Live Cell Imaging Companies

The global live cell imaging market is expected to reach USD 4.75 billion in 2030 from USD 3.13 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 8.68% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is supported by the advancements in imaging technologies along with growing support from government institutions in the form of research grants and research funding to expand cellular biology research. Moreover, the rising incidence of cancer cases has led to an increase in the adoption of High-content screening technologies for improving drug discovery and research, further supporting the growth of the market. Key companies in the market are expanding their live cell imaging businesses in emerging economies, capitalizing on the growth potential of these regions. However, the high cost of these imaging equipment and consumables has restricted the growth of this market as small companies and academic & research institutes do not have adequate budgets to purchase and maintain these systems.

The live cell imaging market is competitive. Key market players include Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US), Merck KGaA (Germany), Danaher (US), Sartorius AG (Germany), and Agilent Technologies, Inc. (US).

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These companies have adopted various strategies, such as the development and launch of advanced cellular imaging products, partnerships, contracts, expansions, and acquisitions, to strengthen their position in the live cell imaging market. These organic and inorganic strategies have helped the market players expand globally.

Danaher (US)

Danaher is a global science and technology company that operates through four main segments: Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Diagnostics, and Environmental & Applied Solutions. The Life Sciences division offers a strong portfolio of tools and technologies for live cell imaging. These solutions are mainly provided through two key subsidiaries: Molecular Devices LLC (US) and Leica Microsystems (Germany). These companies deliver advanced systems for capturing, analyzing, and understanding live cells in real time, supporting research in drug discovery, cell biology, and disease modeling. Recent product developments have further strengthened the company’s position in the live cell imaging market. In 2024, Molecular Devices launched the ImageXpress HCS.ai system, which combines fast image capture with AI-powered analysis. The system is designed for flexibility, allowing labs to upgrade components and work with 2D and 3D cell models. In 2024, Leica Microsystems released Aivia 14, the latest version of its image analysis software. Aivia 14 uses deep learning to help researchers automatically identify and analyze cells in complex 3D images, supporting up to 15 imaging channels simultaneously. The integration of artificial intelligence, modular design, and fast, high-resolution imaging into its products has helped Danaher researchers work more efficiently and gain deeper insights.

ZEISS Group (Germany)

ZEISS Group is a leading player in the live cell imaging market, offering advanced microscopy technologies through its Industrial Quality and Research segment. Its portfolio includes imaging systems such as the Apotome 3, LSM 9 series, and Elyra 7 with Lattice SIM², which support applications in cell biology research, stem cell differentiation, and cancer research. These systems provide high-resolution, multidimensional cellular data with enhanced clarity and speed. The company continues to innovate with features like Airyscan 2, LSM Plus, and multiplex imaging modes, improving imaging resolution and throughput. Its Axioscan 7 platform supports high-content screening with automated slide scanning, while correlative workflows combine fluorescence and electron microscopy for 3D molecular and cryo-imaging. The company also focuses on strategic partnerships to strengthen its market position. In 2022, it partnered with Medicines Discovery Catapult (UK) to accelerate drug development, and in 2024, it collaborated with Argolight (Isreal) to improve quality control in microscopy systems. ZEISS also engages in educational initiatives through workshops and webinars. For instance, the company will conduct a hands-on Live Cell Imaging Workshop in May 2025 at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin. The event will feature live demos of advanced imaging systems like Lightfield 4D, Lattice SIM 3, and Lattice Lightsheet 7, along with a session on ZEISS Arivis Pro for 3D/4D data analysis. With a global presence in over 50 countries, ZEISS supports both academic and commercial research in life sciences, focusing on innovation, AI-powered imaging, and seamless workflow integration.

Agilent Technologies, Inc. (US)

Agilent Technologies, Inc. is a global company that provides instruments, software, and services for life sciences, diagnostics, and applied markets. In the field of live cell imaging, the company offers a range of advanced tools that support real-time monitoring and analysis of living cells. Key products include the BioTek Cytation 1 Cell Imaging Reader, which combines imaging and multi-mode detection in one system, and the xCELLigence RTCA MP instrument, which allows continuous, label-free tracking of cell behavior. These tools are widely used in cell biology, drug development, and immunotherapy research. The company is dominating the market with its ongoing investment in scientific collaboration and innovation. In March 2025, the company awarded an Agilent Research Catalyst (ARC) Award to Columbia University to support research in cellular immunotherapy. Along with funding, the award includes access to several advanced Agilent instruments, such as the Seahorse XF Pro Analyzer, Cytation 1, NovoCyte Penteon Flow Cytometer, and others. These tools accelerate the development of new methods for producing and testing cancer-fighting T cells.

Sartorius AG (Germany)

Sartorius AG is an international pharmaceutical and laboratory equipment supplier. The company has two primary business segments: Bioprocess Solutions and Lab Products & Services. The Lab Products & Services division offers laboratory balances, pipettes, and laboratory consumables, among others. Live cell imaging products are offered mainly by the Lab Products & Services division of the company. In March 2017, Sartorius AG acquired Essen Bioscience, Inc. (US), which develops and markets innovative real-time live cell imaging and analysis systems for drug research. The company has a widespread presence across the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa and has subsidiaries in more than 30 countries. Some of the company’s subsidiaries include Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. (France), Sartorius Stedim North America Inc. (US), Sartorius Stedim UK Ltd., Sartorius Stedim Belgium N.V., and Sartorius Stedim India Pvt. Ltd.

Market Ranking, 2024

The live cell imaging market is consolidated, with seven major companies holding about 82–85% of the total market share. In 2024, Danaher (US) led the live cell imaging market with a strong 22–24% share, supported by its wide range of advanced imaging systems. ZEISS Group (Germany) followed with 12–14%, known for its high-quality optical imaging solutions. Sartorius AG (Germany) held 11–12% of the market, offering integrated tools for live cell analysis. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US) and Evident (Japan) each had a 9–11% share, providing imaging systems for research and clinical use. Revvity (US) (9–10%) and Nikon Corporation (Japan) (8–9%) also had robust positions in the live cell imaging market in 2024, focusing on high-resolution and automated imaging technologies. The remaining 15–18% was made up of smaller and regional players. The market is growing because of new imaging technologies, the use of automation and AI, and the increasing demand for real-time cell analysis in research and drug development.

Related Reports:

Live Cell Imaging Market by Product (Instruments, Consumables, Software, Services), Application (Cell Biology, Stem Cells, Drug Discovery), Technology (Time-lapse Microscopy, FRET, FRAP, HCS), End User (Pharma, Biotech, CROs) - Global Forecast to 2030

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