Global Upstream Bioprocessing Market Overview
As per MRFR analysis, the Upstream Bioprocessing Market Size was estimated at 27.41 (USD Billion) in 2024. The Upstream Bioprocessing Market Industry is expected to grow from 32.01 (USD Billion) in 2025 to 129.53 (USD Billion) till 2034, at a CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 16.80% during the forecast period (2025 - 2034). The growing adoption of single-use bioprocessing systems and the increasing implementation of process analytical technology (PAT) are the key market drivers enhancing market growth.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review
Upstream Bioprocessing Market Trends
- Rising demand for bioreactors/fermenters is driving the market growth
The extensive usage of bioreactors and fermenters in both small- and large-scale bioproduction implies that the utilization of these equipment in upstream bioprocessing is anticipated to surge. A bioprocess's ability to break down contaminants and produce materials like food, feed, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and tissues and organs for use in medicine depends on its bioreactors and fermenters. These devices maintain the correct pH, temperature and an appropriate gas supply, add nutrients for proper growth maintenance and create an ideal environment for cells to multiply.
Over the projected period, several variables are propelling this market segment's expansion and driving the market CAGR. Increasing R&D spending and research efforts are important motivators, besides the many advantages of bioreactors and fermenters. For example, Insud Pharma and Fresenius Kabi signed an agreement in March 2022 wherein Fresenius Kabi will purchase 55% of mAbxience, the Spanish group's fully-fledged worldwide biotech company. This partnership is anticipated to expedite Insud Pharma's biotech division, presenting prospects for mAbxience clients and augmenting its research endeavors. Insured Pharma was scheduled to open a new research and development center in Spain in May 2022, highlighting the substantial investments in R&D activities likely to drive growth in this market segment.
Additionally, growth will be aided by alliances, mergers, acquisitions and collaborations with industry leaders. For instance, a license agreement was signed in May 2022 between Lonza and Adva Biotechnology. Lonza granted Adva access to key intellectual property, facilitating the expansion of automated bioreactors. Lonza also gave Adva a non-exclusive license to use several of its intelligent automation and bioreactor control patents as part of the deal. Due to these advances, the market sector for bioreactors and fermenters is anticipated to rise.
Cell-Free by doing away with the requirement for living cells, bioprocessing streamlines the manufacturing procedure. Biopharmaceutical producers may find this alternative appealing since it can result in cost savings and streamlined operations due to its reduction in complexity. Comparing cell-free bioprocessing to conventional cell-based techniques reveals that the former is more scalable and flexible. It facilitates the quick changes in production scale and the generation of many different biomolecules, including metabolites, proteins and enzymes.
For instance, financing for R&D is concentrated in a few federal departments and agencies, according to the Federal Research and Development (R&D) Financing: FY2022 report published in January 2022. Of the total government R&D funding in FY2021, five agencies received 93.0% of it; the Department of Health and Human Services received 27.6% of it. The largest increases in the R&D budget, amounting to USD 7.7 billion (17.8%), would be allocated to the Health and Human Services department. A situation like this is anticipated to accelerate market expansion because upstream bioprocessing is crucial in creating drugs, vaccines and clinical trials, thus driving the Upstream Bioprocessing market revenue.
Upstream Bioprocessing Market Segment Insights
Upstream Bioprocessing Product Insights
Based on Product, the Upstream Bioprocessing market segmentation includes bioreactors/fermenters, cell culture products, bioreactors accessories, filters, bags & containers and others. In 2023, the bioreactors/fermenters segment dominated the market. The segment's dominance can be attributed to the enormous variety of bioreactors and fermenters that are readily available, as well as the widespread use of bioreactors in both large- and small-scale bioproduction. The expansion of this market has also been fueled by the development of automated bioreactors for the safe, economical and compliant manufacture of cell-based products for clinical applications. For example, Eppendorf announced in January 2021 the introduction of BioFlo 720, a bioprocess control station designed for use with single-use bioreactors in pilot and production applications.
