Large And Small-scale Bioprocessing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Workflow (Downstream, Upstream), By Product, By Use Type, By Mode (In-house, Outsourced), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The global large and small-scale bioprocessing market size was valued at USD 80.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.8% from 2025 to 2030. Bioprocess engineering has been effectively explored for the development of biopharmaceuticals, and it has provided bio manufacturers and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) with lucrative avenues of growth. This, in turn, is expected to attract focused efforts to bolster the market adoption of various bioprocess engineering solutions.

Large Scale Bioprocessing involves the production of biopharmaceuticals and other biological products on a massive scale, typically using large bioreactors and extensive facilities. Whereas, small scale bioprocessing focuses on smaller batches, often utilizing micro-bioreactors and flexible systems for more precise control over production conditions. Both scales are crucial for meeting diverse market demands, from mass-produced vaccines to personalized medicines. The demand for biopharmaceuticals is a significant driver of this market, as these products offer targeted therapies for chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. This increasing demand fuels investments in technologies such as advanced incubation systems and filtration devices, ensuring that bioprocessing systems can scale efficiently while maintaining regulatory compliance.

As bioprocessing technologies evolve, manufacturers are adopting innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality. Technological advancements, including single-use technologies and automation, play a pivotal role in driving market growth. These innovations enable more efficient and cost-effective production methods, enhance process control, and minimize contamination risks. Furthermore, the shift towards personalized medicine necessitates scalable bioprocessing solutions that can adapt to smaller batch sizes without compromising quality. This customization trend positions the bioprocessing market for robust growth.

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 industy Association (BIA), UK biotechnology grant funding is expected to grow in 2025/2026. The Biotech and Medical sector received approximately over USD 160 million for R&D and over USD 50 million for capital investments in equipment. Innovation funding experienced a five-fold is projected to reach over USD 1 billion, focusing on under-funded regions and sectors undergoing digitalization such as healthcare.

The UK government plans to enhance innovation and economic growth via targeted incentives. This surge in funding supports the development of advanced bioprocessing techniques and facilities, driving substantial growth in the coming years. As more resources are allocated towards enhancing bioprocessing infrastructures, the market is poised to expand further, driven by the interplay of technological advancements, increasing demand for biopharmaceuticals, and strategic investments in research and development.

Scale Insights

Industrial-scale dominated the global large and small-scale bioprocessing industry and accounted for the largest revenue share of 72.5% in 2024. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for biopharmaceuticals and advancements in large-scale bioreactors. In addition, investments in biomanufacturing infrastructure and government support for biologics manufacturing also fuel expansion. Furthermore, technological innovations such as automation enhance efficiency and reduce costs, making large-scale production more viable.

Small-scale segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.5% over the forecast period, owing to personalized medicine's need for flexible systems. In addition, single-use technologies and automation improve efficiency and reduce contamination risks. Furthermore, continuous bioprocessing enhances process control and productivity, supporting smaller batch sizes without compromising quality. This scalability is crucial for meeting diverse therapeutic needs.

Workflow Insights

Downstream processing dominated the market, with the highest revenue share of 47.9% 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 is expected to grow at a lucrative CAGR of 13.1% over the forecast period, driven by advancements in microbial fermentation, which offer efficient production of biologics and vaccines. In addition, improved genetic engineering and molecular biology techniques enhance yield and scalability, reducing production costs and time. Furthermore, the versatility of microbial fermentation in producing complex molecules and its cost-effectiveness compared to mammalian cell culture systems further fuel its adoption in both large and small-scale bioprocessing workflows.

Product Insights

Bioreactors/Fermenters led the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 30.5% in 2024, owing to the extensive use of the product in the pharmaceutical sector and the portfolio expansion of major players. In addition, automated cell culturing using specialized bioreactor designs is significant for developing value-added products, influencing growth in this segment. Furthermore, the availability of a wide range of bioreactors based on the operation mode, phase type, capacity, fluid flow type, use type, and applications is expected to boost revenue generation in this segment soon. Other products offered in this market include bags & containers, filtration assemblies, cell culture products, and bioreactors accessories.

