The system, based on the MinION nanopore sequencer, was designed to be highly portable and could be transported in standard airline luggage. The authors developed a laboratory protocol for EBOV genome sequencing using targeted RT-PCR to isolate sufficient DNA for sequencing. They validated the protocol in the UK and then deployed the system to Guinea, where they sequenced 142 Ebola virus samples over a six-month period. The sequencing results were generated within 24 hours of receiving a positive sample, with the sequencing process taking as little as 15-60 minutes. The authors demonstrated that real-time genomic surveillance is feasible in resource-limited settings and can provide valuable information for outbreak control measures. The system was able to identify distinct sub-lineages of the Ebola virus, which is crucial for understanding the evolution and transmission dynamics of the virus. The article also discusses the challenges and limitations of the approach, such as power and internet connectivity issues, and highlights the potential for future improvements and applications in genomic surveillance.This article describes the development and implementation of a real-time, portable genome sequencing system for Ebola virus surveillance during the West African Ebola epidemic. The system, based on the MinION nanopore sequencer, was designed to be highly portable and could be transported in standard airline luggage. The authors developed a laboratory protocol for EBOV genome sequencing using targeted RT-PCR to isolate sufficient DNA for sequencing. They validated the protocol in the UK and then deployed the system to Guinea, where they sequenced 142 Ebola virus samples over a six-month period. The sequencing results were generated within 24 hours of receiving a positive sample, with the sequencing process taking as little as 15-60 minutes. The authors demonstrated that real-time genomic surveillance is feasible in resource-limited settings and can provide valuable information for outbreak control measures. The system was able to identify distinct sub-lineages of the Ebola virus, which is crucial for understanding the evolution and transmission dynamics of the virus. The article also discusses the challenges and limitations of the approach, such as power and internet connectivity issues, and highlights the potential for future improvements and applications in genomic surveillance.