The cell culture products category is anticipated to be the fastest growing. The increasing need for high-titer-producing cell cultures is a factor in the segment's rise. Additionally, recombinant Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell line adoption is significant, driving the category growth as established enterprises offer a cost-effective choice. However, early-stage biotech businesses outsource the CHO cell-based production process to achieve more efficient biomanufacturing in terms of yield and time. Because the employment of patented cell lines has a track record of low regulatory risk and effective commercial production, it offers a high success rate in cell cultivation. The previously described benefits for the businesses involved in the upstream bioprocessing industry have a favorable long-term value proposition.
Upstream Bioprocessing Workflow Insights
Based on Workflows, the Upstream Bioprocessing market segment includes cell culture, cell separation and media preparation. In 2023, the cell culture category generated the most income. The segment's expansion can be attributed to the continuous technological progress in cell culture systems, including creating micro-bioreactors that enable small-scale bioproduction. The domains of biological data analysis and data management have advanced, offering vital quality qualities associated with cell culture. Ongoing advancements in multi-bioreactor system development and high throughput analytics have driven the revenue in this category.
The upstream bioprocessing cell separation segment is anticipated to grow fastest during the forecast period because of the market's limited acceptance and penetration. Furthermore, features like the usage of flocculants to increase centrifugation process throughput and the single-use tubular bowl centrifugation process are likely to support market expansion.
Upstream Bioprocessing Use Type Insights
Based on Use Type, the Upstream Bioprocessing market segmentation includes multi-use and single-use. The multi-use category leads the market because commercial biomanufacturing uses a large number of conventional stainless-steel bioreactors. In addition, these systems have a lower environmental impact than single-use systems and a lower danger of leakage during cell culture procedures. Stainless-steel bioreactors are advantageous when the process scale varies reliably over an extended period with few variations, according to an article published in the European Pharmaceutical Manufacturer.
During the projection period, the upstream bioprocessing market’s single-use segment is anticipated to grow fastest. Single-use products' ability to save money is why the segment is rising. Disposable solutions eliminate the requirement for cleaning or sterilizing procedures, which lowers the additional costs associated with the assembly, maintenance, validation of the process and sterilization procedures necessary for multi-use assemblies.
Upstream Bioprocessing Mode Insights
Based on Mode, the Upstream Bioprocessing market segmentation includes in-house and outsourced. The in-house category leads the market. The most well-known companies that favor in-house manufacturing are the reason behind the dominance of the in-house segment. For many companies, outsourcing entails losing strategic control over the process and having insufficient managerial monitoring. Additionally, these manufacturers employ cross-functional teams to carry out sophisticated production methods in the manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals. The planning and decision-making process for manufacturing biopharmaceuticals has also become more complex due to outsourcing tasks in an attempt to reduce costs. Because of this, large pharmaceutical companies typically stick to their internal facilities when producing biopharmaceuticals.
The outsourced segment of the upstream bioprocessing market is predicted to develop at the quickest rate over the projected period. Bioproduction is now more economical and efficient largely due to the diversification of contract manufacturing services offered. This is especially true for newer and smaller organizations with tighter budgets. These organizations view CMOs as an effective way to deal with their capital and resource constraints.
Figure 1: Upstream Bioprocessing Market, by Mode, 2023 & 2032 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review
Upstream Bioprocessing Regional Insights
By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The North American Upstream Bioprocessing market area will dominate this market. The upstream bioprocessing market is expanding due to regional players' initiatives. For example, in November 2021, Bionova launched a USD 25.0 million single-use facility with a 1,000 L Cytiva XDR upstream train in Fremont, California. Additionally, by Q3 of 2022, the business plans to install a 2,000 L Cytiva system. It is anticipated that these advancements will propel market expansion.
Therefore, factors like rising R&D spending, large-scale manufacturing facilities, the rising popularity of disposables, rising healthcare expenses and well-established healthcare infrastructure are expected to contribute to North America's growth in the upstream bioprocessing market.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are the US, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea and Brazil.
Figure 2: UPSTREAM BIOPROCESSING MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2023 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review
Europe's Upstream Bioprocessing market accounts for the second-largest market share because the biopharmaceutical business in Europe is well-established, with a significant concentration of top pharmaceutical corporations, biotech companies and research institutions. Thanks to this well-established industry infrastructure, upstream bioprocessing activities can flourish on a firm foundation. Further, the German Upstream Bioprocessing market held the largest market share and the UK Upstream Bioprocessing market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.
