Bioprocess Technology Market Set to Hit $77 Billion by 2028: Here’s What’s Driving the Growth
Bioprocess technology is rapidly revolutionizing the global biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. With increasing demand for biologics, personalized medicine, and next-gen therapies like cell and gene therapies, the bioprocess technology market is positioned at the forefront of innovation and healthcare transformation. From improving production efficiency to enabling scalable and sustainable drug manufacturing, bioprocessing solutions are driving new frontiers in therapeutic development.
In this blog, we explore the bioprocess technology market ’s growth potential, current trends, and the key opportunities for investors, companies, and researchers from 2023 to 2028.
Market Overview: A Rapidly Growing Sector
Bioprocess technology refers to the development and application of biological materials such as cells or enzymes in the production of commercially viable products including biologics, reagents, vaccines, and specialty chemicals. The field encompasses various stages including substrate/media preparation, biocatalyst selection, fermentation, downstream processing, and product purification.
The global bioprocess technology market was valued at US$ 30.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 77.1 billion by 2028 , growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.8% during the forecast period (2023–2028). This growth is being driven by a combination of technological innovation, increased R&D investment, and rising prevalence of chronic and rare diseases.
Key Market Statistics at a Glance
- 2022 Market Size : US$ 30.9 Billion
- 2028 Market Projection : US$ 77.09 Billion
- CAGR (2023–2028) : 16.8%
- Leading Segment by Type : Cell Culture Media
- Fastest Growing Segment by Type : Chromatography Bioprocess
- Top Regional Market : North America
- Fastest Growing Region : Asia-Pacific (China leading in capacity growth)
What’s Driving the Bioprocess Technology Market?
- Rising R&D Investments by Biopharma Giants
Pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in R&D to discover and develop high-value biologics and biosimilars. Firms like Pfizer, Merck, and Amgen collectively invested over US$ 100 billion in R&D in 2022. These investments are accelerating the development of advanced bioprocess technologies and innovative therapeutics.
The expiration of patents for blockbuster drugs and growing competition in biosimilars is further fueling the need for efficient, scalable, and cost-effective manufacturing platforms. Bioprocessing technologies provide the tools needed to support this demand while maintaining high regulatory compliance.
- Shift Toward Single-Use Bioprocessing Systems
The market is witnessing a major shift from traditional stainless-steel systems to single-use bioreactors and components . These systems offer lower risk of cross-contamination, reduced cleaning and validation efforts, and faster production cycles. In 2022, the single-use segment accounted for the largest market share , while the multiple-use segment is projected to grow rapidly over the coming years.
Emerging Market Trends
Automated Real-Time Flow Cytometry (ART-FCM)
One of the most promising trends in bioprocessing is the emergence of Automated Real-Time Flow Cytometry (ART-FCM) . This technology provides real-time monitoring and analysis of cell cultures, allowing manufacturers to optimize yield, ensure product quality, and reduce time-to-market. ART-FCM is expected to gain significant adoption between 2023 and 2028, especially in commercial-scale manufacturing.
Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) and Bioprocessing 4.0
Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) are becoming increasingly integral in achieving Bioprocessing 4.0 — a concept that blends automation, AI, and data analytics for smarter manufacturing. In June 2022, Merck partnered with Agilent Technologies to advance PAT applications, signaling a major industry commitment to intelligent and adaptive bioprocessing systems.
Opportunities in the Bioprocessing Ecosystem
- Gene and Cell Therapy Manufacturing
As gene and cell therapies (CGTs) continue to disrupt traditional treatment models, the need for highly specialized bioprocessing capabilities is becoming urgent. These therapies require precision-controlled environments, flexible production setups, and robust quality control systems—all of which can be achieved through cutting-edge bioprocess technology.
For instance, the FDA approved over 10 gene therapies in 2022 , including Bluebird Bio’s Zynteglo , a high-cost, single-dose therapy for a rare neurological disorder. The number of Investigational New Drug (IND) applications for gene therapy now exceeds 900 in the US alone.
- Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs)
Emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific, are capitalizing on bioprocessing growth through CDMOs. These organizations offer outsourced biomanufacturing solutions to biotech firms. China , for example, has become a global biomanufacturing hub, contributing ~10.2% of global capacity with a projected CAGR of 15–20% . Opportunities for local and global partnerships with CDMOs continue to grow, especially in regions with GMP-compliant infrastructure.
- Bioprocessing for Rare Diseases
There is rising interest in bioprocessing technologies for rare disease therapeutics, especially due to the 30 million+ people affected by rare diseases in the US . These niche markets are highly underserved, providing opportunities for breakthrough treatments backed by streamlined FDA approval pathways and orphan drug designations.
Regional Outlook: Where Is the Growth Happening?
North America
North America remains the largest market for bioprocess technology, primarily driven by the US, which leads in biopharmaceutical R&D, regulatory approvals, and adoption of new technologies. The FDA’s proactive stance on gene therapies, PATs, and rare disease treatments has catalyzed rapid market expansion.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific, led by China, India, and Japan , is the fastest-growing region. China, in particular, stands out with its advanced manufacturing capacity, regulatory evolution, and active biotech ecosystem. Biomanufacturing capacity in China reached 1.77 million liters , making it one of the top three players globally in terms of production volume.
Competitive Landscape: Who’s Leading the Way?
The bioprocess technology space is dominated by a mix of established players and innovative startups. Top companies include :
- Merck KGaA
- Sartorius AG
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Corning Inc.
- Lonza Group AG
- Danaher Corp
- Repligen Corp
- Eppendorf SE
- STAMM Biotech
- BioPharma Dynamics Ltd
Recent product launches, acquisitions, and strategic collaborations are common across these players, with a strong focus on automation, AI integration, and modular solutions.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Bioprocessing is Now
The bioprocess technology market is not only expanding in size but also maturing in capability. From transforming drug discovery to optimizing commercial-scale biologics manufacturing, bioprocessing is laying the foundation for a new era in life sciences. With rising investment, strategic regional shifts, and emerging technologies, stakeholders—from biotech startups to global pharma companies—have unprecedented opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and lead.
As we move toward 2028, the convergence of automation, real-time analytics, and single-use systems will redefine the landscape of biomanufacturing. Whether you're an investor, researcher, or healthcare entrepreneur, now is the time to engage with the bioprocess revolution.
