DNA Forensics Market Size, Share, and Trends 2024 to 2033

DNA Forensics Market Size and Manufacturers

The global DNA forensics market size was valued at USD 2.79 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach around USD 5.52 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.05% from 2024 to 2033. Next-generation sequencing and the expanding utility of DNA databases drive growth in the DNA forensics market. Rising awareness of the efficacy of DNA evidence in criminal investigations, coupled with increasing demand for accurate identification methods, further accelerates the adoption of DNA forensics in law enforcement and civil applications.

Key Takeaways

• North America led the largest market share of 42% in 2023.
• Asia Pacific is projected to expand at the fastest rate during the forecast period of 2024-2033.
• By solutions, the analyzers and sequencers segment is observed to grow at a notable rate during the forecast period.
• By method, the PCR amplification segment held the largest share of the market in 2023.
• By method, the capillary electrophoresis segment is expected to show substantial growth during the forecast period.
• By application type, the paternity and familial testing segment held the dominating share of the market in 2023.
• By application type, the criminal testing segment represents another highly influential segment for the forecast period.

DNA Forensics Market Size in U.S. 2024 to 2033

The U.S. DNA forensics market size reached USD 820 million in 2023 and is predicted to be worth around USD 1,630 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 7.11% from 2024 to 2033.

North America led the highest market share of 42% in 2023. North America has traditionally dominated the market, boasting advanced infrastructure, robust regulatory frameworks, and substantial investments in forensic technologies. The region’s strong emphasis on law enforcement and justice systems, coupled with high awareness levels about the importance of DNA evidence, has propelled the adoption of DNA forensics solutions. Additionally, North America houses some of the leading players in the DNA forensics industry, further consolidating its dominance in the market.

Asia-Pacific is expected to witness growth at a significant rate in the DNA forensics market during the forecast period of 2024-2033. The region is emerging as a key player in the market, fueled by rapid technological advancements, increasing forensic capabilities, and rising awareness about the importance of DNA analysis in criminal investigations. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are witnessing significant growth in the adoption of DNA forensics technologies, driven by expanding forensic facilities, growing investments in research and development, and improving regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of criminal activities and the need for effective law enforcement tools are driving the demand for DNA forensics solutions in the region.

DNA Forensics Market Overview

DNA forensics refers to the application of genetic analysis techniques in the field of criminal investigations, identification of human remains, paternity testing, and other related areas. With advancements in technology, DNA profiling has become a cornerstone of forensic science, offering unparalleled accuracy and reliability in identifying individuals based on their unique genetic makeup. This has led to significant growth in the global DNA forensics market, driven by increasing demand from law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and research institutions.

The DNA forensics market encompasses various products and services, including DNA extraction kits, amplification kits, DNA sequencing services, and software for data analysis. Additionally, the adoption of automated DNA analysis systems and next-generation sequencing technologies has further propelled market growth, allowing for faster and more efficient processing of forensic samples. Moreover, the rising prevalence of criminal activities, coupled with the growing awareness about the importance of DNA evidence in solving crimes, is expected to fuel the expansion of the DNA forensics market in the coming years.

The applications of DNA forensics extend beyond law enforcement to areas such as ancestry testing, immigration testing, and wildlife conservation. In recent years, the use of DNA profiling in civil cases, such as disputes over paternity and inheritance, has also increased, contributing to the diversification of the market. Overall, the DNA forensics market is poised for steady growth, driven by technological advancements, expanding applications, and the continuous demand for accurate and reliable genetic analysis tools in various fields.

Growth Factors

The continuous evolution of technology has significantly enhanced the capabilities of DNA analysis techniques. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, such as massively parallel sequencing, have revolutionized the field by enabling rapid and cost-effective analysis of DNA samples. These technological innovations have not only improved the efficiency of forensic investigations but have also expanded the range of applications, driving growth in the DNA forensics market.

The increasing prevalence of criminal activities and the need for effective law enforcement tools have propelled the demand for DNA forensics solutions. Law enforcement agencies around the world are increasingly relying on DNA evidence to solve cold cases, identify suspects, and exonerate the innocent. The high accuracy and reliability of DNA profiling make it an invaluable tool in criminal investigations, contributing to the growth of the market.

The growing awareness among the general public about the importance of DNA evidence has led to greater acceptance and utilization of DNA forensics services. Television shows, documentaries, and media coverage of high-profile cases have played a significant role in educating the public about the capabilities of DNA analysis in solving crimes. As a result, individuals are more willing to undergo DNA testing for various purposes, including ancestry testing, paternity testing, and participation in genetic genealogy databases, further driving market growth.

The expansion of forensic DNA databases and international collaboration efforts have facilitated information sharing and cross-border cooperation in forensic investigations. The interoperability of DNA databases allows law enforcement agencies to compare DNA profiles across jurisdictions, increasing the likelihood of identifying suspects and solving cases. This global networking has led to greater standardization of DNA forensic practices and contributed to the overall growth of the DNA forensics market.

DNA Forensics Market Scope

DNA Forensics Market Dynamics

Drivers

Legislative mandates

One of the key drivers shaping the DNA forensics market dynamics is the implementation of legislative mandates. Governments worldwide are increasingly enacting laws and regulations mandating the collection, storage, and utilization of DNA profiles for criminal identification purposes. These regulations often require law enforcement agencies to expand their DNA databases and conduct routine DNA testing on individuals arrested or convicted of certain crimes.

Regulatory initiatives focus on ensuring the quality and reliability of DNA analysis procedures, driving the adoption of standardized protocols and accredited forensic laboratories. The stringent regulatory environment not only creates a demand for DNA forensics products and services but also fosters innovation in compliance solutions and quality assurance measures.

Technological advancements and automation

DNA forensics market is the continuous advancement of technology and automation in genetic analysis techniques. Innovations such as next-generation sequencing, microfluidic systems, and robotic sample processing have revolutionized the field by enabling faster, more accurate, and high-throughput DNA analysis.

These technological developments not only streamline forensic workflows and reduce turnaround times but also lower operational costs and increase scalability. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms into DNA analysis software enhances data interpretation and decision-making, further driving the adoption of automated DNA forensics solutions. As technology continues to evolve, market players are focusing on developing cutting-edge tools and platforms that improve forensic capabilities and meet the growing demands of law enforcement and investigative agencies.

• In May 2022, Promega launched the Spectrum CE System, offering forensic laboratories a novel option for capillary electrophoresis (CE) instrumentation to streamline human identification in criminal and database cases. The system addresses historical limitations by providing unmatched flexibility, eliminating scheduling challenges, and supporting chemistry from key vendors for STR analysis.

Restraint

Regulatory hurdles

One significant restraint facing the DNA forensics market is regulatory hurdles related to privacy and data protection. As DNA analysis becomes more widespread, concerns about the ethical and legal implications of storing and sharing genetic information have grown. Regulations governing the collection, storage, and use of DNA samples vary between countries and regions, leading to complexities and uncertainties for companies operating in the DNA forensics sector.

Strict compliance with these regulations adds additional costs and administrative burdens to businesses, hindering market expansion. Furthermore, public apprehension regarding potential misuse or unauthorized access to genetic data has led to calls for tighter regulations and increased oversight, further complicating the regulatory landscape. Addressing these regulatory challenges will be crucial for the sustained growth of the DNA forensics market as companies navigate the complex legal framework while striving to maintain public trust and confidence in their services.

Opportunities

Expansion of civil applications

Beyond its traditional use in criminal investigations, the DNA forensics market presents significant opportunities in civil applications such as ancestry testing, immigration verification, and identification of human remains in mass disasters. As public awareness of DNA technology increases and regulatory frameworks evolve to accommodate civil uses, the market for DNA forensics is poised for substantial growth. Companies specializing in DNA analysis services can capitalize on these emerging opportunities by diversifying their offerings and targeting new customer segments.

Unlocking genetic insights

The growing interest in personalized medicine and genetic testing presents an opportunity for DNA forensics companies to expand into the healthcare sector. By leveraging their expertise in DNA analysis, these companies can provide valuable insights into individuals’ genetic predispositions to diseases, response to medications, and ancestry.

Collaborations with healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies can facilitate the integration of DNA forensics into medical practice, opening up new revenue streams and positioning DNA forensics firms as key players in the genomics market.

Solution Insights

The analyzers and sequencers segment is observed to witness a notable rate of growth during the forecast period. Analyzers and sequencers are widely adopted along with technological advancements in the industry. The growth of the segment in the industry can be attributed to the evident application of analyzers and sequencers as they play a crucial role in analyzing and sequencing DNA samples, which are essential steps in forensic investigations. These instruments allow forensic scientists to accurately examine DNA evidence, identify suspects, and solve crimes more efficiently. Their precision, speed, and reliability make them indispensable tools in forensic laboratories worldwide.

Method Insights

The PCR amplification segment dominated the DNA forensics market in 2023. Capillary electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size and charge. It offers high resolution and sensitivity, allowing forensic analysts to analyze DNA samples accurately, even in complex mixtures. CE is particularly valuable in DNA profiling, where it is used to generate DNA profiles from forensic samples such as blood, saliva, or hair follicles found at crime scenes. Its ability to separate and detect DNA fragments quickly and efficiently makes it an indispensable tool in forensic laboratories.

The capillary electrophoresis segment is expected to show notable growth in the DNA forensics market during the forecast period. PCR amplification, on the other hand, is essential for amplifying specific regions of DNA from minute samples. This technique allows forensic scientists to generate sufficient DNA material for analysis from limited or degraded samples commonly encountered in forensic casework. PCR amplification is widely used in forensic DNA analysis for tasks such as STR (short tandem repeat) typing, which is the basis for DNA profiling in forensic investigations. Its sensitivity, specificity, and speed make PCR amplification an essential component of DNA forensics workflows.

Application Insights

The criminal testing segment dominated the DNA forensics market with the largest share in 2023. Criminal testing involves the use of DNA analysis to identify individuals involved in criminal activities, link suspects to crime scenes, and exonerate innocent individuals. DNA evidence plays a pivotal role in solving crimes by providing irrefutable identification of suspects, corroborating witness testimony, and establishing connections between perpetrators and victims. The accuracy and reliability of DNA profiling make it a cornerstone of forensic investigations, ensuring fair and just outcomes in criminal cases. As a result, law enforcement agencies worldwide rely heavily on DNA forensics to apprehend criminals and ensure public safety.

The paternity and familial testing segment is expected to show the fastest growth in the DNA forensics market during the forecast period. Paternity and familial testing, on the other hand, address issues related to biological relationships and familial lineage. Paternity testing is commonly used to determine biological parentage in legal disputes, child support cases, and inheritance claims. Similarly, familial testing is utilized to establish relationships between individuals in cases where direct biological samples are unavailable or inconclusive. These tests provide invaluable insights into family dynamics, legal rights, and medical histories, offering peace of mind and resolution in sensitive personal matters. The accuracy and sensitivity of DNA testing technologies make them indispensable tools in paternity and familial testing, ensuring reliable results and fostering trust in the outcomes.

Recent Developments

• In April 2023, StarMed Healthcare introduced a private forensic DNA lab, aiding in the expedited resolution of sexual assault cases. Arin Piramzadian, Starmed’s Chief Medical Officer, announces collaboration with local and state agencies nationwide. The lab’s launch marks a pivotal step towards enhancing efficiency and cooperation in forensic investigations.
• In November 2023, The STRmix team unveiled the latest iteration of their revolutionary software, STRmix™ version 2.11. Boasting improvements in memory usage and model enhancements, the highlight is the integration of Amelogenin into deconvolution and likelihood ratio calculations. This update enhances the software’s ability to resolve complex DNA samples, aiding forensic investigations.

DNA Forensics Market Companies

• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• Abbott
• Beckman Coulter Inc
• Promega Corporation
• VERISIS, Bode Cellmark Foresics Inc
• Bio-Rad Laboratories
• Qiagen
• Illumina Inc
• GORDIZ
• LabWare
• LabVantage Solution Inc.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Solutions

• Kits
• Analyzers and Sequencers
• Software
  • Laboratory Information Management Systems
  • Others
• Consumables

By Method

• Capillary Electrophoresis
• Next Generation Sequencing
• PCR Amplification

By Application

• Criminal Testing
• Paternity and Familial Testing
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa