Market Size of Microbial Fermentation Technology Industry
Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
Market Size (2024) | USD 35.28 Billion |
Market Size (2029) | USD 46.93 Billion |
CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 5.88 % |
Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
Largest Market | North America |
Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Microbial Fermentation Technology Market Analysis
The Microbial Fermentation Technology Market size is estimated at USD 35.28 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 46.93 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.88% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The number of biotechnologically derived medications that are available to treat a wide range of illnesses, such as various cancers, diabetes mellitus, and infectious diseases (such as the AIDS virus/HIV), as well as cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory, and autoimmune diseases, has increased exponentially in recent years. This is expected to drive the market as microbial fermentation is one of the major processes in the production of various active substances in biotech-based drugs.
The biotechnology industry, which is experiencing growth, is a valuable ally for the pharmaceutical industry in its search for novel compounds. Hence, there is increasing demand for biotech-based drugs owing to factors like increasing chronic diseases and the availability of a wide range of products. For instance, according to the Pharmacy Journal published in January 2024, there was a significant uptake in the utilization of several cancer-related products, with some categories achieving 80.0% of biosimilar share. Thus, biotech companies are increasingly using microbial fermentation to produce therapeutic proteins, vaccines, and other biopharmaceuticals. This technology is essential for the large-scale production of biologics that are crucial for treating various diseases, thereby boosting market growth.
Modern fermentation processes now utilize real-time data analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation. These technologies optimize fermentation conditions, leading to enhanced yields, reduced production times, and improved product quality. For instance, in September 2024, Culture Biosciences, known for its automated bioprocess development tools, forged a strategic partnership with Google Cloud. This collaboration is aimed at merging Culture's real-time data monitoring and cloud-linked bioreactors with Google's Gemini AI and other sophisticated data tools. The partnership will unfold in three phases, focusing on investments in cloud computing infrastructure and AI tools, all to democratize early upstream process development. Thus, integration with AI technology is expected to result in increased scale-up and manufacturing, thereby boosting market growth.
Similarly, advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology have led to the development of more robust and efficient microbial strains. For instance, in March 2023, researchers at Imperial College London harnessed artificial intelligence (AI) to refine yeast strains, pushing the boundaries of precision fermentation. Their goal is to unlock the technology's vast potential in both pharmaceutical and food production. Precision fermentation employs genetically modified yeasts and other microorganisms to produce tailored molecules. This technology has garnered traction among startups eager to leverage it to develop cost-effective products. These technological advancements are driving innovations across various industries, including pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and improvements in the efficiency, scalability, and sustainability of microbial fermentation processes are anticipated to bolster market growth.
Hence, increasing demand for biotech-based drugs and technological advancements in microbial fermentation technologies are anticipated to drive market growth over the forecast period. However, high initial investments and consistency and scalability issues are expected to hamper market growth.