Forensic Genomics Market By Technology (Next-Generation Sequencing, Capillary Electrophoresis, PCR-Based Assays, Microarray-Based Genotyping); By Application (Criminal Casework, Missing Persons Identification, Disaster Victim Identification, Biodefense, Genealogical Research); By End User (Forensic Laboratories, Law Enforcement Agencies, Academic Institutions, Government Agencies); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030.

Introduction and Strategic Context

The Global Forensic Genomics Market will witness a robust CAGR of 13.7%, valued at $1.82 billion in 2024, expected to appreciate and reach $4.42 billion by 2030, confirms Strategic Market Research.

 

Forensic genomics integrates advanced DNA sequencing technologies with bioinformatics to support criminal investigations, disaster victim identification, and genealogical research. Unlike conventional forensic DNA profiling, forensic genomics leverages high-resolution genome-wide data to generate comprehensive genetic profiles, enabling law enforcement agencies to solve cold cases, trace missing persons, and exonerate the wrongly convicted.

 

In 2024–2030, the market’s strategic relevance is underscored by four macro forces:

1. Technological Convergence: The synergy of next-generation sequencing (NGS), machine learning, and cloud-based bioinformatics pipelines is transforming turnaround times and resolution accuracy.

2. Evolving Regulatory Frameworks: New policies are defining data privacy thresholds and cross-border sharing protocols, especially in the United States, the European Union, and Australia.

3. Growing Backlog in Casework: Rising volumes of unsolved violent crime cases and unprocessed sexual assault kits are fueling adoption across regional crime labs.

4. Population-scale Databases: The expansion of public and commercial biorepositories (e.g., genealogical databases) creates new avenues for investigative leads.

 

Key Stakeholders actively shaping this market include:

• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) providing sequencing instruments and consumables.

• Specialized Forensic Laboratories offering contract analysis services.

• Law Enforcement Agencies integrating genomics into traditional evidence workflows.

• Regulatory Authorities establishing guidelines for privacy, consent, and admissibility.

• Investors and Venture Capital Firms funding start-ups focused on portable sequencing and rapid analysis kits.

Expert insight: As the demand for faster, more granular DNA interpretation accelerates, forensic genomics will not only redefine case resolution workflows but also provoke ethical debates about genetic privacy and consent.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The forensic genomics market is segmented along four strategic dimensions: By Technology, By Application, By End User, and By Region. Each segmentation captures the diverse landscape of tools, workflows, and customer profiles shaping adoption.

1. By Technology

• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Enables comprehensive genome-wide analysis with higher throughput and resolution than traditional STR profiling.

• Capillary Electrophoresis (CE)-Based Analysis Retains utility for specific loci confirmation and validation workflows.

• Microarray-Based Genotyping Used in kinship analysis and ancestry inference.

• PCR-Based Assays Continues to serve rapid screening needs where targeted markers are sufficient.

In 2024, NGS accounted for approximately 48% of total revenue, driven by declining per-sample costs and rising acceptance in national crime labs.

 

2. By Application

• Criminal Casework

• Missing Persons Identification

• Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)

• Biodefense and Counterterrorism

• Genealogical Research

Among these, Criminal Casework remains the largest and fastest-growing application area, reflecting increasing utilization of genomic data to resolve historical cold cases.

 

3. By End User

• Forensic Laboratories (public and private)

• Law Enforcement Agencies

• Academic & Research Institutions

• Government Agencies

Expert commentary: Many regional and municipal labs are transitioning from legacy STR workflows to NGS platforms to reduce backlogs and enhance discriminatory power.

 

4. By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

North America led the market in 2024 with a share of over 55% , primarily due to substantial federal funding and established infrastructure. However, Asia Pacific is projected to register the fastest CAGR through 2030, as governments invest in forensic modernization programs.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The forensic genomics market is experiencing a dynamic phase of innovation, with disruptive advances reshaping both laboratory workflows and investigative strategies.

1. Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI-powered interpretation software is becoming central to sifting through massive genomic datasets. Algorithms can now automate kinship estimation, detect contamination, and flag low-quality reads. Experts note that AI-enabled triage reduces analysis time by up to 50%, creating significant cost efficiencies for overburdened crime labs.

 

2. Portable and Rapid Sequencing Solutions

The rise of benchtop and field-deployable sequencing devices is transforming casework at the point of collection. Portable platforms are enabling forensic teams to conduct on-site genetic profiling in disaster zones or remote locations, compressing the timeline from evidence collection to actionable insight.

 

3. Advances in Low-Input and Degraded Sample Processing

R&D investments are yielding new reagent chemistries and library preparation kits capable of extracting usable DNA from minute or degraded samples (e.g., decades-old evidence or bone fragments). This capability is essential for cold case resolution and disaster victim identification.

