The global forensic technologies market size reached USD 23.5 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 53.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6% during 2025-2033. The rising crime rates, increasing government funding and support, ongoing advancements in DNA testing, and growing number of forensic laboratories, are primarily driving the market's growth.
Forensic Technologies Market Analysis:
Major Market Drivers: An alarmingly increasing crime rate is one of the key factors driving the forensic technologies market growth. Furthermore, the sophistication and finesse in the crimes committed are further contributing to the high demand for advanced forensic technologies for investigating and solving cases across various industries, including banking, healthcare, and telecommunications.
Key Market Trends: The rapid development of DNA testing technology is driving the market's growth. Moreover, the implementation of favorable government policies and funding to support forensic research and development (R&D) is also expected to positively impact the industry growth.
Competitive Landscape: Some of the prominent forensic technologies market companies include Agilent Technologies, GE Healthcare, LGC, Promega, IDEMIA, Canon, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Shimadzu Corp, NetBio, SCIEX, Forensic Fluids Laboratories, NMS Labs, Eurofins Medigenomix GmbH, Forensic Pathways, and Pyramidal Technologies Ltd., among many others.
Geographical Trends: According to the forensic technologies market dynamics, North America acquires a prominent share of the market due to its advanced infrastructure, extensive research and development in forensic science, and strong governmental support for law enforcement agencies. Moreover, Europe is another significant region in the forensic technologies market, with a strong focus on adopting advanced forensic tools to address the increasing number of cybercrimes and terrorist activities.
Challenges and Opportunities: The high cost of advanced forensic technologies and the shortage of skilled forensic professionals are hampering the market's growth. However, continued advancements in DNA sequencing, fingerprinting, and facial recognition offer significant opportunities for forensic technology providers. The increasing use of DNA databases, especially in cold case investigations, is driving the demand.
Forensic Technologies Market Trends:
Rising Crime Rates
The increasing crime rates are potentially driving the growth in the forensic technologies market. There has been a significant increase in violent crimes across various regions. For instance, according to Statista, violent crimes in France increased to approximately 384,100 in 2023 compared to the previous year, when there were 353,600 offenses. These crimes often require advanced forensic technology for accurate evidence collection and analysis, helping to solve cases more effectively. These factors are expected to propel the forensic technologies market share in the coming years.
Government Initiatives and Funding
Government support through funding for forensic laboratories and crime investigation agencies is a significant driver of market growth. Many countries are investing in improving forensic infrastructure and acquiring modern equipment. For instance, in June 2024, the Union Cabinet of India approved the Ministry of Home Affairs' proposal for the Central Sector Scheme "National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES)," with a total financial outlay of INR 2254.43 crore from 2024-25 to 2028-29. These factors further positively influence the forensic technologies market forecast.
Technological Innovations
Emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and automation, are enhancing forensic capabilities, such as automated evidence analysis, crime scene reconstruction, and pattern recognition. For instance, in March 2024, Veritone, Inc., unveiled its new Intelligent Digital Evidence Management System, which uses artificial intelligence to modernize existing digital evidence management systems. These innovations are pushing the boundaries of traditional forensic methods, thereby boosting the forensic technologies market revenue.
Global Forensic Technologies Industry Segmentation:
Breakup by Product:
Digital & Computer Forensics
Ballistic Forensics
DNA Testing
Biometrics
Others
According to the forensic technologies market outlook, the increasing prevalence of cybercrime, such as hacking, identity theft, online fraud, ransomware attacks, and data breaches, is one of the major drivers of demand for digital and computer forensics. Moreover, the increase in firearm-related crimes, particularly in countries experiencing high levels of gun violence, is a significant demand driver for ballistic forensics. Besides this, DNA testing is crucial for solving violent crimes like homicides, sexual assaults, and kidnappings. The use of DNA analysis to link suspects to crime scenes and solve cold cases is a major driver of demand, especially as more backlogged cases are reopened.
