The digital PCR and real-time PCR market size is projected to reach US$ 17.54 billion by 2031 from US$ 9.55 billion in 2024. The market is estimated to register a CAGR of 9.1% during 2025–2031. The development of droplet digital PCR is likely to bring new trends to the market in the coming years.

Digital PCR and Real-Time PCR Market Analysis

The market for digital PCR (dPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR) is witnessing high growth, fueled by the growing need for accurate and sensitive diagnostic instruments in molecular biology. Both dPCR and qPCR are essential for the detection and measurement of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA. They play a critical role in different applications, including genetic studies, pathogen identification, and cancer research. Improvements in dPCR, especially chip and droplet-based technology, increase sensitivity and precision and are a favorite for clinical diagnostics. qPCR, on the other hand, is also gaining more popularity because it can offer real-time monitoring of amplification, a requirement that immediate applications demand. The increasing incidence of genetic diseases and infectious diseases further drives the demand for these new molecular methods, providing tremendous scope for innovation and investment in the market. As leaders continue to innovate with advanced solutions, the face of molecular diagnostics is going to change, providing improved functionality for researchers and healthcare professionals. The Asia Pacific region is emerging as a particularly lucrative market, driven by high unmet clinical needs, increasing healthcare expenditure, and untapped opportunities. Furthermore, the transition from traditional diagnostic methods to more advanced genome-based approaches is expected to create profitable avenues for growth in both dPCR and qPCR sectors.

Digital PCR and Real-Time PCR Market Overview

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a nearly ubiquitous, robust, and reliable technology used in most molecular biology labs to amplify specific stretches of DNA for genotyping, cloning, and analysis of single nucleotide variations. It even serves as the basis for most next-generation sequencing (NGS) preparation. Technological advancements are yielding different types of PCR techniques. The use of PCR technology has now been explored into several non-conventional applications, making molecular diagnosis easier and faster. In particular, advancements in digital and real-time PCR are used to diagnose diseases, identify viruses and bacteria, and aid forensic investigations.

Moreover, the researchers are trying to reduce test time using some nanomaterials. In March 2023, the Center for Augmented Safety System with Intelligence, Sensing of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, President: Seok Jin Yoon) announced the development of an ultrafast PCR technology by Dr. Sang Kyung Kim (Director) and Dr. Seungwon Jung's research team. The ultrafast PCR reduces the test duration by ten times compared to the previous test by utilizing photothermal nanomaterials. The diagnostic performance of the new method is similar to the current test method, and it can be completed in just 5 minutes.

In September 2021, Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, launched the Applied Biosystems QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System, the first fully integrated digital PCR (dPCR) system designed to provide highly accurate and consistent results within 90 minutes.

Thus, technological advancements in PCR technologies propel the digital PCR and real-time PCR market growth.

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Digital PCR and Real-Time PCR Market: Strategic Insights

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Digital PCR and Real-Time PCR Market Drivers and Opportunities

Rising Investments and Funds for Gene Synthesis and PCR Technologies

Gene synthesis is the most accepted tool in the fields of recombinant DNA technology, which includes recombinant protein production and PCR technology for amplification and quantification purposes. In 2021, Camena Bioscience, a synthetic biology startup that supplies genes to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, completed a US$ 10 million Series A funding round headed by Mercia. With the additional funds, the company will expand operations and keep developing gSynth, its ground-breaking DNA synthesis platform. The technology platform and other related resources help the company to accelerate the development of gene synthesis. Companies have also increased their research and development funds to enhance gene synthesis.

In 2023, EVONETIX LTD, a synthetic biology company, raised an additional US$ 24 million in funding. The investment will support the development of Evonetix’s semiconductor chips and gene assembly technology, which aims to provide accurate, gene-length DNA through a benchtop device. This technology has the potential to transform DNA preparation for applications in pharma, biotech, food, agriculture, and data storage.

In December 2024, Amped PCR, a mid-Wales-based startup that was developing DNA testing technology, received an equity investment of US$ 452,252.50 from the Development Bank of Wales.

In 2024, Stilla Technologies, a startup leading innovation in digital PCR, raised US$ 26.5 million in Series C funding to accelerate the commercialization of its digital PCR platform.

Thus, the rising investments and funding in gene synthesis and PCR technologies fuel the growth of the global digital PCR and real-time PCR market.

Growing Adoption of PCR Methods in Emerging Countries

In recent years, molecular methods such as PCR have evolved as diagnostic technology. The method enables healthcare professionals to diagnose a wide range of infectious diseases accurately and is considered an indispensable research and diagnostic tool. PCR allows the generation of millions of DNA copies from one single strand of DNA. It also allows early diagnosis of disease and hence plays an essential role in disease control. PCR gives reproducible results that are comparable between different laboratories and hence are accepted worldwide. According to the World Health Organization Report on the Establishment of PCR Laboratory in Developing Countries 2016, WHO is providing necessary technical assistance to establish PCR laboratories in all 11 member states of the WHO South East Asia countries. The laboratories will help in providing high-quality medical care. These PCR laboratories have adopted different PCR technologies, such as reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), multiplex PCR, real-time PCR, In-situ PCR, and digital PCR (dPCR), depending on their need. Due to its simple, rapid, and highly specific screening of diseases and increasing application in clinical microbiology, virology, parasitology, biotechnology, and allied fields, the demand for digital PCR and real-time PCR is expected to increase in developing countries, providing lucrative opportunities for the market growth during the forecast period.

Digital PCR and Real-Time PCR Market Report Segmentation Analysis

Key segments that contributed to the derivation of the digital PCR and real-time PCR market analysis are product and services, applications, end user, type, and geography.

• Based on product and services, the digital PCR and real-time PCR market is segmented into instruments, reagents and consumables, and software and services. The reagents and consumables segment held the largest share of the digital PCR and real-time PCR market in 2024, and it is expected to register a significant CAGR during 2024–2031.
• By applications, the market is categorized into infectious diseases testing, oncology testing, blood screening, transplant diagnostics, and others. The infectious diseases testing segment held the largest share of the digital PCR and real-time PCR market in 2024.
• Based on end user, the digital PCR and real-time PCR market is segmented into hospitals and diagnostic centers, research laboratories and academic institutes, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, clinical research organizations, and forensic laboratories. The hospitals and diagnostic centers segment held the largest share of the digital PCR and real-time PCR market in 2024, and it is expected to register a significant CAGR during 2024–2031.
• By type, the market is categorized into digital PCR and real-time PCR. The real-time PCR segment held a larger share of the digital PCR and real-time PCR market in 2024.

Digital PCR and Real-Time PCR Market Share Analysis by Geography

The geographic scope of the digital PCR and real-time PCR Market report is mainly divided into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America. The North America digital PCR and real-time PCR market is expanding rapidly, driven by a growing need for advanced molecular diagnostics, particularly in cancer detection, infectious disease testing, and genetic research. With a well-established healthcare system, significant government funding, and continuous advancements in biotechnology, the region has become a global leader in PCR adoption. One of the most significant factors fueling this growth is the rising cancer burden. According to the American Cancer Society (2025), an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in the US in 2022, with 609,360 deaths attributed to the disease. PCR technology plays a vital role in early cancer detection, identifying genetic mutations, and monitoring treatment response, all of which are critical for improving survival rates. The demand for high-sensitivity tests, such as liquid biopsies using dPCR, has surged, helping detect rare mutations in blood samples without invasive procedures. Beyond oncology, PCR is extensively used in infectious disease diagnostics, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of rapid, accurate testing. Hospitals and diagnostic labs are investing in point-of-care (PoC) PCR devices, allowing quicker disease detection in emergency settings and remote locations. Pharmaceutical and biotech companies are also integrating PCR into drug development and personalized medicine, leveraging its precision to identify biomarkers and tailor patient treatments. While qPCR remains the dominant technology, dPCR is gaining ground due to its unmatched accuracy in detecting low-abundance DNA and RNA sequences. This makes it particularly useful in areas such as rare disease research, forensic testing, and environmental monitoring. However, challenges such as high equipment costs, complex regulatory approvals, and the need for specialized training have slowed widespread adoption. A dPCR system can exceed US$ 100,000, making it unaffordable for smaller labs and research centers. Despite these hurdles, North America continues to lead the global digital PCR and real-time PCR market, driven by cutting-edge research, increasing automation, and the growing adoption of AI-powered data analysis. As the healthcare industry moves toward more personalized and precision-driven treatments, PCR will remain at the forefront, offering faster and more reliable diagnostic solutions that improve patient outcomes.

Digital PCR and Real-Time PCR Market Report Scope

Digital PCR and Real-Time PCR Market News and Recent Developments

The digital PCR and real-time PCR Market is evaluated by gathering qualitative and quantitative data post primary and secondary research, which includes important corporate publications, association data, and databases. A few of the key developments in the market are listed below:

• bioMérieux launched GENE-UP TYPER, an innovative diagnostic solution for food industries to rapidly analyze the root cause of contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. GENE-UP TYPER is a real-time PCR solution for rapid strain characterization of microorganisms, for use on bioMérieux’s GENE-UP system. This easy-to-use automated food pathogen detection solution helps speed up the decision-making process by providing faster insights on strain identity. (Source: bioMérieux, Company Website, February 2025)
• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. announced that the company has entered into a binding offer to purchase all equity interests in Stilla Technologies (“Stilla”). The acquisition remains subject to consultation with relevant employee representatives, regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of 2025. (Source: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc, Company Website, February 2025).

Digital PCR and Real-Time PCR Market Report Coverage and Deliverables

The "Digital PCR and Real-Time PCR Market Size and Forecast (2021–2031)" report provides a detailed analysis of the market covering below areas:

• Digital PCR and real-time PCR market size and forecast at global, regional, and country levels for all the key market segments covered under the scope
• Digital PCR and real-time PCR market trends, as well as market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and key opportunities
• Detailed PEST and SWOT analysis
• Digital PCR and real-time PCR market analysis covering key market trends, global and regional framework, major players, regulations, and recent market developments
• Industry landscape and competition analysis covering market concentration, heat map analysis, prominent players, and recent developments for the digital PCR and real-time PCR market
• Detailed company profiles