Microscope Software Market (By Type Of Software: Integrated Software, Standalone Software; By Type Of Microscopes: Optical, Electron, Scanning Probes; By Application) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2023-2032

The global microscope software market was surpassed at USD 0.86 billion in 2022 and is expected to hit around USD 1.87 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.06% from 2023 to 2032. The microscope software market in the United States was accounted for USD 252 million in 2022.

Key Pointers

• Based on region, Asia Pacific dominated the market in 2022, capturing the largest revenue share of more than 37%. 
• Its market growth rate is expected to be the fastest, with a CAGR of 9.26% over the forecast period.
• The electron microscopes segment dominated with a 42% market share in 2022.
• The integrated segment accounted for the largest market share of 77% in 2022.
• The life science segment held the largest market share at 30%.

Report Scope of the Microscope Software Market

The growth of the market is attributed to factors such as the increasing availability of funding and support for R&D in the field of microscopy coupled with significant technological advancements in microscopes & microscope software. Furthermore, increased government funding to expand the utilization of microscope software in precision modeling and virus imaging has further contributed to the growth of the market. For instance, in January 2021, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announced an investment of approximately USD 220 million to upgrade and expand its existing research infrastructure. It would help researchers to tackle challenges such as COVID-19 research & recovery, and net zero goals.

Industries need better performance and reliability to improve analysis and research. Digital microscopes with software can serve a key role in documentation, research, quality control, production, and failure analysis among other functions. The sectors that can benefit from this joint system include natural science, pharmaceutical, medical, aerospace, machining, and microelectronics. For instance, Keyence Corporation’s VHX-7000 series digital microscope utilizes analysis software and high-resolution 4k imaging to make work more efficient. With this device, researchers can take high-resolution 4K images and perform 3D or 2D measurements all in one place. This solves many problems that come with using traditional microscopes and SEMs.

Furthermore, technological advancement is a growing trend in the market. Several companies operating in this market are focusing on the development of new technological solutions for microscope software. In February 2019, ZEISS announced the release of the ZEISS ZEN core software suite, which includes new analysis and networking components. It is a comprehensive suite for automated analysis, microscope imaging, and multi-modal operations in linked materials laboratory environments.

Microscope software has the ability to share and collaborate on research data more easily. With cloud-based storage and sharing platforms, researchers can quickly and securely share their images and data with colleagues and collaborators around the world, enabling more efficient and effective collaboration. In May 2022, a research article published in Wiley Analytical Science stated that the microscopy image database OMERO could be used as a research data management tool. Integration of OMERO into an IT infrastructure would help scientists to handle microscopy data.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the market positively as the demand for medical research and diagnosis increased during the pandemic which has also led to an increased demand for microscope software solutions. In addition, companies are allocating funds to conduct research, develop potential vaccines, supply or manufacture medical equipment, and produce test kits.

Type of Microscope Insights

Based on the type of microscope, the market is segmented into optical, electron, scanning probes, and other microscopes. The electron microscopes segment dominated with a 42% market share in 2022.Due to their elevated cost compared to optical microscopes, the primary end users of electron microscopes were well-funded research laboratories and industries. The strengthening of links between academic and research institutions and manufacturers is likely to lead to an increase in the market penetration of electron microscopes.

The scanning probes microscopes segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. These instruments are used to study specimens at the nanoscale and manipulate atoms to move in the desired pattern. In December 2019, Marposs introduced a software package compatible with its probes. It calculates the best cycle time for machines by users entering the repeatability range and workpiece positioning tolerance. This package can achieve an 80% reduction in cycle time, ensuring fast and precise probing, according to the company. Industry-oriented innovations are expected to increase the demand for microscopes.

On the other hand, the optical microscopes segment held the second-largest revenue share of the market in 2022. This is due to the widespread availability of sophisticated optical microscopy equipment and techniques. Also contributing to the growth of this market segment is the low price of optical microscope software.

Type of Software Insights

Based on type, the market has been segmented into integrated and standalone software. The integrated segment accounted for the largest market share of 77% in 2022. This can be attributed to high utilization by researchers due to its ability to integrate multiple imaging techniques to provide a more comprehensive analysis of samples and perform various functions such as image processing, data analysis, and automation in one place.

Key players such as ZEISS, Nikon Instruments Inc., and Leica Microsystems offer a range of integrated software for microscopes such as ZEN, NIS-Elements, and LAS X. Their integrated features help in increasing productivity, reducing cost, and time required for performing multiple tasks related to medical, educational, and industrial purposes.

The standalone segment accounted for a significant market share in 2022, owing to its wide application base in a variety of fields, including biology, materials science, and nanotechnology. This leads to a boost in the market demand for standalone software for microscopes.

Application Insights

Based on application, the microscope software market has been segmented into life science, material science, nanotechnology, semiconductors, and others. In 2022, the life science segment held the largest market share at 30%. Compound microscopes, such as inverted, upright, and laser microdissection, fluorescence, and digital microscopes, are utilized in life sciences research. Furthermore, the expanding application scope in disease diagnosis is driving the market growth.

Furthermore, the increased emphasis on research and development for applications such as neuroscience, biological sciences, semi-conductor, and nanotechnology is predicted to enhance the adoption rate of super-resolution microscopes. These microscopes have picture resolutions as high as 10 nm, which is necessary when studying cell signaling pathways and cancer cell proliferation.

During the forecast period, the nanotechnology segment is anticipated to experience the highest market growth rate. Huge investments are being poured into nanotechnology research and development, thereby expanding product applications. It is anticipated that the introduction of new software-powered microscopic devices for research will contribute positively to segment growth. For instance, in May 2018, JEOL Ltd. partnered with Digital Surf to launch SMILE VIEW Map software for use with its SEM systems, with applications in biology, medicine, ceramics, semiconductors, metals, and nanotechnology.

Regional Insights

Based on region, Asia Pacific dominated the market in 2022, capturing the largest revenue share of more than 37%. Its market growth rate is expected to be the fastest, with a CAGR of 9.26% over the forecast period. This is largely due to the presence of leading manufacturers in nations such as Japan, as well as the thriving number of local manufacturers in countries like China and India. Moreover, the rising demand for diagnostic centers and the increasing number of healthcare facilities, as well as growing R&D projects, are expected to further bolster the regional market growth in the forecast period.

North America accounted for a significant market share in 2022. North America is a well-established market for microscope software. Prominent players, such as Danaher Corporation, Carl Zeiss, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, have a strong presence in the region, with a wide customer base and established distribution channels. The utilization of advanced microscopy systems and software, such as digital microscopes, electron microscopes, and confocal microscopes, is particularly high in the region across different industries. These companies are actively engaged in research to extend the applications of correlative microscopy in geology and materials science, thus contributing to market growth.

Latin America has been gaining the attention of major pharma and biotech companies due to the presence of a lax regulatory framework, an abundant pool of potential test subjects, and an advanced research infrastructure. Governments in the region have further simplified the approval process for clinical trials, recognizing the potential for competition this presents. This has led to a notable rise in demand for microscopes in the region.

Microscope Software Market Segmentations:

By Application 

• Material Science
• Nanotechnology
• Life Science
• Semiconductors
• Others

By Type of Software 

• Integrated Software
• Standalone Software

By Type of Microscopes 

• Optical Microscopes
• Electron Microscopes
• Scanning Probes Microscopes
• Other Microscopes

By Regional 

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Norway
  • Denmark
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • Thailand
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• MEA
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Kuwait