Global Near Infrared Imaging Market Size, Trend & Opportunity Analysis Report, by Product (Devices (Near-infrared Fluorescence Imaging Systems, Near-infrared Fluorescence & Bioluminescence Imaging Systems), Reagents (Indocyanine Green (ICG), Other Reagent

Market Definition and Introduction

The global near-infrared imaging market was valued at USD 2.24 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 3.52 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 4.20% during the forecast period (2024–2035). As the precision medicine approach to diagnosis and treatment, combined with the recent advances in surgery and the strong demand for early diagnostics, reshapes the medical imaging industry, near infrared (NIR) imaging stands at the forefront of this evolution. Increasingly, hospitals, research laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies are finding value in NIR techniques for real-time visualisations, minimally invasive surgeries, and targeted imaging, thereby creating a demand for devices and reagents. At the same time, the push for personalised medicine is strengthening the place of molecular imaging platforms, where NIR fluorescence guidance has become crucial for accurate tumour margin detection and preclinical studies.

Thus, the stakeholders of the regulatory and healthcare policies are now nudging the industry to embrace technologies that promise reduced surgical risks, faster patient recovery, and reproducibility of data. The rise in investments flowing into cancer-related research, together with the global increase in oncology procedures, has made it more accelerated for NIR imaging to establish itself in clinical workflows. Surgeons utilise intraoperative imaging tools for better decision-making, and pharmaceutical companies leverage NIR reagents to validate pathways of drug delivery. This wider scope is making the market versatile and increasingly commercially attractive.

On the supply side, device manufacturers and reagent developers are strengthening their partnerships with hospitals and academic institutions to design next-generation imaging systems. The compulsion to optimise accuracy while lowering costs has catalysed innovations in detector sensitivity, probe development, and compact imaging systems for both clinical and research applications. In addition, the emergence of hybrid imaging systems combining NIR with MRI and PET has opened new avenues for commercialisation, thus paving the way for robust growth throughout the forecast period.

Recent Developments in the Industry

In March 2024, Stryker Corporation extended its surgical imaging lineup with the launch of advanced near-infrared fluorescence systems, seamlessly integrated into operating room workflows to increase precision in oncological surgeries.

In June 2024, the fluorescence imaging platform for gastrointestinal and liver surgeries, which would facilitate intraoperative tumour visualisation with advanced NIR technology, was launched by Olympus Corporation.

In February 2025, PerkinElmer Inc. launched a new line of near-infrared fluorescent probes to be used for translational oncology studies, designed to connect preclinical and clinical applications in imaging.

In April 2023, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. launched a next-generation photodetector with greater sensitivity in NIR applications, increasing image resolution in small-animal preclinical studies.

In October 2024, Medtronic plc announced its funding effort to develop integrated NIR fluorescence systems for minimally invasive oncology procedures to facilitate precision surgery with low recurrence.

Market Dynamics

NIR imaging follows growth in precision medicine and oncological surgery.

The continued proliferation of oncology surgeries worldwide has solidified the role of NIR imaging as a key player in tumour detection and resection. Fluorescence-guided procedures used by surgeons are enhancing surgical outcomes, while hospitals increasingly integrate these devices within surgical suites. Disturbingly, this trend is further amplified by the rapidly accelerating pace of precision medicine, whose unique therapies require advanced imaging platforms for targeted drug delivery verification.

Technological creativity fuels hybrid imaging and reagent developments.

The fusion of NIR imaging with complementary modalities such as MRI and PET is ushering in the establishment of next-generation hybrid systems with multiparametric insights. At the same time, the development of highly specific NIR reagents has broadened applications from oncology to the fields of cardiovascular research, neuroscience, and drug discovery in preclinical studies. These trends are widening the spectrum of applicability for practices beyond oncology.

Regulatory frameworks catalyse adoption but raise compliance challenges.

Stringent regulatory guidelines, especially across Europe and North America, are ensuring the standardisation of imaging quality and safety in the clinical setting. Although such frameworks run to bolster trust and adoption, on the contrary, they raise manufacturers' compliance costs and demand continuous updating of product validation and certification processes. The competitive advantage remains for those companies that can find an equilibrium between regulation, cost, and technology.

Economic pressure and capital expenditure obstacles hinder hospital adoption.

Despite its clinical advantages, the capital-intensive NIR imaging systems require substantial investment in both equipment and training. This constitutes an obstacle to adoption for smaller hospitals and facilities in emerging economies, leading to inequalities in accessibility. However, this problem is being levelled out, gradually, with the arrival of many portable and affordable imaging systems into the market.

Emerging preclinical research expands commercial scalability opportunities.

