Microplate Systems Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 1.21 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 1.53 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 4.77% CAGR |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
|
Microplate Systems Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Microplate Systems Market size is estimated at USD 1.21 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.53 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.77% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Laboratories are replacing manual plate handling with AI-enabled, high-throughput platforms that combine fluorescence, luminescence, and absorbance detection in a single unit. Capital spending remains healthy because pharmaceutical companies continue to intensify drug-discovery pipelines, clinical laboratories automate routine diagnostics, and biotechnology firms embrace data-rich proteomics and genomics projects. Energy-efficiency mandates are accelerating instrument replacement, as laboratories consume 5–10 times more energy per square foot than office space. Meanwhile, tariff-driven price pressures and supply-chain risk are pushing manufacturers toward regionalized production and service hubs.
Key Report Takeaways
- By product type, single-mode readers held 51.25% of microplate systems market share in 2024; multi-mode readers are forecast to grow at a 5.37% CAGR through 2030.
- By application, drug discovery accounted for 43.48% share of the microplate systems market size in 2024, while genomics and proteomics research is expanding at a 5.91% CAGR.
- By end-user, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies led with 39.41% revenue share in 2024; contract research and manufacturing organizations are advancing at a 6.05% CAGR.
- By geography, North America commanded 39.47% of microplate systems market share in 2024, whereas Asia is projected to grow at a 7.19% CAGR between 2025 and 2030.
Global Microplate Systems Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| R&D spending surge in proteomics and genomics | +1.2% | North America & EU core; global | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Rise in chronic-disease-related diagnostic testing | +0.8% | Global, aging markets | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Lab automation and integrated high-throughput workflows | +1.0% | North America & EU; expanding to APAC | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Expansion of decentralized high-throughput labs | +0.7% | Global; early adoption in North America & APAC | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Adoption of AI-enabled multimode analytics | +0.9% | North America & EU leading | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Sustainability mandates for energy-efficient instrumentation | +0.6% | EU & North America core | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
R&D spending surge in proteomics and genomics
Investment in omics research now targets individualized therapies and novel biomarker discovery. Laboratories need multi-mode readers that process large sample sets quickly, and AI-driven analytics shorten data-interpretation cycles, reinforcing equipment upgrades. Government grants in North America and Europe underwrite new genomics centers, while agricultural and environmental scientists increasingly adopt the same platforms.
Rise in chronic-disease-related diagnostic testing
An aging population raises test volumes for cardiovascular, diabetic, and oncology panels. Hospitals are converting batch workflows to continuous automation, cutting labor while boosting throughput.[1]Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, “Automating Chronic-Disease Diagnostics,” frontiersin.org AI-assisted image analysis lowers error rates and meets fresh accreditation standards that prioritize automated quality control.
Lab automation and integrated high-throughput workflows
High-throughput platforms now screen 100,000 samples per day, linking robotics, smart plate readers, and cloud analytics. Adoption of 3D cell models and organ-on-chip assays pushes demand for advanced imaging modules. Pharmaceutical firms are piloting “dark labs” that operate around the clock with minimal staff, while ABB’s robotics partnership with Agilent embeds articulated arms directly into analytical work cells.
Expansion of decentralized high-throughput labs
COVID-19 exposed weaknesses in centralized testing, prompting health systems to build distributed lab networks capable of fast turnaround and remote data sharing.[2]BMC Biology, “Decentralizing Diagnostics After COVID-19,” bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com Compact multi-mode readers now support hospital satellites, mobile clinics, and field sites, while cloud-based LIMS platforms preserve regulatory oversight.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| High capital and maintenance costs | −0.9% | Global; acute in smaller labs | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Limited awareness and technical expertise | −0.5% | APAC, Latin America, MEA | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Data-integration hurdles with legacy systems | −0.4% | Global; mature labs | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Raw-material supply-chain vulnerabilities | −0.7% | Global; Asia-dependent chains | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
High capital and maintenance costs limiting adoption
Multi-mode readers command premium list prices while annual service contracts absorb 15–20% of purchase value. Tariffs of 10–54% on imported lab equipment inflate budgets, forcing academic centers to delay upgrades.[3]Nature, “Tariffs Raise the Cost of Research Equipment,” nature.com Subscription models ease upfront expense but can raise total cost over the instrument’s life.
Limited awareness and technical expertise in emerging economies
Many institutions in Southeast Asia and Africa lack personnel trained in high-throughput methods. Language barriers and sparse vendor support make adoption difficult, though online tutorials and localized training hubs are closing the gap. Vendor support networks remain concentrated in developed markets, making technical assistance and training programs less accessible in emerging economies. However, digital training platforms and remote support capabilities are beginning to address these limitations, with manufacturers investing in multilingual resources and virtual training programs to expand market reach.
Segment Analysis
By Product Type: Multi-Mode Readers Drive Innovation
Single-mode readers held the largest slice of the microplate systems market in 2024 at 51.25%, favored for routine ELISA and protein-quantification workflows. Multi-mode readers, however, will expand at a 5.37% CAGR, reflecting laboratories’ need to consolidate fluorescence, luminescence, and absorbance assays within a smaller footprint. AI-optimized detection parameters now self-adjust, cutting set-up time and reducing reagent waste.
Compact models such as the Absorbance 96 appeal to space-constrained labs, while high-end platforms integrate live-cell imaging and micro-volume quantification. Software subscriptions for data management, compliance logging, and analytics are becoming a significant revenue stream for suppliers. Automated pipetting systems and plate washers complement reader installations, tightening end-to-end workflow integration.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Application: Genomics Research Accelerates Beyond Drug Discovery
Drug discovery retained 43.48% of microplate systems market share in 2024, underpinned by high-throughput screening across chemical libraries. Genomics and proteomics assays, bolstered by expanded next-generation sequencing pipelines, will post a 5.91% CAGR, outpacing legacy applications.
Clinical diagnostics groups automate infectious-disease and chronic-condition panels, and environmental labs deploy microplate-based toxin screens to meet stricter regulatory thresholds. The pivot to 3D cell models and organ-on-chip formats requires high-resolution imaging that single-mode readers cannot supply, stimulating upgrades to multimodal systems. CRISPR-enabled functional screens, AlphaScreen assays, and time-resolved fluorescence formats diversify workloads further, with AI tools rapidly correlating genotype–phenotype links.
By End User: CROs and CMOs Reshape Market Dynamics
Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies held 39.41% revenue share in 2024, but contract research and manufacturing organizations will grow at a 6.05% CAGR as sponsors outsource early-stage discovery and high-volume assay services. CROs differentiate by building “lights-out” automation suites that deliver rapid turnaround and granular QC audit trails.
Hospital and diagnostic laboratories automate plate-based serology and oncology panels to control labor costs in the face of rising test volumes. Academic institutes pool resources through core facilities, favoring flexible, multi-user systems. Food safety, cosmetics, and environmental labs represent an emerging clientele as microplate workflows align with new testing mandates.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
Geography Analysis
North America contributed 39.47% of 2024 revenue. The United States dominates regional demand thanks to robust NIH funding, a dense pharmaceutical cluster, and fast adoption of AI-driven automation. Canadian life-science parks and Mexican contract-manufacturing corridors add complementary growth. Tariffs on imported lab equipment are squeezing margins, but suppliers are countering by expanding in-country service and refurbishment centers. Energy-efficiency programs drive replacements, and Agilent's 6% year-over-year revenue growth in Q2 2025 underscores market vitality.
Asia is the fastest-growing territory at a 7.19% CAGR. China's NMPA is rolling out updated device standards that favor advanced microplate technologies. Japan's rapidly aging populace fuels automated diagnostics, while South Korea's biotech accelerators invest in high-throughput screening suites. India's upcoming Shimadzu factory signals a pivot toward local production that may shorten lead times and lower costs. Governments from Singapore to Australia earmark funding for precision-medicine infrastructure, widening the regional customer base.
Europe shows steady progress driven by Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. Stringent quality frameworks and the EU Green Deal incentivize adoption of low-energy instrumentation. Brexit logistics disruptions moderated United Kingdom shipments, yet sustained demand across biopharmaceutical hubs kept overall European momentum intact. Southern European countries leverage EU recovery funds to refurbish hospital laboratories with automated plate-processing lines. Continual emphasis on personalized medicine and centralized biobank expansion keeps microplate investments high across the continent.
Competitive Landscape
Market concentration is moderate. Agilent Technologies, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Danaher collectively control a sizeable share, each leveraging broad portfolios that span readers, liquid handlers, software, and service. Thermo Fisher signaled intent to deploy USD 40–50 billion for acquisitions that strengthen automation and AI assets. Agilent and ABB’s partnership embeds collaborative robots into standard plate-reading workflows, cutting cycle times and improving ergonomics. Danaher’s integrated Cary-style platforms emphasize walk-away operation for genomics and cell-based assays.
Emerging vendors focus on compact, specialized instruments for decentralized or field settings. Start-ups promoting cloud-native analytics platforms compete on ease of deployment and subscription pricing. Sustainability credentials are gaining competitive weight; Agilent’s My Green Lab ACT certification covers 40% of instrument revenue, prompting rivals to adopt similar eco-labels. Patent activity clusters around AI-directed assay optimization and micro-fluidic plate miniaturization, signaling continued innovation in throughput and sample-volume reduction.
Suppliers also contend with supply-chain fragility. Firms are relocating PCB assembly lines closer to end markets and expanding service-exchange programs that refurbish legacy readers to mitigate new-equipment delays. Instrument bundling with software licenses creates stickier customer relationships while smoothing revenue cycles.
Microplate Systems Industry Leaders
-
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
-
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
-
Danaher Corporation
-
Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd
-
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- May 2025: Agilent Technologies reported Q2 2025 revenue of USD 1.67 billion, representing 6% year-over-year growth, with the Life Sciences and Diagnostics Markets Group generating USD 654 million and 8% growth, demonstrating strong market demand for analytical instrumentation and laboratory automation solutions.
- March 2025: Thermo Fisher Scientific launched the Vulcan Automated Lab, an integrated system combining robotic handling with AI-enhanced instruments to streamline transmission electron microscopy workflows for semiconductor manufacturing, addressing the demand for atomic-scale analysis capabilities.
- January 2025: ABB Robotics and Agilent Technologies announced a collaboration to develop automated laboratory solutions combining Agilent's analytical instrumentation with ABB's robotics technology, aimed at improving workflows and efficiency in pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
- January 2025: ABB Robotics and Agilent Technologies announced a collaboration to develop automated laboratory solutions combining Agilent's analytical instrumentation with ABB's robotics technology, aimed at improving workflows and efficiency in pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
Research Methodology Framework and Report Scope
Market Definitions and Key Coverage
Our study defines the global microplate systems market as the total revenue generated by single-mode and multi-mode plate readers, washers, dispensers, stackers, and the bundled control software that process 96- to 1536-well plates for biochemical, genomic, and cell-based assays.
Scope Exclusion: Reagents, disposable plates, and liquid handlers that lack an integrated plate deck sit outside this assessment.