Cell culture product is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the global large and small-scale bioprocessing market with a CAGR of 15.0% 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 cell lines supports this segment's projected growth.

Application Insights

Biopharmaceuticals held the dominant position in the market with the highest revenue share of 58.6% in 2024, primarily driven by the commercial success of biologics & biosimilar for clinical use in the current scenario. In addition, pharmacists are leveraging the wide spectrum application of bioprocess engineering to develop organism-derived therapeutics, which in turn are expected to drive the growth of this segment. Moreover, companies are involved in enhancing their manufacturing capacity for biopharmaceutical development, which is expected to provide avenues of lucrative growth.

The specialty industrial chemicals are expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.7% over the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petrochemicals. In addition, bio based chemicals offer a smaller environmental footprint and are used in diverse applications such as coatings, detergents, and personal care products. Furthermore, 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 of 63.0% in 2024. The low environmental impact associated with implementing multiple-use instruments and one-time investment is the major factor attributed to its large share in the current market. In addition, they offer long-term operational stability and are preferred for large commercial bioprocesses due to lower risks of leakage and bag breakage. Furthermore, 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 of 12.4% over the forecast period due to their flexibility, reduced setup times, and lower contamination risks. In addition, they offer advantages in smaller-scale, personalized biomanufacturing, allowing quick product switches and minimizing cleaning needs. Furthermore, innovations in materials and design make them increasingly attractive for biopharmaceutical production, particularly for complex molecules such as biologics.

Mode Insights

The in-house segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 56.4% in 2024, owing to well-established international players capable of performing in-house biopharmaceutical production. In addition, the complexity of biologics is one of the major factors for keeping the manufacturing process in-house. Furthermore, companies use their in-house capabilities to maintain the secrecy of their product development processes. Moreover, in-house facilities allow for customized solutions, improved efficiency, and better integration with existing systems, supporting both large and small-scale bioprocessing operations.

The outsourced segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.6% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2030. This is due to the substantial growth in the budgets for outsourcing biomanufacturing. In the last decade, more and more biopharma companies have started to use contract manufacturers, which is now the fastest-growing segment. Besides, factors such as lack of sufficient expertise, limited capacity to perform industrial-scale bioprocess applications, and cost-saving advantages associated with contract services are expected to provide potential opportunities in the outsourcing sector.

Regional Insights

North America large and small-scale bioprocessing market dominated the global market with a revenue share of 38.0% in 2024. The dominance of this region concerning revenue generation is due to focused, cutting-edge R&D in biomanufacturing. Other key factors that influence the market's progress in this region are developed infrastructure and rising funds for bioprocessing technology. Furthermore, Increasing demand for biologics and cell therapies fuels market expansion. The region's robust healthcare infrastructure also contributes to its growth, with many major biotech companies headquartered there. Moreover, the presence of a substantial number of bio-manufacturing facilities in this region has also attributed to the large share of this segment.

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

The large and small-scale bioprocessing market in the U.S. led the North America market and accounted for the highest share in 2024, driven by high investments in biotechnology research and a developed healthcare infrastructure. The prevalence of chronic diseases treated with biopharmaceuticals and favorable government initiatives contribute to growth. In addition, the U.S. leads in biopharmaceutical R&D, driving innovation and market expansion. Its large patient population also supports demand for biologics, making it a key market for biopharmaceutical companies. Furthermore, the U.S. is home to many leading biotech firms, further enhancing its market presence.

Asia Pacific Large And Small-Scale Bioprocessing Market Trends

Asia Pacific large and small-scale bioprocessing market is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 15.8% over the forecast period. The region's economic development has led to increased investment in the healthcare sector. In addition, the growth of the population has necessitated the development of effective healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the region's large market size and growing demand for biologics also contribute to expansion. Moreover, Asia Pacific's diverse economies provide opportunities for both large and small-scale bioprocessing operations, catering to a wide range of biopharmaceutical needs.

The large and small-scale bioprocessing market in China led the Asia Pacific market and held the largest revenue share in 2024, due to its evolving biopharmaceutical landscape and government initiatives supporting innovation. In addition, investments in infrastructure and a large market size drive growth. China is transitioning from generics to innovative products, with a focus on biologics. This shift positions China as a significant player in global bioprocessing. Furthermore, China's strategic partnerships with international companies help accelerate the adoption of advanced bioprocessing technologies, further boosting its market presence.

Europe Large And Small-Scale Bioprocessing Market Trends

Europe large and small-scale bioprocessing market is expected to grow significantly from 2025 to 2030, driven by a strong regulatory framework and significant R&D investments. The region's focus on precision medicine and cell therapies supports advanced bioprocessing technologies. In addition, collaborations between industry and academia enhance market growth. Europe's well-established biopharmaceutical industry also contributes to its robust market presence. Moreover, European countries are at the forefront of adopting innovative bioprocessing solutions, ensuring high-quality products and compliance with stringent regulatory standards.

The large and small-scale bioprocessing market in the UK held the 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. Furthermore, the UK's strong intellectual property system supports the development of novel therapies. Furthermore, 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.

Key Large And Small-scale Bioprocessing Company Insights

The players in the market are undertaking strategic initiatives to retain their significant share as well as to enhance industrial share. Strategic initiatives undertaken by the companies include product line enhancement, regional expansion, distribution network reinforcement, collaborations, and merger & acquisition.

• Corning, Inc. operates in the bioprocessing segment by manufacturing a range of cell culture and bioprocess solutions. These include vessels, media, and surface treatments for scaling up both anchorage-dependent and suspension cells. Corning's products support efficient scale-up and production in bioprocessing, offering closed system solutions to reduce contamination risks.

• Sartorius AG manufactures products such as bioreactors, filtration systems, and automation technologies that support both large-scale commercial production and small-scale research and development. Sartorius's offerings are designed to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality across various bioprocessing workflows, from upstream to downstream operations.

Recent Developments

• In February 2025, Thermo Fisher Scientific is set to acquire Solventum's Purification & Filtration business for USD 4.1 billion, a strategic move to bolster its bioproduction capabilities. This acquisition enhances Thermo Fisher's offerings in both Large and Small Scale Bioprocessing by adding Solventum's innovative filtration technologies, complementing their existing cell culture media and single-use technologies. The deal, expected to close by the end of 2025, will integrate Solventum's purification and filtration solutions into Thermo Fisher's Life Sciences Solutions segment, promising better service to customers in the rapidly growing bioprocessing market, from upstream to downstream workflows in both Large and Small Scale Bioprocessing.

• In January 2025, Sartorius and McMaster University in Canada launched a new bioprocessing automation lab, enhancing biomanufacturing research and training. Sartorius contributed advanced equipment to the state-of-the-art facility, designed to accelerate developments in bioprocess modeling and simulation. The lab is expected to support training for students and industry partners, focusing on innovative solutions for both Large and Small Scale Bioprocessing. Funded in part by the Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund, this initiative aims to address talent shortages and improve the efficiency of biotherapeutics manufacturing, ultimately expanding access to life-saving treatments through advancements in large and small scale bioprocessing industry.

Large And Small-scale Bioprocessing Market Report Scope

Global Large And Small-scale Bioprocessing Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global large and small-scale bioprocessing market report based on scale, workflow, product, application, use type, mode, and region:

• Scale Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Industrial Scale (Over 50,000 Litre)

  • Small Scale (Less Than 50,000 Litre)

• Workflow Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Downstream Processing

  • Fermentation

  • Upstream Processing

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Bioreactors/Fermenters

  • Cell Culture Products

  • Filtration Assemblies

  • Bioreactors Accessories

  • Bags & Containers

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Biopharmaceuticals

  • Speciality Industrial Chemicals

  • Environmental Aids

• Use Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Multi-Use

  • Single-Use

• Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • In-house

  • Outsourced

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • 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