Pharmaceutical and biotech companies scale their investments in NIR-based translational research for validating molecular therapies, which in turn drives up the demand for reagents and imaging platforms designed for laboratory use. With drug pipelines becoming more and more convoluted, NIR imaging is providing a non-invasive and reproducible method of visualising therapeutic efficacy, creating lucrative commercial opportunities for the developers of reagents and manufacturers of devices.

Attractive Opportunities in the Market

Fluorescence-Guided Surgery Growth – Expanding role of NIR imaging in tumour margin detection accelerates adoption.
Hybrid Imaging Systems Demand – Integration with MRI and PET modalities unlocks multiparametric diagnostic possibilities.
Reagent Innovation Pipeline – Development of disease-specific NIR probes drives translational and clinical research growth.
Preclinical Research Expansion – Rising drug discovery studies enhance demand for laboratory NIR imaging solutions.
Portable Imaging Solutions – Compact, cost-effective devices boost accessibility across emerging economies.
Regulatory Endorsement Benefits – Positive approvals and guidelines improve physician trust and clinical acceptance.
Oncology Procedure Surge – Rising cancer burden globally reinforces demand for NIR-guided surgeries.
Collaborative R&D Platforms – Academia-industry partnerships fast-track innovation in devices and reagents.
Digital Workflow Integration – Seamless data integration enhances hospital adoption and decision-making accuracy.
Asia-Pacific Market Expansion – Regional manufacturing and healthcare growth spur NIR device and reagent uptake.

Report Segmentation

By Product:

Devices (Near-infrared Fluorescence Imaging Systems, Near-infrared Fluorescence & Bioluminescence Imaging Systems)
Reagents (Indocyanine Green (ICG), Other Reagents)

By Indication: Preclinical Imaging, Cancer Surgeries, Gastrointestinal Surgeries, Cardiovascular Surgeries, Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeries, Other Applications

By End Use: Hospitals & Clinics, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Research Laboratories

By Region: North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific), LAMEA (Brazil, Argentina, UAE, Saudi Arabia (KSA), Africa Rest of Latin America)

Key Market Players

Stryker Corporation, Olympus Corporation, Karl Storz SE & Co. KG, PerkinElmer Inc., Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Leica Microsystems, Quest Medical Imaging, Medtronic plc, Shimadzu Corporation, and LI-COR Biosciences.

Report Aspects

Base Year: 2024
Historic Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
Forecast Period: 2024-2035
Report Pages: 293

Dominating Segments

Devices themselves dominate the NIR imaging market, led by adoption in surgery and integration into research.

Devices have the greatest share in the NIR imaging market due to their unquestionable role in intraoperative guidance and diagnostic accuracy. Fluorescence-enabled imaging devices are now more widely adopted in hospitals and surgical centres due to the need for improved accuracy in oncological interventions requiring identification of tumour margins. Additionally, features of NIR modules are being incorporated into surgical platforms by device manufacturers, thereby enhancing their usefulness across various specialities. Demand for advanced, versatile devices continues to grow with the increasing acceptance of hybrid imaging systems.

Reagents backed by advanced translational research and precision diagnostics.

Currently, the reagents are amongst the fastest-growing segments for NIRs as research institutions and pharmaceutical companies intensify efforts in drug validation and imaging-aimed applications. These reagents aid in visualising biological processes, tracking disease development, and ultimately assessing drug efficacy. Rising cancer-related studies and advances in probe specificity guarantee a constant growth in demand. With applications extending beyond oncology towards neurology and cardiovascular research, the reagents are unlocking new revenue opportunities.

Cancer surgeries are driving the adoption of near-infrared imaging in hospitals and speciality clinics.

Cancer surgeries are the prime indication for NIR imaging since surgeons exploit fluorescence guidance to confirm complete tumour resection, envisaging minimal impact on healthy tissues. The rising prevalence of malignant pathologies worldwide, along with requirements for minimally invasive surgical intervention, strengthens this segment. Government measures to improve cancer care infrastructure will further substantiate adoption, thereby allowing NIR imaging to take a well-deserved place within the infrastructure for oncology procedures.

Preclinical imaging pushes pharmaceutical and biotechnology research demands.

Preclinical imaging is emerging as a crucial section, especially in drug discovery and translational studies. NIR is used to visualise biological processes in small animals, therefore improving reproducibility and accelerating the validation of therapy. With the unprecedented increase in funding within biotechnology, coupled with the intricate nature of modern drug pipelines, NIR imaging has become a respected technique for non-invasive research, thereby ensuring steady growth of the segment.

