Metagenomics Market Size, Share, Forecast & Trends Analysis by Offering (Consumable, Instruments, Software), Technology (16S, Shotgun, Whole Genome Sequencing Microbial Sequencing), Application (Environmental, Clinical, Drug Discovery) – Forecast to 2031

The Metagenomics Market was valued at $2.13 billion in 2023. This Market is expected to reach $6.71 billion by 2031 from an estimated $2.43 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 15.6% during the forecast period of 2024-2031.

Metagenomics Market Size & Forecast

The growth of the Metagenomics Market is primarily driven by decreasing sequencing cost, increasing focus on Agri genomics, expansion of F&B industry, and surge in genome mapping programs. Furthermore, rising adoption of bioinformatics and genomic data management solutions and government initiatives supporting large-scale genomic sequencing projects are expected to generate growth opportunities for the stakeholders in this Market.

Key Findings

• By Offering: The Consumables Segment Dominated the Metagenomics Market in 2024.
• By Technology: The 16S Sequencing Segment Dominated the Metagenomics Market in 2024.
• By Application: Environmental Applications Dominated the Metagenomics Market in 2024.
• By Geography: North America Dominated the Metagenomics Market in 2024.

Metagenomics Market Growth Trends

Automation in Sequencing Technology

As the demand for high-throughput, large-scale genomic sequencing grows, automation plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of genomic research. Automation streamlines various aspects of the sequencing process, including sample preparation, DNA extraction, library preparation, and data analysis. By reducing the need for manual intervention, automation minimizes human error, ensures consistency across experiments, and accelerates the turnaround time for sequencing projects.

This trend is particularly impactful in metagenomics, where the analysis of complex microbial communities requires processing a large volume of samples with high precision. Automated sequencing platforms, such as those developed by Illumina, Thermo Fisher, and other key players, can handle high-throughput sequencing at a faster pace and with lower operational costs. Moreover, integration with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms allows for enhanced data interpretation and better decision-making, improving overall research outcomes. As automation continues to evolve, it enables researchers to conduct more comprehensive studies with higher accuracy, driving the adoption of metagenomics across various industries, including healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science. This trend is expected to lead to greater accessibility and cost-efficiency, ultimately accelerating the growth of the metagenomics market.

Portable Sequencing Instruments

Portable sequencing instruments are compact, lightweight devices, which offer mobility and ease of use, enable on-site sequencing in remote or resource-limited settings. Portable sequencers allow researchers to perform real-time sequencing and analysis in the field, without the need for complex, stationary laboratory equipment. This capability is particularly valuable in areas like environmental monitoring, public health surveillance, and point-of-care diagnostics, where quick, accessible genomic data is crucial.

The development of portable sequencing instruments is also enhancing the speed and accessibility of metagenomic applications. Researchers can now analyse microbial communities in diverse environments, such as soil, water, or even human samples, on-site, leading to faster decision-making and reducing delays associated with transporting samples to centralized labs. Moreover, the growing affordability and user-friendliness of these devices are helping metagenomics, making genomic research more accessible to smaller institutions, field researchers, and clinicians. As portable sequencing technology advances and becomes more widely adopted, it is expected to drive the expansion of metagenomic applications in real-time diagnostics, epidemiology, and environmental studies, further accelerating the growth of the metagenomics market.

Metagenomics Market Opportunities

Government Initiatives Supporting Large-scale Genomic Sequencing Projects

Large-scale genomic sequencing projects have significantly boosted the metagenomics market by providing vast amounts of data that highlight the importance of studying complex microbial communities. These projects, which involve sequencing the genetic material of entire ecosystems, have expanded the scope of metagenomics, leading to rapid growth in both research and commercial applications.

As these initiatives expand, they create increased demand for metagenomic tools and solutions to analyze, interpret, and apply vast amounts of genomic data. The collaboration between governments, research institutions, and industry players further enhances innovation and adoption of metagenomics technologies in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and drug development. For instance;

• In June 2023, Oxford Nanopore Technologies Plc. (U.K.) collaborated with Zheijiang Digena Diagnostic Technology Co. Ltd (China) and Wuhan Dgensee Clinical Laboratory Co., Ltd (China) to develop nanopore sequencing as an IVD test for metagenomics, infectious disease, oncology, and other conditions
• In September 2020, the U.K. government published ‘Genome UK, the Future of Healthcare,’ a 10-year strategy to create the most advanced genomic healthcare system.
• in October 2022, NHS England published its first genomics strategy for embedding genomics in the NHS for the next five years. NHS England also announced that during 2023- 2024, the NHS will establish Genomic Networks of Excellence to bring together system partners to deliver genomic research from bench to bedside.
• In April 2022, Genomic Medicine Sweden and the Danish National Genome Center signed an agreement to advance genomics and precision medicine and its implementation in healthcare.

As these projects continue to evolve, they will further expand the scope and impact of metagenomics, creating new opportunities for research, innovation, and commercialization.

Metagenomics Market Analysis: Top Market Opportunity

By Offerings: in 2024, the consumables segment is expected to Dominate the Metagenomics Market

In 2024, the consumables segment is expected to account for the largest share of 52.4% of the global metagenomics market. Technological advancements in reagents and kits, the development of user-friendly kits, and the adoption of metagenomics kits in research laboratories are factors contributing to the segment’s large share. Assay kits are pre-packaged sets of materials and reagents used for performing tests. Using these kits requires minimal training, making them ideal for use in settings lacking trained laboratory technicians and lab instruments. The recurring use of consumables, the rising demand for microbial gene profiling, and the increasing applications of metagenomics in human microbiome mapping and drug discovery are driving the demand for consumables.

The use of metagenomics kits is also increasing gradually in diagnostic settings. For instance, in March 2024, Microba Life Sciences (Australia) launched the MetaPanel. The panel is a metagenomic diagnostic test for diagnosing common and difficult-to-identify gastrointestinal pathogens causing infection. The panel launch was a part of the company's agreement with Sonic Healthcare Limited (Australia) to provide the company's advanced gastrointestinal pathogen test, MetaPanel, in Australia.

By Application: in 2024, Environmental Application segment is expected to Dominate the Metagenomics Market

Based on application, the Metagenomics Market is segmented into environmental applications, clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, biotechnology, and other applications. In 2024, the environmental applications segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Metagenomics Market. The large share of this segment is attributed to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural activities. Growing urbanization and industrialization have resulted in the production and release of a variety of harmful organic and inorganic pollutants into the environment. These harmful substances build up and survive for lengthy periods, degrading the surrounding environment. This creates a demand for metagenomic solutions for environmental research purposes.

However, the drug discovery segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. The increasing usage by the researchers for discovering novel bioactive compounds and metabolic pathways, contributing to the development of new drugs as conventional culture-based methods lack the ability to capture the full microbial spectrum. These characteristics are particularly significant for discovering antibiotics to combat growing drug resistance. These factors contribute to the fastest growth of the segment.

Geographic Analysis

North America to Dominate the Metagenomics Market in 2024

In 2024, North America is estimated to account for the largest share and highest growth of the global Metagenomics Market. The region’s large share of the Metagenomics Market is primarily attributed to High number of research institutes, universities, and organizations, and presence of key market players in the market. Furthermore, the growing focus on the development of personalized medicines and increasing research activities in the field of microbial genomics are driving the demand for metagenomics products in the region. Additionally, advancements in sequencing technology and declining cost of sequencing technology are further expected to drive the metagenomics market in the region.

Metagenomics Market: Key Companies

The report includes a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the Component offerings, geographic presence, and key strategic developments of leading Market players (2021–2024). The key players operating in the Metagenomics Market are Illumina, Inc. (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland), Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. (U.S.), QIAGEN N.V. (Netherlands), Revvity, Inc. (U.S.), Oxford Nanopore Technologies Plc. (U.K.), Takara Bio, Inc.  (Japan), Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.  (U.S.), Agilent Technologies, Inc.  (U.S.), 10X GENOMICS, INC. (U.S.), Promega Corporation (U.S.), Cantata Bio, LLC, and Zymo Research Corporation (U.S.).

Metagenomics Market Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In June 2024, Illumina Inc. launched integrated chemistry XLEAP-SBS into the reagents used with NextSeq 1000 and NextSeq 2000 Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) instruments to help improve sequencing procedures with faster run times and high output.
• In April 2024, Oxford Nanopore Technologies collaborated with BugSeq (U.S.) a bioinformatics platform to deliver rapid and accurate analysis solution for microbiology labs. The aim is to gain insights from vast genomic data including pathogen identification and antimicrobial resistance profiling.
• In January 2024, QIAGEN collaborated with Penn State University (U.S.) to develop a shared research and education facility for the fast-developing microbiome sciences. QIAGEN will provide instruments and solutions for the shared research and education facility at Huck Institutes (U.S.) to support the One Health Microbiome Center.
• In September 2023, Pacific Biosciences collaborated with leading library preparation automation partners Hamilton (U.S.), Integra (India), Revvity (U.S.), and Tecan (Switzerland) to offer automated library prep workflows for whole genome sequencing. These protocols were made for PacBio’s Revio and Sequel II and IIe systems.
• In February 2023, Bio-Rad partnered with Element Biosciences, Inc. (U.S.) to develop a new sequencing platform that uses the capabilities of the Bio-Rad SEQuoia RNA Sequencing Library Preparation portfolio on the Element AVITI Benchtop Sequencer.

Metagenomics Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the metagenomics market report: