Large And Small-scale Bioprocessing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Scale, By Workflow (Downstream, Upstream, Fermentation), By Product, By Use Type, By Mode (In-house, Outsourced), By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2033

Large And Small-scale Bioprocessing Market Summary

Biopharmaceutical companies invest significantly in flexible manufacturing solutions, such as single-use technologies and modular bioprocessing systems, which help accelerate development timelines and reduce production costs.

Increasing Demand for Biologics

Biologics' rapid growth, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, recombinant proteins, and cell and gene therapies, is a major force driving the global bioprocessing market. These complex therapies require precise, scalable manufacturing processes, fueling demand for both small-scale systems (used in R&D and clinical trials) and large-scale systems (for commercial production). Small-scale bioprocessing supports early-stage development through rapid prototyping and process optimization, while large-scale bioprocessing ensures consistent quality and compliance for mass distribution of approved biologics.

Gene therapy pipeline: quarterly comparison

Source: American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy, Secondary Research, Grand View Research

This surge in biologics is closely tied to the global rise in chronic diseases, an aging population, and the push for personalized medicine. Conditions like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are becoming more prevalent, increasing the need for advanced therapies. Pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, and CDMOs are expanding biomanufacturing capacity across scales. The growing adoption of biosimilars, driven by the expiration of patents for branded biologics, further boosts demand for efficient, cost-effective bioprocessing technologies, including microbial-based systems and single-use solutions.

Rising Investment In Biotechnology Research

Rising investments in biotechnology research also significantly boost the market. Governments and private sectors are directing substantial funding towards biotechnological innovations, promoting collaborations between academic institutions, research organizations, and industry players. For instance, according to the UK Bio Industry Association (BIA), UK biotechnology grant funding is expected to grow in 2025/2026. The Biotech and Medical sectors received financing for R&D and capital investments in equipment. Innovation funding experienced a five-fold increase, focusing on under-funded regions and sectors undergoing digitalization, such as healthcare.

Increasing funding is accelerating the development and commercialization of advanced bioprocessing technologies, including single-use systems, continuous processing, and modular manufacturing platforms. It also fosters the establishment of cutting-edge research facilities and pilot-scale biomanufacturing units, particularly in regions previously underserved by biotech infrastructure. As a result, both established biopharmaceutical companies and emerging startups are better equipped to scale novel therapies from lab to market. These investments enhance production efficiency and flexibility and support regulatory compliance and global competitiveness in the rapidly evolving biotechnology landscape.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The high degree of innovation in the large and small-scale bioprocessing industry is a key driver fueling the market growth. Continuous advancements such as automated bioreactor systems, real-time analytics, process intensification, and AI-driven process optimization are transforming biologics' development and manufacture. Innovations like continuous bioprocessing, disposable technologies, and modular facilities enable faster, more flexible, and cost-effective production. For instance, in April 2025, Thermo Fisher Scientific unveiled enhanced integrated platform solutions, including its Accelerator platform and a high-yield CHO K‑1 cell line, reducing investigational new drug (IND) filing timelines from 13 to 9 months. These offerings deliver up to 8 g/L protein expression and stable production, streamlining biologics development from gene to patient. These breakthroughs reduce development timelines, improve scalability, and ensure higher product consistency, which is especially critical for complex therapies such as monoclonal antibodies and cell and gene treatments.

The increasing level of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the bioprocessing and biopharmaceutical sectors significantly influences market dynamics. Larger pharmaceutical and biotech companies are actively acquiring smaller, innovation-driven firms to enhance their technology portfolios, expand manufacturing capabilities, and gain access to advanced bioprocessing platforms. For instance, in October 2024, Lonza (Switzerland) finalized the acquisition of Genentech’s large-scale biomanufacturing site in Vacaville, California, for USD 1.2 billion, expanding its global mammalian production network. These strategic consolidations accelerate product development pipelines, reduce time-to-market, foster integrated end-to-end biomanufacturing solutions, and contribute to the overall growth and maturity of the global bioprocessing market.

Regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in shaping the large and small-scale bioprocessing industry, influencing the pace of innovation and the requirements for quality, safety, and compliance. Stringent guidelines from agencies such as the U.S. FDA, EMA, and other global regulatory bodies ensure that bioprocessing systems meet high standards for manufacturing biologics, particularly in areas like Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), validation, and data integrity. While these regulations can pose challenges, especially for startups and smaller firms, they drive demand for advanced, compliant technologies and process standardization.

Product expansion in the large and small-scale bioprocessing industry is a key driver of market growth, as companies continuously develop and introduce innovative equipment, consumables, and integrated solutions to meet the evolving needs of biologics manufacturing. Manufacturers are expanding their portfolios to include next-generation bioreactors, filtration systems, sensors, and single-use technologies, all designed to improve scalability, efficiency, and process control. For instance, in April 2025, Thermo Fisher Scientific launched the 5L DynaDrive Single-Use Bioreactor in Singapore, enhancing bioprocess development with scalable, high-performance, and sustainable solutions for biopharma and CDMO sectors. This expansion is catering to traditional biologics like monoclonal antibodies and emerging modalities such as cell and gene therapies, RNA-based therapeutics, and biosimilars. The continual introduction of high-performance, customizable, and automation-ready products further fuels demand across both small- and large-scale bioprocessing operations.

Regional expansion is crucial in driving growth within the global large and small-scale bioprocessing market. Biopharmaceutical companies, CDMOs, and equipment manufacturers are increasingly investing in the development of biomanufacturing infrastructure across emerging markets, including Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East. These regions offer cost advantages, expanding patient populations, and supportive government policies to boost local biotech capabilities. Countries like China, India, and South Korea are establishing biotech hubs and incentivizing foreign investment, while North America and Europe continue to lead in advanced technology development and regulatory compliance. This geographic diversification helps companies mitigate supply chain risks and ensures faster access to regional markets, greater collaboration opportunities, and enhanced capacity to meet growing global demand for biologics.

Scale Insights

Industrial scale dominated the global large and small-scale bioprocessing industry and accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for biopharmaceuticals and advancements in large-scale bioreactors. For instance, in June 2025, Univercells Technologies (Belgium) introduced its scale‑X nitro controller to enhance large-scale viral and advanced therapy manufacturing, offering compact, cost-effective, and scalable R&D-to-commercial production capabilities. Technological innovations such as automation enhance efficiency and reduce costs, making large-scale production more viable.

The small-scale segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to personalized medicine's need for flexible systems. Moreover, single-use technologies enhance process control and productivity without compromising quality. For instance, in October 2024, Univercells Technologies launched its scale‑X nexo fixed‑bed bioreactor in Nivelles, Belgium. It optimized small‑scale cell culture workflows, reducing development timelines and costs while enabling seamless scalability for biopharma applications.

Workflow Insights

Downstream processing dominated the market, with the highest revenue share of 46.85% in 2024. Product purification, the key step in downstream processing, is considered the most challenging & crucial step and thus demands more attention. Moreover, any advancement in bioprocessing engineering directly affects the production yield, which positions the downstream processing segment as the center of significant attraction for several major pharma stakeholders.

The fermentation segment of the large and small-scale bioprocessing industry is experiencing strong growth, driven by increasing adoption of microbial and cell-based expression systems across clinical and commercial manufacturing. Advancements in bioreactor technology, feed optimization, and process automation enhance yields, improve consistency, and enable real-time control, which is critical for meeting stringent regulatory standards. As biopharma shifts toward more efficient and sustainable production models, the fermentation segment is becoming increasingly vital across all scales of operation.

Product Insights

Bioreactors and fermenters led the market, capturing the largest revenue share of 29.10% in 2024 due to their widespread use in the pharmaceutical industry and the expansion of product portfolios by major companies. For example, in September 2024, Chennai-based VFL Sciences (India) introduced its GreatFlo benchtop fermentors and bioreactors, which offer versatile, autoclavable, and in-situ sterilizable systems up to 10 L, improving process flexibility and cost efficiency. Additionally, the availability of a broad range of bioreactors based on operation mode, phase type, capacity, fluid flow type, use case, and applications is expected to drive increased demand in the market.

Cell culture product is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the global large and small-scale bioprocessing market over the forecast period. This is mainly attributed to the ongoing advancements in cell line development, including the development of the recombinant cell line. One of the most significant applications of cell culture in cell and molecular biology is to provide a platform for studying the biological, biochemical, physiological, and metabolic systems of wild-type and sick cells. Production of biopharmaceutical-derived cell lines from mammalian cells supports this segment's projected growth.

Application Insights

Biopharmaceuticals held the dominant position in the market with the highest revenue share of 60.52% in 2024, primarily driven by the commercial success of biologics and biosimilars for clinical use in the current scenario. Moreover, companies are involved in enhancing their manufacturing capacity for biopharmaceutical development, which is expected to boost significant growth in the market.

The specialty industrial chemicals are expected to grow at a CAGR over the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petrochemicals. Bio-based chemicals offer a smaller environmental footprint and are used in diverse applications such as coatings, detergents, and personal care products. Moreover, technological innovations and evolving consumer preferences fuel this growth as industries seek high-performance chemicals with reduced environmental impact.

Use Type Insights

Multiple-use products for bioprocessing dominated the market and held the largest share in 2024. The major factor attributed to its large share in the current market is the low environmental impact associated with implementing multiple-use instruments and a one-time investment. They offer long-term operational stability and are preferred for large commercial bioprocesses due to lower risks of leakage and bag breakage. Moreover, these systems are widely adopted for their competitive lifecycle costs and ability to support large-scale production efficiently.

Single-use systems are expected to grow at a CAGR over the forecast period due to their flexibility, reduced setup times, and lower contamination risks. They offer advantages in smaller-scale, personalized biomanufacturing, allowing quick product switches and minimizing cleaning needs. Moreover, innovations in materials and design make them increasingly attractive for biopharmaceutical production, particularly for complex molecules such as biologics. For instance, in October 2024, Belgium-based TekniPlex Healthcare showcased new single-use bioprocessing solutions, including custom barrier films, TPE/TPV tubing, silicone, and PVC components at CPHI Milan to support cell and gene therapy applications.

Mode Insights

The in-house segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2024, thanks to well-established international players capable of in-house biopharmaceutical production. Companies rely on their in-house capabilities to keep their product development processes confidential. Additionally, in-house facilities enable customized solutions, improved efficiency, and better integration with existing systems, supporting both large-scale and small-scale bioprocessing operations.

The outsourced segment is expected to grow at a CAGR over the forecast period. This is due to the substantial growth in the budgets for outsourcing bio-manufacturing. Biopharma companies have started using contract manufacturers because of insufficient expertise, limited capacity to perform industrial-scale bioprocess applications, and cost-saving advantages associated with contract services, which are expected to provide potential opportunities in the outsourcing sector of large and small-scale bioprocessing.

Regional Insights

North America large and small-scale bioprocessing industry dominated the global market with the largest revenue share of 34.84% in 2024. This region's dominance in revenue generation is due to focused, cutting-edge R&D in biomanufacturing. For instance, in June 2024, Ecolab Life Sciences and Repligen Corporation launched the DurA Cycle Protein a chromatography resin in the U.S., enabling large‑scale monoclonal antibody manufacturing with reduced costs and enhanced purification efficiency. Increasing demand for biologics and cell therapies, and the presence of a substantial number of bio-manufacturing facilities in this region, have also contributed to the large share of this segment.