Key Takeaways

Devices Lead Market – Surgical imaging platforms account for the largest share of global adoption.
Reagents Rising Fast – Research applications and drug validation drive significant demand for NIR probes.
Cancer Surgeries Anchor Growth – Increasing oncological procedures cement NIR imaging’s role in hospitals.
Preclinical Imaging Expands – Pharmaceutical R&D drives adoption of NIR technology in translational studies.
Hybrid Imaging Integration – Combining modalities enhances diagnostic capabilities and widens applications.
Oncology-Centric Investments – Rising cancer prevalence accelerates adoption across surgical departments.
Emerging Market Access – Portable, cost-efficient devices extend reach in developing healthcare systems.
Regulatory Approvals Boost Trust – Guidelines encourage hospitals to invest in advanced imaging technologies.
Collaborative Innovation Rises – Partnerships between academia and industry fast-track product innovation.
Asia-Pacific Fuels Growth – Regional investments and expanding healthcare infrastructure enhance market share.

Regional Insights

North America has made great strides in advancing oncology and providing regulatory support in NIR imaging.

The United States accounts for most of the regional market, thanks to its well-developed oncology infrastructure, advanced acceptance of surgical innovations, and the strength of leading manufacturers in the industry. Adoption is further boosted by the high numbers of stringent FDA approvals and the increased pace of clinical research in cancer care, while Canadian and Mexican health systems are extending funding into new advanced imaging platforms.

Europe is a global hub for green-certified technologies and translational research.

Even NIR imaging systems for oncology and research centres are included in strengthening healthcare investments undertaken by Germany, France, the UK, and many other European countries. The European does not leave out innovations in reagents and hybrid devices, but focuses on the market's commitment to standardised imaging quality and sustainability as a means of positioning itself as the leading region in translational research applications.

Asia-Pacific region shows the highest increase due to healthcare expansion and the rising number of cancer patients.

Among the countries making up this region are China and India. These two countries largely dominate the expansion of the region owing to their large population and increasing number of patients looking for advanced technologies in surgery. Research-led innovations contribute significantly from Japan and South Korea, while enhancing adoption in oncology-focused hospitals in Australia. Increased government investments in cancer care and biotechnology will also exponential market growth.

LAMEA has a steady adoption with the growth of healthcare expenditure.

Investments in oncology diagnostics are rising in Latin American countries like Brazil and Argentina, while those in the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are developing world-class healthcare infrastructure based on NIR imaging. Africa is still in its nascent stages, but it has potential, as awareness of minimally invasive surgery and preclinical research expands.

Core Strategic Questions Answered in This Report

What is the expected growth trajectory of the near-infrared imaging market from 2024 to 2035?

The global near-infrared imaging market is projected to grow from USD 2.24 billion in 2024 to USD 3.52 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 4.2%. This growth is driven by expanding oncology procedures, translational research, and demand for advanced surgical imaging platforms.

Q. Which key factors are fuelling the growth of the near-infrared imaging market?

Several key factors are propelling market growth:

Rising cancer prevalence is driving the adoption of intraoperative fluorescence imaging.
Expanding preclinical imaging in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research.
Technological innovations in devices and NIR-specific reagents.
Integration of hybrid systems with MRI and PET.
Growing government initiatives supporting oncology infrastructure and research funding.

Q. What are the primary challenges hindering the growth of the near-infrared imaging market?

Major challenges include:

High capital expenditure limits adoption in smaller healthcare facilities.
Regulatory compliance costs for manufacturers in clinical applications.
Limited accessibility in developing economies due to infrastructure gaps.
Competition from alternative imaging modalities.
Technical challenges in probe specificity and sensitivity for diverse applications.

Q. Which regions currently lead the near-infrared imaging market in terms of market share?

North America currently leads the near-infrared imaging market due to its advanced healthcare systems, high volume of oncology procedures, and strong regulatory frameworks. Europe closely follows with a focus on translational research and sustainable innovation, while Asia-Pacific demonstrates the fastest growth trajectory.

Q. What emerging opportunities are anticipated in the near-infrared imaging market?

The market is ripe with new opportunities, including:

Expansion of hybrid imaging platforms integrating NIR with established modalities.
Development of disease-specific NIR reagents for oncology and neurology.
Rising adoption of portable imaging devices in emerging economies.
Enhanced demand from pharmaceutical R&D and translational research.
Strategic collaborations accelerating device and reagent innovations.

Key Benefits for Stakeholders

The report offers a quantitative assessment of market segments, emerging trends, projections, and market dynamics for the period 2024 to 2035.
The report presents comprehensive market research, including insights into key growth drivers, challenges, and potential opportunities.
Porter's Five Forces analysis evaluates the influence of buyers and suppliers, helping stakeholders make strategic, profit-driven decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer relationships.
A detailed examination of market segmentation helps identify existing and emerging opportunities.
Key countries within each region are analysed based on their revenue contributions to the overall market.
The positioning of market players enables effective benchmarking and provides clarity on their current standing within the industry.
The report covers regional and global market trends, major players, key segments, application areas, and strategies for market expansion. Show more