Breakup by Service:
Laboratory Forensics
DNA Testing
Drug Testing
Biometrics
Others
Forensic Consulting
According to the forensic technologies market overview, laboratory forensics refers to the scientific analysis of physical evidence in a controlled lab environment. This includes DNA analysis, toxicology, chemical analysis, ballistics, and more. The rising crime rates, particularly violent crimes, drive the need for extensive laboratory analysis. DNA profiling, toxicology testing, ballistics, and other lab-based forensic services are essential for criminal investigations, leading to increased demand for forensic laboratories. Moreover, forensic consulting involves the provision of expert analysis and testimony by forensic scientists, investigators, and specialists in various legal matters. As legal cases become more complex, both in criminal and civil courts, there is a growing need for forensic consultants who can provide expert testimony and clarify technical evidence for judges and juries.
Breakup by Technique:
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Capillary Electrophoresis
Next-Generation Sequencing
Rapid DNA Analysis
Automated Liquid Handling Technology
Microarrays
Others
PCR is fundamental in amplifying trace amounts of DNA found at crime scenes (e.g., blood, hair, saliva) to generate DNA profiles, which are used to identify suspects or victims. Moreover, capillary electrophoresis is the standard for STR analysis, a critical component in forensic DNA profiling used for matching suspects to crime scene DNA or confirming familial relationships. Besides this, NGS is highly effective in analysing complex DNA mixtures often found at crime scenes, such as multiple contributors in sexual assault cases or public environments. Furthermore, the rapid DNA analysis enables real-time identification of suspects at crime scenes, reducing the time needed to process evidence in labs and speeding up investigations.
Breakup by Application:
Pharmacogenetics
Biodefense & Bio-Surveillance
Judicial and Law Enforcement
Others
Pharmacogenetics is crucial in forensic investigations to determine whether an individual's genetic profile contributed to drug toxicity or adverse reactions, especially in overdose or drug-related death cases. Moreover, pharmacogenetics is crucial in forensic investigations to determine whether an individual's genetic profile contributed to drug toxicity or adverse reactions, especially in overdose or drug-related death cases. Furthermore, the ongoing need for early detection of infectious disease outbreaks or potential bioterrorism agents, drives the demand for forensic technologies in bio-surveillance. Tools like PCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) are essential for pathogen identification and tracking mutations. Besides this, judicial and law enforcement agencies rely heavily on forensic technologies to investigate crimes, gather evidence, and uphold justice. Demand for these technologies continues to grow due to advances in DNA analysis, digital forensics, and the need for quicker, more accurate processing of evidence.
Breakup by Region:
North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Middle East and Africa
Latin America
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.
According to the forensic technologies market statistics, North America holds a significant share of the forensic technologies market, due to its large criminal justice system, well-established forensic laboratories, and strong government funding for law enforcement and public safety initiatives. Moreover, Europe is a strong market for forensic technologies, driven by high investments in law enforcement, security initiatives, and judicial reforms. The region has stringent legal frameworks that encourage the adoption of advanced forensic methods. Apart from this, the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the forensic technologies market, driven by increasing crime rates, terrorism threats, and government investments in law enforcement infrastructure.
Competitive Landscape:
The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major market companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:
Agilent Technologies
GE Healthcare
LGC
Promega
IDEMIA
Canon
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Bio-Rad Laboratories
Shimadzu Corp
NetBio
SCIEX
Forensic Fluids Laboratories
NMS Labs
Eurofins Medigenomix GmbH
Forensic Pathways
Pyramidal Technologies Ltd
Key Questions Answered in This Report:
How has the global forensic technologies market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
What are the key regional markets in the global forensic technologies industry?
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global forensic technologies market?
What is the breakup of the market based on the product?
What is the breakup of the market based on the service?
What is the breakup of the market based on the technique?
What is the breakup of the market based on the application?
What are the various stages in the value chain of the global forensic technologies industry?
What are the key driving factors and challenges in the global forensic technologies industry?
What is the structure of the global forensic technologies industry and who are the key players?
What is the degree of competition in the global forensic technologies industry?