 

4. Expansion of Forensic Genealogical Databases

The popularity of genealogical research platforms has created vast data repositories that can be cross-referenced with forensic profiles. Investigators are increasingly using these databases—with proper legal warrants—to triangulate distant relatives and identify suspects. One notable trend: privacy-centric companies are building controlled-access models to balance investigational power with consumer data protection.

 

5. Mergers and Strategic Collaborations

Several collaborations are driving the next wave of innovation:

• Technology vendors are partnering with forensic service providers to co-develop customized workflows.

• Academic institutions are joining forces with industry to validate novel assays.

• Software developers are collaborating with hardware manufacturers to deliver integrated analysis ecosystems.

 

6. Regulatory and Ethical Innovations

Legislative frameworks are evolving to address ethical questions around consent, secondary use of genetic data, and inter-jurisdictional data sharing. Notably, several European nations are piloting regulatory sandboxes to test new approaches to forensic genomics oversight.

Expert insight: The market’s innovation trajectory suggests that within five years, hybrid workflows—combining NGS, genealogical reference data, and AI-based analysis—will become the de facto standard in high-profile investigations.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The forensic genomics market features a diverse competitive landscape, blending established life sciences giants with specialized forensic technology providers. Here is an overview of seven prominent companies shaping this sector:

1. Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher has established itself as a leading supplier of sequencing instruments, reagents, and bioinformatics solutions tailored to forensic labs. Its strategy focuses on integrating hardware and software into turnkey platforms, which simplifies workflows and reduces validation timelines. Thermo Fisher’s global footprint allows it to serve both high-throughput government facilities and smaller regional labs.

 

2. Illumina

Illumina is a pioneer in next-generation sequencing and maintains a strong presence in forensic genomics through its high-throughput sequencers and assay kits. The company emphasizes innovation by investing heavily in R&D for low-input and degraded DNA processing. Illumina also collaborates with software developers to streamline end-to-end workflows.

 

3. Verogen

Verogen specializes exclusively in forensic genomics, providing dedicated sequencing platforms and bioinformatics pipelines. The company differentiates itself with solutions optimized for SNP profiling and genealogy-based investigations. Verogen has focused on forging strategic partnerships with public sector agencies in North America and Europe.

 

4. Qiagen

Qiagen offers comprehensive solutions spanning sample preparation, amplification, and analysis. The company’s global strategy leverages regional training programs and robust support networks to drive adoption among mid-sized forensic labs. Qiagen also invests in assay customization, enabling labs to address jurisdiction-specific requirements.

 

5. Promega Corporation

Promega provides a broad range of STR analysis kits, chemistries, and automation tools. While traditionally known for capillary electrophoresis products, the firm is expanding into next-generation sequencing applications. Its competitive strength lies in dependable product quality and deep technical support relationships with public laboratories.

 

6. Eurofins Scientific

Eurofins operates one of the world’s largest networks of forensic service laboratories. The company combines laboratory services with consulting and technology transfer support. Eurofins’ competitive positioning is built on global scalability and the ability to deliver both standardized and bespoke analysis programs.

 

7. BGI Genomics

BGI Genomics has emerged as a key player in Asia Pacific, supplying sequencing technologies and analytical services for forensic applications. Its competitive strategy emphasizes high-throughput capacity and affordability, making advanced genomics accessible to developing markets.

Expert commentary: The competitive field is evolving quickly as large genomics firms and specialized forensic providers compete to deliver comprehensive, interoperable solutions that balance speed, accuracy, and compliance.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

North America North America dominates the forensic genomics market, capturing over 55% of total revenue in 2024. The United States remains the epicenter of demand, driven by strong federal funding programs such as the DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) initiative. The country also benefits from a well-established regulatory environment that supports the adoption of advanced genomic tools within the criminal justice system. Canada has invested significantly in upgrading provincial forensic laboratories with next-generation sequencing platforms, spurred by efforts to modernize cold case workflows.

 

Europe Europe is the second-largest regional market. The United Kingdom leads adoption thanks to centralized funding through the Home Office and a proactive regulatory stance that supports integrating forensic genomics with existing STR-based processes. Germany and the Netherlands are also emerging as growth hubs due to investment in public sector sequencing infrastructure. However, stringent data privacy regulations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) create complex compliance requirements. Experts note that balancing investigational efficacy with privacy safeguards remains a key challenge for European agencies.

 

Asia Pacific Asia Pacific is projected to achieve the fastest CAGR through 2030. Australia, Japan, and South Korea are pioneering early adoption, leveraging public funding to strengthen disaster victim identification and counterterrorism capabilities. In China, BGI Genomics and other domestic firms are driving affordability and expanding sequencing capacity. India is also investing in upgrading regional crime labs and training forensic professionals, although infrastructure gaps and resource constraints remain obstacles.

 

Latin America Latin America is witnessing steady growth, primarily in Brazil and Mexico, where governments have prioritized improvements in crime resolution rates. Funding constraints and logistical challenges, however, have slowed widespread deployment. Some public laboratories still rely on capillary electrophoresis, reserving NGS for complex cases.

 

Middle East & Africa The Middle East is emerging as an adoption frontier, with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia investing in forensic modernization projects. In Africa, South Africa leads regional implementation but faces challenges related to funding and technical capacity. Large parts of sub-Saharan Africa remain underserved, offering potential white space for technology vendors and training providers.

Expert insight: In coming years, regional disparities in forensic genomics capacity will shrink as portable sequencing solutions and cloud-based bioinformatics lower infrastructure barriers.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

End-User Segmentation

The forensic genomics market serves four primary end-user groups, each with distinct adoption drivers and operational requirements:

1. Forensic Laboratories These facilities—both public and private—represent the largest end-user segment. They are responsible for processing criminal casework samples, conducting kinship analyses, and maintaining evidence chains of custody. Forensic labs increasingly favor next-generation sequencing to address large backlogs and improve discriminatory power in complex cases.

 

2. Law Enforcement Agencies Police departments and federal investigative units are significant consumers of forensic genomics services, often in partnership with laboratories. They rely on rapid-turnaround sequencing to generate actionable leads, particularly in cold cases and violent crimes.

 

3. Academic and Research Institutions Universities and research centers contribute to technology validation and protocol development. They often collaborate with government agencies to pilot new workflows and train the next generation of forensic scientists.

 

4. Government Agencies National bodies overseeing public health, disaster victim identification, and counterterrorism increasingly fund forensic genomics infrastructure. They also set regulatory standards for data privacy, admissibility, and operational protocols.

Use Case Scenario

A tertiary forensic laboratory in South Korea integrated a benchtop next-generation sequencing platform to support both criminal casework and disaster victim identification. Before implementation, the lab relied exclusively on capillary electrophoresis for STR profiling, limiting its ability to resolve degraded samples from cold cases and mass casualty events. After transitioning to NGS, the laboratory successfully reanalyzed decades-old bone fragments from an unsolved homicide. The genomic data enabled investigators to link the remains to a familial reference sample with high confidence, leading to closure of the case and strengthening public trust in law enforcement.

End-User Insight

Experts observe that forensic genomics adoption is often driven by the need to improve resolution rates for highly degraded evidence, where traditional techniques fall short.

 

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• Illumina and Verogen Collaboration Announced a partnership to expand sequencing workflows optimized for forensic applications, improving compatibility between instruments and analysis software.

• Thermo Fisher Launched the Precision ID NGS System Introduced an end-to-end platform designed to streamline degraded sample processing and kinship analysis workflows.

• Promega Released New STR Kits Developed enhanced multiplex STR kits designed for compatibility with NGS platforms to help labs bridge legacy and modern workflows.

• BGI Genomics Expanded Forensic Services in Southeast Asia Opened new regional facilities to deliver faster turnaround times and cost-effective sequencing services. Source

 

Opportunities

• Emerging Markets Adoption Developing nations are increasingly investing in modern forensic capabilities, creating significant expansion opportunities for vendors offering portable, affordable sequencing platforms.

• Integration of AI-Powered Analytics Machine learning solutions that automate data interpretation will drive demand among labs aiming to cut analysis times and reduce manual review errors.

• Growth of Genealogical Databases Expanding access to population-scale genomic repositories is opening new pathways for cold case resolution and disaster victim identification.

 

Restraints

• Regulatory Complexity and Privacy Concerns Differing regulations across jurisdictions create compliance challenges, especially when leveraging genealogical data.

• High Capital Costs The initial investment required for NGS platforms and bioinformatics infrastructure remains a barrier for small and mid-sized laboratories.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 1.82 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 4.42 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 13.7% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Units	USD Million, CAGR (%)
Segmentation	By Technology, By Application, By End User, By Geography
By Technology	Next-Generation Sequencing, Capillary Electrophoresis, PCR-Based Assays, Microarray-Based Genotyping
By Application	Criminal Casework, Missing Persons Identification, Disaster Victim Identification, Biodefense, Genealogical Research
By End User	Forensic Laboratories, Law Enforcement Agencies, Academic & Research Institutions, Government Agencies
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, China, India, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, Australia
Market Drivers	- Rising Cold Case Backlogs - Adoption of AI-Powered Analysis - Expansion of Genealogical Databases
Customization Option	Available upon request