U.S. Large And Small-scale Bioprocessing Market Trends

The large and small-scale bioprocessing industry in the U.S. led the North American market, driven by high investments in biotechnology research and a developed healthcare infrastructure. The prevalence of chronic diseases treated with biopharmaceuticals and favorable government initiatives contributes to growth. Moreover, the U.S. leads biopharmaceutical R&D, and increased investment in bioprocessing infrastructure drives innovation and market expansion. For instance, in November 2024, Lonza completed its first GMP batch at its next-generation mammalian manufacturing facility in Portsmouth, USA, highlighting its commitment to advancing cell and gene therapy production, further driving market demand.

Europe Large And Small-scale Bioprocessing Market Trends

The large and small-scale bioprocessing market in Europe is expected to grow significantly from 2025 to 2030, driven by a strong regulatory framework and substantial R&D investments. Europe's well-established biopharmaceutical industry also supports its robust market presence. For example, Cytiva, a company under Danaher, has allocated USD 1.6 billion through 2028 to expand bioprocessing manufacturing capacity across North America, Europe, and Asia, reinforcing its regional strategy. Additionally, European countries are leading in adopting innovative bioprocessing solutions, ensuring high-quality products and compliance with strict regulatory standards, which further drives market growth.

The large and small-scale bioprocessing market in the UK held a significant share in 2024, primarily driven by the government funding for biotechnology research and a favorable regulatory environment. In addition, collaborations between academia and industry drive innovation in bioprocessing technologies. The country's strong intellectual property system supports the development of novel therapies. Moreover, the UK's strategic location and access to European markets make it an attractive site for bioprocessing investments, further enhancing its role in the global biotech landscape.

The Germany large and small-scale bioprocessing market is growing rapidly in the Europe region driven by the deep expertise in process engineering and molecular biology. The country’s bioprocessing capabilities span from academic R&D labs to large-scale commercial manufacturing plants. German companies have been pioneers in developing upstream and downstream bioprocessing technologies, and their facilities are often outfitted with high degrees of automation and digital control. For instance, in December 2024, Eppendorf SE (Germany) and DataHow AG launched a strategic collaboration to integrate DataHowLab’s AI analytics into Eppendorf’s BioNsight cloud, enhancing global bioprocess data management efficiency. As biologics take a larger share of the global pharmaceutical market, Germany’s ability to integrate precision manufacturing with regulatory rigor places it in a strong competitive position.

Asia Pacific Large And Small-scale Bioprocessing Market Trends

The Asia Pacific large and small-scale bioprocessing market is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 13.19% over the forecast period. The region's economic development has led to increased investment in the healthcare sector. For instance, in April 2024, MilliporeSigma invested in launching a new bioprocessing production center in Daejeon, South Korea, supporting biologics development, clinical research, and commercial manufacturing. Moreover, Asia Pacific's diverse economies provide opportunities for both large and small-scale bioprocessing operations, catering to biopharmaceutical needs.

The large and small-scale bioprocessing industry in China led the Asia Pacific market. It held the largest revenue share in 2024, due to its evolving biopharmaceutical landscape and government initiatives supporting innovation. Strong policy support through national programs and incentives has created bioparks and innovation zones across the country. Large-scale bioprocessing facilities are being built quickly, often in partnership with domestic or international CDMOs. Small-scale bioprocessing is also growing quickly, focusing on biosimilars, vaccines, and new modalities like CAR-T therapies. China’s long-term goal appears to be full-spectrum capability in biopharma, and bioprocessing innovation is critical.

The Japan large and small-scale bioprocessing market is witnessing significant growth over the forecast period owing to its high-quality, precision-focused healthcare technologies. Academic institutions and private firms collaborate more closely to commercialize regenerative medicine and biopharmaceutical innovations. Japan's large-scale facilities continue to support vaccine production and biologics manufacturing, particularly for domestic needs. Regulatory reform and faster approval pathways for advanced therapies are improving the country's agility in bioproduction and enhancing its role as a global R&D contributor.