Segmentation Overview
- By Product Type
- Single Mode Readers
- Fluorescence Plate Readers
- Absorbance Plate Readers
- Luminescence Plate Readers
- Multi Mode Readers
- Filter-Based
- Monochromator-Based
- Hybrid
- Microplate Software & Analytics
- Pipetting Systems & Dispensers
- Microplate Washers
- Microplate Handlers
- Consumables
- Accessories
- Single Mode Readers
- By Application
- Genomics & Proteomics Research
- Drug Discovery & High-Throughput Screening
- Clinical Diagnostics & Disease Screening
- Cell-based Assays & Toxicity Testing
- Environmental Testing & Food Safety
- Other Applications
- By End-User
- Hospitals & Diagnostic Laboratories
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Companies
- CROs & CMOs
- Academic & Research Institutes
- Other Industrial Labs
- By Geography
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Australia
- South Korea
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- South Africa
- Rest of MEA
- South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of South America
- North America
Detailed Research Methodology and Data Validation
Primary Research
Mordor analysts interviewed lab-automation engineers, CRO buyers, and regional distributors across North America, Europe, and Asia. These talks validated installed-base counts, flagged price gaps in emerging labs, and explained service-contract attach rates that rarely show up online.
Desk Research
We began by pulling instrument flow and funding signals from NIH RePORTER, Eurostat biotech outlays, UN Comtrade HS 9027.50 records, and China grant dashboards. These public feeds drew the first boundary of our model. Guidelines from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, citation bursts in the Journal of Biomolecular Screening, and patent sets accessed through Questel fixed typical throughput and life-cycle norms.
Next, our team read company 10-K filings, investor decks, and revenue bands on D & B Hoovers and Dow Jones Factiva, which clarified average selling prices and channel splits. The titles above illustrate the evidence base; many smaller statistics and trade notes helped verify niche assumptions.
Market-Sizing & Forecasting
We anchor a top-down build that multiplies installed reader stocks by five-year replacement cycles and global shipment data. We then cross-check results with sampled price-times-volume roll-ups for the ten largest makers. Drivers such as pharma R & D budgets, high-throughput project counts, plate-density shifts, regulatory clearances, and public automation grants feed a multivariate regression projecting 2025-2030 values. Share proxies from distributor insight bridge the missing data for smaller suppliers.
Data Validation & Update Cycle
Automatic variance flags, peer audits, and senior sign-off give three layers of review. We refresh the model each year and trigger interim updates when recalls, tariff moves, or blockbuster assay launches alter demand.
Why Mordor's Microplate Systems Baseline Earns Trust
Published values often differ because every firm chooses its own scope, currency base, and update rhythm. By spelling out inclusions and leaning on transparent drivers, Mordor gives users figures they can trace.
Key gap drivers include some sources folding consumables into hardware, others freezing price curves, and a few stretching uptake multipliers without mid-cycle checks.
Benchmark comparison
| Market Size | Anonymized source | Primary gap driver |
|---|---|---|
| USD 1.21 B (2025) | Mordor Intelligence | N/A |
| USD 0.81 B (2023) | Global Consultancy A | Leaves out washers and clips retail prices |
| USD 1.98 B (2025) | Trade Journal B | Bundles accessories and adds OEM mark-ups |
| USD 4.73 B (2024) | Specialist Research C | Adds reagents and applies PPP currency |
These contrasts show how disciplined variable choice and timely refresh give clients a balanced, reproducible baseline they can trust.
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current value of the microplate systems market?
The microplate systems market generated USD 1.21 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 1.53 billion by 2030.
Which product segment is growing fastest?
Multi-mode readers are advancing at a 5.37% CAGR because they combine multiple detection techniques in a single footprint.
Why are CROs investing heavily in microplate systems?
Contract research organizations need high-throughput automation to deliver rapid, cost-efficient services and are projected to grow at a 6.05% CAGR as outsourcing expands.
Which region shows the strongest growth potential?
Asia will record a 7.19% CAGR through 2030, backed by large-scale biopharma investments and supportive regulatory harmonization.
How are energy-efficiency mandates influencing purchasing decisions?
Laboratories pursuing Green Lab certification favor low-energy plate readers that automatically enter standby modes, accelerating replacement of older, less efficient instruments.
What role does artificial intelligence play in modern microplate workflows?
AI algorithms auto-optimize detection parameters, flag outliers in real time, and shorten data-review cycles, improving assay reliability while reducing manual interventions.
Page last updated on:
