Automated NGS Library Preparation Market By Product Type (Automated Instruments, Reagents & Consumables, Software & Informatics Solutions); By Application (Oncology Research and Diagnostics, Genetic Disease and Rare Disorder Analysis, Infectious Disease Surveillance, Agrigenomics, Other Research Applications); By End User (Clinical Laboratories and Diagnostic Centers, Research Institutions and Academic Labs, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Contract Research Organizations, Agrigenomics and Food Safety Labs); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030.

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Automated NGS Library Preparation Market will witness a robust CAGR of 13.2% , valued at approximately $970 million in 2024 , expected to appreciate and reach around $2.05 billion by 2030 , confirms Strategic Market Research.

 

Automated NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) library preparation refers to integrated instruments and systems that automate the otherwise labor-intensive, error-prone processes of preparing DNA or RNA samples for sequencing runs. These solutions handle steps such as fragmentation, end-repair, adaptor ligation, purification, size selection, and quantification—enhancing throughput, reducing manual variability, and improving overall reproducibility.

 

Between 2024 and 2030, the market is poised for significant growth owing to several macro forces:

• Technological Advancements: Rapid evolution in sequencing chemistries and microfluidics has enabled automation systems that support ultra-low input samples, multiplexing, and reduced reagent consumption. Automated systems now process dozens to hundreds of samples in parallel, addressing bottlenecks in clinical genomics and large-scale research projects.

• Expanding Genomics Applications: As precision medicine initiatives expand globally, automated NGS library prep is crucial for delivering consistent results across oncology, rare disease diagnostics, reproductive health, infectious disease monitoring, and agriculture. Hospitals, research labs, and biotech companies are increasingly moving toward high-volume sequencing protocols, making manual prep impractical.

• Regulatory Momentum & Funding: National initiatives such as the All of Us Research Program (U.S.), Genomics England (UK), and GenomeAsia 100K are fueling demand for scalable solutions. Government funding and public-private collaborations ensure sustained market investments.

• Labor Shortages & Cost Pressures: Chronic shortages of skilled lab technicians in many regions heighten demand for automation, as does the imperative to control costs per sample. Automated workflows substantially lower the need for highly trained personnel and minimize human error.
   

Key stakeholders driving this market include:

• OEMs specializing in automated liquid handling systems and NGS workflows

• Clinical laboratories adopting high-throughput sequencing pipelines

• Biopharma and biotech firms pursuing biomarker discovery and drug development

• Research institutions conducting population-scale genomics studies

• Healthcare providers and diagnostic labs seeking faster turnaround for patient testing

• Government agencies and public health bodies funding genomic surveillance

• Investors and venture capital firms attracted to high-growth genomics segments

In 2024, North America is anticipated to hold the dominant share, driven by well-established genomic infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and robust research funding. However, Asia Pacific is projected as the fastest-growing region, propelled by genomic medicine initiatives in China, Japan, South Korea, and India.

 

Overall, automated NGS library preparation stands at the forefront of enabling next-generation sequencing’s full clinical and commercial potential, offering laboratories a path toward higher scalability, lower costs, and more reliable results.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The automated NGS library preparation market is a complex ecosystem structured around technologies, applications, end-user types, and geographies. Strategic Market Research segments this market as follows:

By Product Type

• Automated Instruments : Fully integrated workstations performing multiple library prep steps, such as liquid handling, magnetic bead-based cleanups, and thermal cycling. These systems often support plug-and-play protocols from major reagent vendors. Rising demand for faster processing and reduced errors makes this segment vital for labs scaling up throughput.

• Reagents & Consumables : Kits and specialized reagents tailored for use on automated platforms. This segment generates recurring revenue streams and often drives profitability for OEMs. Growth here reflects the increasing diversity of sequencing applications, requiring more specialized chemistries.

• Software & Informatics Solutions : Tools enabling workflow design, protocol customization, and real-time QC monitoring. Software integration is becoming a competitive differentiator, helping labs achieve regulatory compliance and data traceability.

In 2024, automated instruments are expected to account for roughly 55% of total market revenue due to their high upfront costs and critical role in enabling scalable workflows. However, reagents & consumables are projected to exhibit the fastest CAGR during 2024–2030, driven by continuous reagent consumption for ongoing sequencing runs.

 

By Application

• Oncology Research and Diagnostics : Libraries prepared for sequencing tumor samples, circulating tumor DNA ( ctDNA ), and other cancer biomarkers. Automation ensures consistent prep quality, crucial for clinical decision-making.

• Genetic Disease and Rare Disorder Analysis : Enabling faster diagnosis through whole exome or genome sequencing. Especially impactful in pediatrics and prenatal testing.

• Infectious Disease Surveillance : Automating pathogen genome prep for epidemiological tracking. COVID-19 highlighted the value of high-throughput workflows.

• Agrigenomics : Crop, livestock, and aquaculture genomics. Growing investments in sustainable agriculture drive this segment’s steady rise.

• Other Research Applications : Microbiome studies, epigenomics , metagenomics, etc.

Among these, oncology research and diagnostics is the largest application in 2024, contributing over 40% of total revenue, while infectious disease surveillance is anticipated to post the fastest growth due to global pandemic preparedness efforts.

 

By End User

• Clinical Laboratories and Diagnostic Centers

• Research Institutions and Academic Labs

• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies

• Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

• Agrigenomics and Food Safety Labs

Clinical labs are rapidly embracing automated library prep to support rising sample volumes and tighter turnaround times for precision medicine.

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

North America dominates the market in 2024 due to advanced genomic infrastructure and widespread adoption of personalized medicine. However, Asia Pacific is forecast as the fastest-growing region, driven by significant government initiatives and rising private investments in genomics.

 

Scope of Forecast:

• Base Year: 2023

• Forecast Period: 2024 – 2030

• Units: USD Million

• Geographic Scope: Global

• Covered Segments: Product Type, Application, End User, Region

Overall, segmentation reveals the market’s dual growth engine: high initial investment in automation systems, plus recurring revenue from consumables and expanding applications.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The automated NGS library preparation market is experiencing significant technological and strategic shifts as genomics becomes an indispensable tool across research, clinical diagnostics, and public health. Several key trends are shaping this market’s trajectory between 2024 and 2030:

1. Shift Toward Ultra-Low Input and Single-Cell Applications

Modern research increasingly requires library prep from minuscule amounts of DNA or RNA—sometimes from single cells. Vendors are launching systems and kits capable of handling picogram -level inputs without sacrificing library complexity or data quality.

An expert from a leading genomics institute comments: “Automating single-cell library prep is a transformative leap—it’s the only way to ensure reproducibility at scale, especially for high-throughput projects like cell atlases and spatial transcriptomics .”

 

2. Rise of Modular and Flexible Workstations

Earlier generations of automated library prep systems were rigid, designed for specific workflows. The latest trend is toward modular platforms where users can swap in new protocols or integrate third-party reagents.

Labs want flexibility so they’re not locked into proprietary reagents. Open systems are gaining popularity, allowing users to run custom protocols or switch suppliers for cost efficiency.

 

3. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Integration

AI-driven software now helps optimize protocols, detect anomalies in real time, and predict reagent consumption. Machine learning is being used to:

• Identify batch-specific errors early

• Optimize liquid handling parameters

• Flag quality control deviations before sequencing

Industry insiders predict that “smart automation will be the norm by 2028, combining robotics with intelligent software that learns from every run.”

 

4. Miniaturization and Microfluidics

There’s growing interest in microfluidic solutions for NGS library prep. These “lab-on-chip” systems drastically reduce reagent consumption and waste, leading to significant cost savings for labs running hundreds or thousands of samples weekly.

Microfluidic innovations could cut library prep costs by 30-50% while maintaining data quality.

 

5. Focus on Turnaround Time and Sample-to-Answer Workflows

End users demand faster results, especially in clinical settings like oncology or infectious disease diagnostics. Manufacturers are:

• Compressing protocol times from several hours to under an hour

• Developing end-to-end systems from extraction to library prep

• Integrating QC steps to avoid costly failures downstream

Speed matters in clinical NGS, where physicians are making treatment decisions based on genomic data.

 

6. Strategic Partnerships and Co-Development

Automation vendors increasingly partner with major NGS reagent manufacturers to co-develop verified protocols. This ensures:

• Compatibility between hardware and chemistry

• Faster regulatory approvals for clinical applications

• Simplified implementation for labs

Recent years have seen collaborations between automation OEMs and sequencing giants, enabling pre-configured instruments with validated reagent kits.

 

7. Push for Regulatory-Compliant Solutions

As NGS moves deeper into diagnostics, especially in oncology, automated library prep systems must meet stringent regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, CE-IVD). Companies are investing heavily in:

• Traceability software for audit trails

• Automated QC documentation

• Compliance with IVDR in Europe

“Without automation, labs struggle to meet regulatory documentation requirements for clinical genomics,” notes a compliance expert.

 

M&A and Industry Consolidation

While innovation flourishes, the market also witnesses consolidation:

• Larger life science tool companies acquiring specialized automation startups

• Midsize automation players merging to expand portfolios and geographic reach

This consolidation aims to offer integrated ecosystems, where instruments, reagents, and software come bundled under unified service contracts.

Collectively, these trends signal a market rapidly evolving from basic liquid handling robots to highly intelligent, integrated systems capable of supporting clinical-grade genomics at scale. Automation is no longer optional; it’s the critical infrastructure powering the next era of precision medicine and genomics research.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The automated NGS library preparation market features a mix of global giants and specialized innovators, all vying for share in a rapidly expanding space. Competition is intensifying as new entrants challenge established brands with advanced robotics, flexible platforms, and AI-driven solutions.

1. Thermo Fisher Scientific

• Strategy: Broad portfolio integrating hardware, reagents, and informatics. Focuses on end-to-end workflows for research and clinical applications.

• Global Reach: Dominant presence in North America and Europe, expanding rapidly in Asia Pacific.

• Differentiation: Strong integration between instruments and proprietary reagent kits. Thermo Fisher leverages its scale to bundle solutions and offer competitive pricing across varied customer segments.

 

2. Agilent Technologies

• Strategy: Positioned as a high-precision automation player, focusing on mid-to-high throughput labs. Invests heavily in flexible, modular systems.

• Global Reach: Well-established in Europe and North America; growing presence in China.

• Differentiation: Noted for open-platform systems that accommodate third-party reagents. Agilent appeals to labs seeking customization rather than proprietary lock-in.

 

3. PerkinElmer (Now Revvity )

• Strategy: Offers a combination of robotic liquid handling platforms and specialized reagent solutions. Focuses on high-growth applications like oncology and infectious diseases.

• Global Reach: Strong in Europe and North America; selective expansion in emerging markets.

• Differentiation: Deep expertise in clinical workflows and regulatory-compliant solutions. Revvity targets labs aiming for diagnostic-grade quality and fast regulatory approvals.

 

4. Hamilton Company

• Strategy: A major player in automated liquid handling, targeting both NGS library prep and broader genomics workflows.

• Global Reach: Substantial global footprint, with significant sales in North America and Europe.

• Differentiation: Known for precision robotics and scalable platforms, catering to labs from small research institutes to high-volume sequencing centers. Hamilton’s instruments are frequently the backbone of custom automation solutions.

 

5. Eppendorf

• Strategy: Traditionally strong in lab equipment, Eppendorf has moved into automated liquid handling for genomics.

• Global Reach: Solid presence in Europe and expanding globally.

• Differentiation: Focuses on user-friendly, compact automation systems suitable for mid-sized labs. Eppendorf leverages its reputation for quality and reliability to attract labs moving into NGS.

 

6. Beckman Coulter Life Sciences

• Strategy: Offers high-throughput automation solutions integrated with liquid handling and magnetic bead-based purification technologies.

• Global Reach: Strong base in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.

• Differentiation: Excellent at high-volume processing, attractive to large genomic centers. Beckman Coulter’s automated solutions are often praised for robustness and consistency across thousands of samples.

 

7. Tecan Group

• Strategy: A key player in laboratory automation with versatile liquid handling platforms adaptable to NGS workflows.

• Global Reach: Prominent presence in Europe, expanding in North America and Asia Pacific.

• Differentiation: Noted for highly customizable systems that can be tailored for unique lab protocols. Tecan’s open architecture appeals to research labs seeking flexibility for experimental workflows.

 

Competitive Dynamics:

• Strategic Partnerships: Major OEMs increasingly collaborate with sequencing companies like Illumina, PacBio , and Oxford Nanopore to validate end-to-end solutions.

• Software Focus: Companies differentiate through advanced informatics that simplify protocol development, QC monitoring, and regulatory compliance.

• Price Sensitivity: Mid-tier labs seek cost-effective instruments; vendors respond with modular, smaller-footprint systems.

• Emerging Startups: New entrants are introducing microfluidic platforms, AI-based optimization, and single-cell solutions, creating competitive pressure on incumbents.

An industry analyst notes: “Automation is no longer a luxury; labs now expect plug-and-play systems that integrate seamlessly with downstream sequencing. Vendors who offer total solutions—from hardware to reagents to data analytics—are winning market share.”

The competitive landscape is dynamic, with established players leveraging brand strength and global reach, while innovators focus on niche solutions and disruptive technologies. This ecosystem ensures ongoing innovation and a highly competitive environment through 2030.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

The global automated NGS library preparation market displays distinct regional dynamics shaped by genomics infrastructure, funding levels, regulatory landscapes, and local disease burdens. Between 2024 and 2030, regional growth trajectories will reflect both mature markets and emerging economies adopting NGS technologies at varying speeds.

North America

North America is projected to maintain its leadership in 2024, commanding an estimated 45% share of global revenue. The U.S. dominates due to:

• Robust funding from the NIH, CDC, and private foundations.

• Strong presence of key OEMs and NGS vendors headquartered in the region.

• Well-established clinical genomics adoption in oncology, rare disease diagnostics, and reproductive health.

For example, large cancer centers in the U.S. increasingly deploy automated library prep systems to handle growing tumor profiling volumes, reducing turnaround times and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Canada follows similar trends, though on a smaller scale, with growing investment in genomic medicine initiatives.

 

Europe

Europe remains a significant market, with Germany, the UK, and France at the forefront. Drivers include:

• National genomic initiatives like Genomics England and France Génomique .

• Strong regulatory frameworks demanding traceable, high-quality processes in clinical labs.

• Rising demand for NGS-based infectious disease surveillance following COVID-19.

European labs emphasize quality and regulatory compliance, often favoring validated, integrated solutions over homebrew workflows.

However, regional variability persists. Southern and Eastern Europe lag slightly due to limited funding and fewer high-throughput genomic centers.

 

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, forecast to expand at a CAGR exceeding 16% from 2024 to 2030. Key growth drivers:

• Large-scale population genomics programs in China (e.g., China Precision Medicine Initiative) and Japan.

• Rapidly growing private-sector investment in India and South Korea.

• Increasing adoption of NGS in clinical diagnostics, particularly for oncology and infectious diseases.

China alone is poised to contribute substantially to regional market expansion. The Chinese government’s push for localized genomic technologies fuels demand for domestic and international automation solutions.

Asian labs, often working with higher sample volumes and tighter budgets, are keen adopters of automated solutions that drive cost efficiencies and throughput.

 

Latin America

Latin America represents a smaller market share but exhibits gradual adoption of NGS automation:

• Brazil and Mexico lead regional demand, especially in oncology and agrigenomics .

• Limited infrastructure and funding constraints hamper broader penetration.

• Some private labs are investing in automation to differentiate services.

“Automation is slowly gaining traction in Latin America as labs compete to attract pharma and clinical trial contracts,” notes a regional genomics consultant.

 

Middle East & Africa

Adoption in the Middle East & Africa remains nascent but is growing:

• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are investing in genomic medicine as part of healthcare diversification plans.

• Infrastructure remains a barrier in Sub-Saharan Africa, though there’s rising interest in genomics for public health surveillance (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis).

Strategic investments in centers of excellence could make the Middle East a future growth pocket for automated NGS solutions.

 

Infrastructure, Regulation, and White Spaces

• Infrastructure: High-throughput labs in North America and Europe already rely heavily on automation. In emerging regions, infrastructure buildout is ongoing, creating significant white space for market entrants.

• Regulatory Environment: North America and Europe have well-defined regulatory pathways for clinical NGS applications. Asia Pacific is catching up, but regional differences persist, influencing vendor strategies.

• White Spaces: Emerging markets remain underpenetrated. Vendors offering cost-effective, smaller-footprint systems stand to gain significant traction in resource-limited settings.

In summary, while North America and Europe anchor the current market, the most dynamic growth is shifting toward Asia Pacific, driven by massive genomics initiatives and rapidly expanding clinical NGS adoption. As regional funding and infrastructure improve, automated library preparation solutions will become indispensable globally.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The adoption of automated NGS library preparation systems varies considerably across end-user segments, driven by differences in sample volumes, regulatory requirements, budgets, and application needs. Each stakeholder group approaches automation from unique angles:

Clinical Laboratories and Diagnostic Centers

These facilities are increasingly adopting automated library prep to:

• Handle rapidly growing sample volumes for oncology, reproductive health, and infectious disease diagnostics.

• Meet stringent regulatory demands for traceability and reproducibility.

• Reduce turnaround times, which directly impacts patient care.

Clinical labs view automation as a necessity rather than a luxury, particularly as precision medicine initiatives create pressure for faster genomic testing.

 

Research Institutions and Academic Laboratories

Universities and research institutes use automated systems to:

• Improve reproducibility across high-throughput experiments.

• Minimize human error in complex protocols.

• Save time and labor costs, freeing researchers for data analysis rather than manual pipetting.

These users often prefer flexible systems that allow custom protocols for experimental workflows.

 

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies

Biopharma companies deploy automated library prep for:

• Large-scale biomarker discovery and drug development.

• Clinical trial sample processing.

• Companion diagnostics development.

For pharma, automation directly affects speed-to-market for new therapies and helps ensure regulatory compliance in clinical studies.

 

Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

CROs increasingly invest in automation to:

• Scale services for multiple clients simultaneously.

• Maintain consistent quality across diverse projects.

• Differentiate themselves in a competitive service market.

CROs view automated workflows as a core competitive advantage, offering high throughput without sacrificing quality.

 

Agrigenomics and Food Safety Labs

These labs use automated systems for:

• Crop genome sequencing for breeding programs.

• Livestock genetics to improve traits.

• Food pathogen surveillance.

While volumes may be lower than in human genomics, agrigenomics labs appreciate automation for cost-effectiveness and sample consistency.

 

Real-World Use Case

A Tertiary Hospital in South Korea Implements Automated Library Prep to Enhance Oncology Diagnostics

In 2025, a leading tertiary care hospital in Seoul faced increasing demand for genomic profiling in cancer patients, especially for lung and breast cancer. The hospital’s molecular pathology lab was processing over 200 samples weekly using manual library prep, leading to bottlenecks, staff fatigue, and variable data quality.