MEA Large And Small-scale Bioprocessing Market Trends

The Middle East and Africa region is in the early but determined phase of building its bioprocessing ecosystem. Most activity focuses on foundational research, pilot-scale production, and public health-oriented biologics, such as vaccines and insulin. With support from international organizations, Africa is gradually moving toward self-sufficiency in bioproduction. Due to infrastructure constraints, the region focuses on small-scale bioprocessing, but there is a clear ambition to expand into commercial-scale capabilities in the coming decade.

The Kuwait large and small-scale bioprocessing industry is anticipated to experience steady growth, driven by national goals to diversify the economy and modernize healthcare. While current infrastructure is limited, there is growing interest in developing biomanufacturing capabilities, especially in diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutic biologics. Kuwait's government invests in health security and biotech education, often in partnership with foreign institutions. Although large-scale bioprocessing is still a future objective, the groundwork is laid through infrastructure projects and regional collaborations to build scientific and manufacturing capacity.

Key Large And Small-scale Bioprocessing Company Insights

The global large and small - and small-scale bioprocessing market is shaped by a strong mix of established global leaders and emerging specialists, all contributing to a rapidly evolving landscape driven by biopharmaceutical innovation, cell and gene therapy demand, and intensified global biologics production. Companies such as Merck KGaA, Thermo Fisher Scientific, GE Healthcare, Sartorius AG, and Lonza have built substantial market presence through comprehensive product portfolios, manufacturing scale, and sustained investment in bioprocessing technology and automation.

Asian and European companies like Samsung BioLogics, Binex Co., Ltd., Rentschler Biopharma, and Inno Biologics are expanding worldwide by leveraging regional manufacturing advantages and strategic partnerships with global pharmaceutical firms. Meanwhile, niche companies such as Bioprocess Control AB, Bio-Process Group, and TOYOBO Co., Ltd. support the market with specialized technologies for process analytics and upstream optimization, enabling smaller biotech and research organizations to scale up more efficiently.

Strategic collaborations, such as those between CMC Biologics, Patheon, and global pharmaceutical companies, continue to emphasize the importance of contract biomanufacturing in bridging small-scale innovation and large-scale commercialization. These partnerships help accelerate time-to-market while maintaining quality standards and regulatory compliance.

With rising demand for biologics and advanced therapies, the market favors companies that combine flexibility and scale. Success will depend on integrating automation, AI-driven analytics, and sustainable practices. Firms that balance innovation with customer-focused adaptability are best positioned to lead future bioprocessing advancements.

Recent Developments

• In February 2025, Thermo Fisher Scientific announced plans to acquire Solventum’s Purification & Filtration business for USD 4.1 billion, enhancing its global bioproduction capabilities.

• In March 2025, Cytiva expanded its Xcellerex X-platform bioreactor portfolio by introducing 500 L and 2,000 L single-use systems. These additions enable seamless scale-up from 50 L to 2,000 L, supporting the development of advanced therapeutics across early clinical to commercial stages.

• In July 2024, Thermo Fisher Scientific launched biobased films for single use bioprocessing containers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting recycling efforts. These films received ISCC PLUS certification.

Large And Small-scale Bioprocessing Market Report Scope

Global Large And Small-Scale Bioprocessing Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth and provides an analysis on the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For the purpose of this report, Grand View Research has segmented the global large and small-scale bioprocessing market on the basis of scale, workflow, product, application, use type, mode, and region:

• Scale Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Industrial Scale (Over 50,000 Litres)

  • Small Scale (Less Than 50,000 Litres)

• Workflow Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Downstream Processing

  • Fermentation

  • Upstream Processing

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Bioreactors/Fermenters

  • Cell Culture Products

  • Filtration Assemblies

  • Bioreactors Accessories

  • Bags & Containers

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Biopharmaceuticals

  • Speciality Industrial Chemicals

  • Environmental Aids

• Use Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Multi-Use

  • Single-Use

• Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • In-house

  • Outsourced

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait