Life Science Imaging Market Size, Share and Trends 2026 to 2035

On-premises deployment leads the market, with a 50% market share in 2025. While many of these users utilize cloud-based systems, institutions in the healthcare industry primarily use them to value data security and compliance with regulations, as well as to provide data control and storage at a physical location. Hospitals and laboratories processing sensitive clinical information (such as electronic medical records (EMRs)) typically use on-premises systems to ensure they always have access to imaging and diagnostic data.

The fastest-growing segment of imaging software is cloud deployments, which enable scalability and remote access. Companies utilizing cloud-based platforms can access collaborative diagnostic support, Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities to assist with analysis of diagnostic images, and the sharing of real-time diagnostic information across multisite research teams. As a result of their flexibility, automatic updates, and the ability to manage the continued growth in imaging data volume, cloud-based imaging products are increasingly becoming a favourite option for newly established imaging research organizations, diagnostic laboratories, and startups taking advantage of new digital pathology methods.

Cancer diagnostics & oncology research dominate the application segment with 40% market share in 2025, due to imaging's central role in tumour detection, biomarker discovery & characterisation, treatment & planning, and therapy monitoring. Digital pathology and advanced microscopy enable accurate characterisation of cancer, while whole-slide imaging (WSI) and molecular imaging provide very high magnification, enabling greater resolution. As cancer rates continue to increase and interest in personalised oncology rises, so do the number of patients being treated at hospitals, cancer centres, and pharmaceutical clinical research sites.

Rapid growth in research and drug discovery is another driving force behind the increasing funding for life science imaging, as it forms the basis for mechanism-of-action studies, target validation, pre-clinical evaluation, etc. The availability of high-content imaging, live-cell imaging, and AI quantification has sped up workflows for early-stage research; the increased use of imaging platforms has enabled pharmaceutical and biotech companies to improve screening efficiency, increase research accuracy, and reduce the time to market for new compounds.

Hospitals and Clinical Laboratories held up 45% of the total market share of life science imaging market 2025, due to the high volume of diagnostic testing performed on patients through diagnostic imaging, pathology workflows, and clinical imaging, utilizing digital microscopy, whole slide imaging (WSI), and automated image analysis tools, hospitals and clinical laboratories increase accuracy by providing faster turnaround times on diagnostic imaging. As the volume of oncology and infectious disease diagnostic testing increases, more hospitals and clinical laboratories will need to rely on advanced imaging systems integrated into clinical decision support pathways.

Pharmaceutical and biotech companies are rapidly adopting imaging solutions to support their expanding research and development activities and the growing need for high-resolution imaging tools utilized in cell biology, genomics, and preclinical testing. Imaging-based drug discovery processes have benefited from recent advances enabled by artificial intelligence-enhanced image analysis, multiplexed imaging techniques, and digital image analysis platforms, thereby improving the efficiency of pharmaceutical companies developing new drugs. Increased investment in regulatory approvals for biologics, immunotherapy products, and precision medicine technologies will drive demand for enhanced R&D capabilities in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

The United States is the key country driving growth in North America, through continual advances in imaging and imaging-related technologies for both clinical and research purposes; paired with robust regulations, substantial resources provided to support Imaging R&D, and active use of next-generation imaging systems (e.g., "Smart Imaging") in hospitals and research labs. The rapidly increasing capabilities of digital pathology, intravascular imaging, and real-time cellular imaging keep the United States at the forefront of imaging-related innovations.

For instance, in July 2025, Boston Scientific released its latest version of its iLab IVUS, which improves the precision of intravascular visualization, an example of the rapid advancement in U.S. Innovation.

The rapid digitalization of healthcare in the Asia Pacific region is driving the growth of life science imaging, with the expanding biotech and gene activity and the introduction of artificial intelligence to support imaging and multi-omics. Expansion of the number of research facilities, increasing access to advanced imaging technology, and the growing need for precision medicine across diverse populations drive the expansion of life sciences imaging activities across the region. The growth of life sciences imaging continues to accelerate due to governments in the region driving the expansion of public health initiatives, growing funding, and the rapid adoption of digital health across the Asia Pacific.