The institution invested in a fully automated NGS library preparation workstation capable of:

• Handling up to 96 samples per run.

• Performing bead-based cleanups, adaptor ligation, and quantification with minimal intervention.

• Generating standardized libraries compatible with multiple sequencing platforms.

Following implementation:

• Average turnaround time for sequencing dropped from 4 days to less than 2 days .

• Technical failures in library prep decreased by 70% .

• Pathologists reported increased confidence in clinical reports due to higher reproducibility.

“Automation transformed our workflow. We can now confidently promise faster results for clinicians and patients. It’s been a game-changer for our precision oncology program,” said the hospital’s lead molecular pathologist.

This use case reflects how automated library preparation directly impacts operational efficiency, diagnostic speed, and ultimately patient outcomes—an increasingly critical value proposition in high-volume clinical settings.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

The automated NGS library preparation market has seen significant activity between mid-2023 and mid-2025, driven by product innovation, strategic partnerships, and regulatory progress:

• Thermo Fisher Scientific unveiled a next-generation automated library prep platform in late 2023, promising a 30% reduction in protocol time and seamless integration with their sequencing ecosystem.

• Agilent Technologies expanded its Magnis NGS Prep System in 2024 to support ultra-low input DNA for single-cell applications, addressing the rising demand for precision oncology and minimal residual disease testing. 

• Hamilton Company partnered with a leading cloud informatics vendor in 2024 to integrate AI-based protocol optimization into its STAR platform, enabling real-time error detection and predictive maintenance for library prep workflows. 

• Revvity (formerly PerkinElmer) announced in 2025 a suite of automated workflows designed specifically for clinical diagnostic labs , emphasizing compliance with the European IVDR. 

• Tecan Group launched a microfluidics-based library preparation system in early 2025 that reduces reagent consumption by up to 50% , targeting high-throughput sequencing centers seeking cost efficiencies. 

 

Opportunities

• Emerging Markets Expansion: Growing genomics initiatives in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East are creating significant white space for affordable, mid-scale automated solutions.

• AI-Driven Workflow Optimization: Integration of AI to manage QC, predict failures, and optimize reagent usage is emerging as a major differentiator. Labs are eager for “smart automation” that minimizes downtime and enhances reproducibility.

• Rise of Single-Cell Sequencing: As single-cell and low-input applications explode, demand for highly precise, contamination-free automated systems will increase sharply. Vendors who can simplify single-cell workflows stand to capture substantial market share.

 

Restraints

• High Capital Investment Costs: Despite long-term ROI, upfront costs for automated library prep systems remain prohibitive for smaller labs and institutions, especially in developing regions.

• Complexity of Implementation: Integrating automation into existing lab infrastructure can be challenging, requiring staff training, protocol validation, and workflow redesign. Smaller labs fear disruption during transition from manual to automated processes.

 

Overall, the market’s future hinges on how effectively vendors can balance innovation with affordability and usability, ensuring that even mid-sized labs can adopt automation without compromising on performance.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 970 Million
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 2.05 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 13.2% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Product Type, By Application, By End User, By Geography
By Product Type	Automated Instruments, Reagents & Consumables, Software & Informatics Solutions
By Application	Oncology Research and Diagnostics, Genetic Disease and Rare Disorder Analysis, Infectious Disease Surveillance, Agrigenomics, Other Research Applications
By End User	Clinical Laboratories and Diagnostic Centers, Research Institutions and Academic Labs, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Contract Research Organizations, Agrigenomics and Food Safety Labs
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., UK, Germany, China, India, Japan, Brazil, etc.
Market Drivers	- Expansion of precision medicine and genomics initiatives - Rising need for high-throughput, reproducible sequencing workflows - Technological advances in microfluidics and AI integration
Customization Option	Available upon request