PUBLISHER: Market Xcel - Markets and Data | PRODUCT CODE: 1702497
PUBLISHER: Market Xcel - Markets and Data | PRODUCT CODE: 1702497
Global cryo-electron microscopy market is projected to witness a CAGR of 10.57% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 1.54 billion in 2024 to USD 3.45 billion in 2032 owing to growing demand for high-resolution imaging in drug discovery and structural biology. Technological advancements, such as automation and AI-based image analysis, are improving accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, increased funding in academic and pharmaceutical research is accelerating adoption across various regions.
For instance, in May 2024, Hitachi High-Tech Corporation launched the SU3800SE and SU3900SE Series of High-Resolution Schottky Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopes (FESEM). These new systems allow researchers to observe large specimens weighing up to 5 kilograms at the nanoscale level, without the need to cut the specimens. This breakthrough enhances process efficiency and enables more efficient research in materials science and nanotechnology.
Growing Demand for Structural Biology in Drug Discovery Boosting Market Growth
The growing reliance on structural biology to support drug discovery and development processes is significantly driving the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) market. Cryo-EM enables researchers to visualize complex biological molecules at near-atomic resolution without the need for crystallization, overcoming limitations of traditional X-ray crystallography. As pharmaceutical companies aim to design highly targeted therapies-especially for complex diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders-cryo-EM is emerging as a key enabling technology. Structural insights provided by cryo-EM can drastically shorten drug development timelines, reduce costs, and enhance precision by revealing protein-ligand interactions, conformational states, and structural changes in biomolecules. This has encouraged both pharmaceutical companies and academic research institutes to invest in cryo-EM infrastructure. Additionally, advancements such as faster detectors, more stable stages, and AI-powered image analysis are further improving the resolution and efficiency of cryo-EM workflows. As a result, the market is witnessing increasing instrument installations and collaborations between academia and industry to support structure-guided drug design initiatives. For instance, in April 2024, a team of material scientists from Manchester introduced the development of the 'AutomaTEM' microscope, which integrates advanced imaging, spectroscopy, and AI-driven automated workflows. This microscope is expected to accelerate breakthroughs in material science, particularly in areas such as low-power electronics, quantum computing, and energy transition, by enabling faster and more precise analysis at the atomic level.
Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Automation in Cryo-EM Workflows Boosting Growth
The global cryo-electron microscopy market is witnessing significant transformation through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, which are streamlining complex imaging workflows and enhancing result accuracy. AI-powered tools enable automated particle picking, image processing, and 3D reconstruction, dramatically reducing the time and expertise required for structural determination. These advancements help researchers generate near-atomic resolution images with minimal manual intervention, accelerating the pace of discovery and increasing throughput in both academic and commercial settings. Furthermore, automation allows more consistent sample handling, precise beam control, and optimal imaging conditions, reducing errors and sample loss. This is particularly beneficial in drug development, where rapid structural validation of biomolecules is critical. Leading cryo-EM instrument manufacturers are embedding AI modules and automated sample loading systems into their latest product lines, making the technology more user-friendly and scalable. The growing demand for high-throughput structural analysis, especially in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, is expected to fuel continued adoption of automated cryo-EM platforms. For instance, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. has launched the Krios 5 Cryo-Transmission Electron Microscope (Cryo-TEM) recently. It is designed to improve productivity and performance in molecular imaging and is an advanced atomic-resolution platform. The system incorporates AI-powered automation and enhanced optics, aiming to refine single particle analysis (SPA) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET)-two key techniques in structural biology.
Single Particle Analysis Technology Gaining Traction
Among cryo-EM technologies, Single Particle Analysis (SPA) is emerging as the most widely adopted technique due to its ability to visualize macromolecules in their native state without requiring crystallization. SPA has become the preferred method for analyzing large, flexible biomolecular complexes, including membrane proteins and viruses. It offers a robust alternative to traditional crystallography and NMR, making it a critical tool in drug discovery, vaccine research, and protein engineering. Technological improvements in detectors, image processing software, and automation have significantly enhanced SPA's speed, resolution, and reliability. Additionally, AI-driven algorithms for image classification and structure refinement have reduced the time and expertise needed for accurate modeling. As pharmaceutical and biotech companies aim for greater structural insights into their molecules, the demand for SPA-based cryo-EM instruments continues to grow. Academic research centers are also investing in SPA to support innovation in basic and translational research. In June 2023, JEOL Ltd. installed two of its cutting-edge Transmission Electron Microscopes, the CRYO ARM 200 and CRYO ARM 300, at Generate Biomedicines in Andover, Massachusetts. These advanced microscopes played a critical role in collecting atomic-level data to expedite the discovery of novel drug candidates for oncology, immunology, and infectious diseases.
North America Leading the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Market
North America holds the largest share in the global cryo-electron microscopy market, driven by robust research infrastructure, high healthcare R&D spending, and a strong presence of leading market players. The United States, in particular, is a global hub for structural biology research, supported by the NIH and other funding agencies. Numerous top universities and biotech firms are actively investing in cryo-EM to accelerate breakthroughs in drug discovery, genomics, and infectious diseases. The availability of well-established cryo-EM facilities, such as those at the NIH and Stanford University, further boosts regional adoption. Moreover, collaborations between academia and pharma companies facilitate the translation of structural biology into real-world therapeutics. The demand for cryo-EM is also being driven by its use in next-generation biologics and mRNA-based drug development. With a growing focus on high-end microscopy and AI-integrated platforms, the region is expected to maintain its leadership. For example, in July 2023, Generate Biomedicines inaugurated a new cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) laboratory in Andover, Massachusetts, equipped with AI-powered protein design technology. The lab aims to speed up the development of protein-based treatments for diseases such as oncology, immunology, and infectious disorders, leveraging cryo-EM to unlock new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
Future Market Scenario (2025-2032F)
The future of the global cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) market appears promising, driven by the increasing demand for high-resolution structural analysis of biomolecules in drug discovery and disease research. As pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies prioritize precision medicine and targeted therapies, cryo-EM is expected to play a pivotal role in elucidating complex protein structures. Continuous advancements in microscope resolution, automation, and image processing software will further streamline workflows and reduce analysis time. Additionally, expanding academic research and government funding for structural biology are expected to widen the adoption of cryo-EM technology across developed and emerging economies, significantly boosting market growth. Gatan, Inc. set a new industry standard with the release of its Latitude S software, which dramatically improved high-throughput collection of low-dose single-particle cryo-electron microscopy datasets. The software upgrade optimizes the use of K3, BioContinuum, BioQuantum K3, and OneView cameras, offering enhanced capabilities for structural biology and drug discovery research.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The key players in the market are significantly investing in the development of cryo-electron microscopy and are utilizing strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and new product launches to improve their services and competitiveness. Such efforts will propel significant growth in the market, allowing large-cap industry players to increase their presence and, therefore, find new opportunities in this market.
In July 2024, Oxford Instruments announced its acquisition of FemtoTools AG, a strategic move that will integrate FemtoTools' innovative products into Oxford Instruments' Imaging and Analysis division. This acquisition is expected to enhance the company's portfolio, which includes advanced electron microscope micro-analyzers and Raman microscopes and improve the range of material analysis tools available to researchers.
All segments will be provided for all regions and countries covered
Companies mentioned above DO NOT hold any order as per market share and can be changed as per information available during research work.