China Life Science Imaging Market Trends

Leading the way across the APAC Region is China, which has been the largest investor in biotech, genomics, and integrated platforms. The development of multi-omics analytics, the use of artificial intelligence and imaging together, and the widespread adoption of advanced imaging tools in hospitals and research institutions have significantly increased the pace at which the new generation of life science imaging and diagnostic tools is being used in China.

Recently, BGI Genomics launched a multi-functional health management system known as the 133111i Multi-omic Precision Health Management System, which combines omics, imaging, and large amounts of information (big data) into a single system for precision disease and health management.

The European life-science imaging sector is expanding due to its established healthcare systems, extensive academic and clinical research collaborations, and growing investment in next-generation imaging modalities. The entire market is experiencing increased adoption of high-end imaging technologies, such as advanced-resolution positron emission tomography, along with AI-based diagnostics, driven by a growing need for earlier disease identification, precise diagnosis, and assistance in drug development and clinical trials. Effective regulatory frameworks will help foster innovation across Europe's healthcare providers and enhance the sharing of best practices through cross-border collaborations.

The UK is establishing its regional position through national strategic infrastructure that links hospitals, academic research institutions, and biotech companies into a single imaging network. In June 2025, the NHS launched a new total-body PET scanning facility at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the first in Scotland, part of the National PET Imaging Platform (NPIP), supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding. The total-body PET scanner is 40 times more sensitive, 10 times faster, and can image 50% more patients within a day than some older PET scanners currently in use. Together, these advanced imaging technologies, with enhanced academic, clinical, and industrial collaboration, have improved the UK's ability to provide early diagnosis.

The Middle East and Africa are becoming more active in life science imaging due to increasing medical modernization, increasing numbers of diagnostic services, and the development of new imaging infrastructure, both clinically and for research. Increased focus on early disease detection, the use of digital imaging technologies, and global partnerships between technology companies and healthcare providers have made it easier for hospitals, specialty facilities, universities, and other institutions to develop capabilities to enhance diagnostics.

The UAE is leading other countries in the region in its rapid digital transformation. With substantial government funding and a clear national strategy focused on precision diagnostics, the nation has successfully integrated advanced medical imaging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, high-resolution microscopy, and smart imaging systems) into its publicly and privately funded healthcare systems. Strategic alliances with international imaging innovators and the emergence of biomedical research centers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will enable the UAE to become an advanced technology leader in the application and development of new imaging technologies throughout the broader Mideast and Africa region.

OEMs design, manufacture, and assemble Automated Platforms (Liquid Handlers, Robotic Arms, Incubators), along with providing validated workflow and regulatory documentation to enable reproducible use of automation in high-throughput environments.

Key Players: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Tecan, Hamilton Company, Beckman Coulter, Agilent.

Software vendors provide a combination of LIMS, ELNs, Orchestration, and Scheduling tools, along with Instrument integration, Workflow Automation, Data Management, and Audit Trail for compliance.

Key Players: Benchling, Agilent (VWorks), Thermo Fisher (workflow software), PerkinElmer (lab IT/OneSource).

Distributors and suppliers provide for global accessibility of Consumables, Spare Parts and Reagents, as well as streamlining Supply Chain Management for Laboratories, admin savings, inventory management and regulatory compliance.

Key Players: Avantor / VWR, Thermo Fisher (distribution channels), Corning, PerkinElmer.

CROs, Clinical Labs, and integrators validate/certify and/or customize Automated Systems; additionally, they provide Training, Maintenance, Regulatory Certification, and Data Analytics in a scalable manner.

Key Players: Charles River Laboratories, Thermo Fisher (service/support), Beckman Coulter (integration), PerkinElmer