The Asia-Pacific Upstream Bioprocessing Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2034. Asia Pacific nations, particularly China, India, South Korea and Singapore, have invested largely in the manufacturing, research and development of biopharmaceuticals. The main drivers of this expenditure are the increased need for healthcare, the incidence of chronic illnesses and government programs to support biotechnology and innovation. Moreover, China’s Upstream Bioprocessing market held the largest market share and the Indian Upstream Bioprocessing market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.
Upstream Bioprocessing Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
The industry's leading players will continue investing heavily in R&D to expand their Use Type ranges, propelling the Upstream Bioprocessing market's growth. Significant market developments include contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, collaboration with other organizations and new product releases. Market players are also taking various calculated risks to increase their worldwide reach. It must offer reasonably priced varieties for the Upstream Bioprocessing industry to expand and prosper in a more competitive and dynamic market.
One of the main strategies manufacturers use in the worldwide Upstream Bioprocessing market to benefit customers and expand the market sector is local manufacturing to reduce operating expenses. Some of the biggest medical benefits in recent years have come from the Upstream Bioprocessing sector. Major players in the Upstream Bioprocessing market, including Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., GE HealthCare, Sartorius AG, Eppendorf AG, Merck KGaA, Corning, Inc., Danaher, PBS Biotech, Inc., Lonza, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Applikon Biotechnology, CellGenix GmbH, AGC Inc. and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Thermo Fisher) supplies tools for medicine, analytical equipment, consumables and reagents, software and services for handling difficult analytical problems in clinical, research and diagnostic labs. It provides answers for synthetic biology, flow cytometry and cellular biology. Products from the company include technologies for molecular biology, genetic sequencing, electron microscopy, protein analysis and mass spectrometry. The company provides services to the environmental, industrial quality and process control sectors, pharmaceutical and biotech industries, academic and research institutions, clinical diagnostic labs, government agencies and so on. Thermo Fisher Scientific expanded its single-use technology production facility in Millersburg, Pennsylvania, in February 2022 with an investment of USD 40 million. This growth is a component of the business's multi-year, USD 650 million investment strategy to strengthen its ability to offer dependable, scalable and adaptable bioprocessing production solutions.
Science and technology are the focus of Merck KGaA (Merck), a division of E. Merck KG. In addition to developing liquid crystal mixes, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) materials, cosmetic active ingredients, coating pigments and high-tech materials, it also finds, develops and produces prescription medications for treating cancer, multiple sclerosis and infertility. Additionally, Merck offers many products, including flow cytometry kits and instruments, end-to-end systems, test assays, analytical reagents, gene editing tools, cell lines, antibodies and microbiological and biomonitoring products. The business services the life sciences, performance materials and healthcare sectors. A non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in May 2023 by Merck KGaA, the South Korean Ministry of Trade and Daejeon City, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) to establish a new bioprocessing plant for the Asia-Pacific region. The proposed bioprocessing facility aims to assist the healthcare ecosystem in the area and make it easier for clients in the region to purchase pharmaceuticals and biotech products commercially manufactured.
Key Companies in the Upstream Bioprocessing market include
Upstream Bioprocessing Market Developments
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Q2 2024: Cytiva opens new $500 million bioprocessing manufacturing facility in the U.S. Cytiva, a global provider of technologies and services for the biopharmaceutical industry, inaugurated a new $500 million manufacturing facility in the United States to expand its upstream bioprocessing capabilities and meet growing demand for biologics production.
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Q2 2024: Sartorius acquires Albumedix for $450 million to boost upstream bioprocessing portfolio Sartorius, a leading international partner of life science research and the biopharmaceutical industry, completed the acquisition of Albumedix, a specialist in recombinant albumin-based solutions, to strengthen its upstream bioprocessing product offerings.
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Q2 2024: Thermo Fisher Scientific launches new HyPerforma DynaDrive Single-Use Bioreactor for large-scale upstream processing Thermo Fisher Scientific announced the commercial launch of its HyPerforma DynaDrive Single-Use Bioreactor, designed to support large-scale upstream bioprocessing for the production of biologics and cell therapies.
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Q3 2024: Lonza and Moderna announce strategic partnership to expand mRNA vaccine manufacturing capacity Lonza and Moderna entered into a strategic partnership to expand upstream bioprocessing and manufacturing capacity for mRNA vaccines, including the construction of new production lines at Lonza’s facilities.
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Q3 2024: MilliporeSigma opens new viral vector manufacturing facility in Massachusetts MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, opened a new viral vector manufacturing facility in Massachusetts to support upstream bioprocessing for gene and cell therapy production.
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Q3 2024: Samsung Biologics secures $300 million contract to manufacture monoclonal antibodies for global pharma company Samsung Biologics signed a $300 million contract with a major global pharmaceutical company to provide upstream bioprocessing and manufacturing services for monoclonal antibody therapeutics.
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Q4 2024: FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies announces $1.2 billion investment in new large-scale cell culture facility in North Carolina FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies announced a $1.2 billion investment to build a new large-scale cell culture biomanufacturing facility in North Carolina, expanding its upstream bioprocessing capacity for biologics.
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Q4 2024: Ginkgo Bioworks raises $150 million in Series F funding to accelerate bioprocessing platform development Ginkgo Bioworks closed a $150 million Series F funding round to further develop its upstream bioprocessing platform and expand its capabilities in cell engineering and biologics manufacturing.
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Q1 2025: Cytiva and Pall Corporation complete merger to create global bioprocessing leader Cytiva and Pall Corporation finalized their merger, forming a new global leader in upstream bioprocessing technologies and solutions for the biopharmaceutical industry.
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Q1 2025: WuXi Biologics receives regulatory approval for new biologics manufacturing facility in Singapore WuXi Biologics received regulatory approval to begin operations at its new biologics manufacturing facility in Singapore, enhancing its upstream bioprocessing and production capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Q2 2025: Thermo Fisher Scientific announces partnership with AstraZeneca to advance continuous upstream bioprocessing Thermo Fisher Scientific and AstraZeneca announced a partnership to develop and implement continuous upstream bioprocessing technologies for the production of next-generation biologics.
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Q2 2025: Boehringer Ingelheim invests €500 million in new bioprocessing R&D center in Germany Boehringer Ingelheim announced a €500 million investment to establish a new research and development center focused on upstream bioprocessing innovation and biologics manufacturing in Germany.
Upstream Bioprocessing Market Segmentation
Upstream Bioprocessing Product Outlook
Upstream Bioprocessing Workflow Outlook
Upstream Bioprocessing Use Type Outlook
Upstream Bioprocessing Mode Outlook
Upstream Bioprocessing Regional Outlook
| Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
| Market Size 2024 |
 27.41 (USD Billion) |
| Market Size 2025 |
 32.01 (USD Billion) |
| Market Size 2034 |
 129.53 (USD Billion) |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
 16.80 % (2025 - 2034) |
| Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Base Year |
2024 |
| Market Forecast Period |
2025 - 2034 |
| Historical Data |
2020 - 2024 |
| Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Trends |
| Segments Covered |
Product, Workflow, Use Type, Mode and Region |
| Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Rest of the World |
| Countries Covered |
The US, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea and Brazil |
| Key Companies Profiled |
 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., GE HealthCare, Sartorius AG, Eppendorf AG, Merck KGaA, Corning, Inc., Danaher, PBS Biotech, Inc., Lonza, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Applikon Biotechnology, CellGenix GmbH and AGC Inc. |
| Key Market Opportunities |
Increasing biomolecules and biosimilars and the biopharmaceutical pipeline have expanded. |
| Key Market Dynamics |
Growing adoption of single-use bioprocessing systems and Increasing the implementation of process analytical technology (PAT) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
The Upstream Bioprocessing market size was valued at USD 20.08 Billion in 2023.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.80% during the forecast period, 2025-2034.
North America had the largest share of the market
The key players in the market are Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., GE HealthCare, Sartorius AG, Eppendorf AG, Merck KGaA, Corning, Inc., Danaher, PBS Biotech, Inc., Lonza, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Applikon Biotechnology, CellGenix GmbH and AGC Inc.
The Bioreactors/Fermenters category dominated the market in 2023.
The In-house had the largest share in the market.
