Forensic Technology Market Size and Growth Report, 2033

Forensic Technology Market Overview

The Forensic Technology Market size was valued at USD 2474.05 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4093.29 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2025 to 2033.

The Forensic Technology Market has evolved into a critical segment within law enforcement and healthcare diagnostics, driven by innovations in DNA profiling, toxicology, and biometric analysis. In 2024, over 84,000 forensic investigations globally incorporated advanced molecular diagnostics technologies.

Forensic laboratories in more than 70 countries adopted high-throughput sequencing platforms to streamline criminal case resolutions. Around 45% of forensic technology deployments involve DNA fingerprinting, followed by toxicology testing at 28% and biometric identification systems at 17%. The United States, India, and the UK have more than 3,500 operational forensic laboratories, while private forensic services grew by 22% in case handling capacity between 2022 and 2024.

Globally, over 420 forensic research projects received government funding in 2023, with Europe contributing to over 120 of them. In addition, approximately 18% of all judicial exonerations in 2023 were supported by forensic technology tools, especially in cold case re-examinations. These developments reflect the increasing reliance on digital forensics, DNA testing, and portable crime scene devices.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Growing adoption of DNA sequencing and rapid crime scene investigation tools.

COUNTRY/REGION: North America holds the dominant position due to its advanced criminal justice systems and technological adoption.

SEGMENT: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology leads the market with the widest application in crime laboratories globally.

Forensic Technology Market Trends

The Forensic Technology Market is witnessing a transformation driven by digitization, automation, and AI-based investigation tools. In 2023, approximately 58% of forensic labs incorporated automated DNA profiling systems. Facial recognition and biometric authentication tools contributed to over 26,000 solved identity verification cases in 2024. Forensic imaging and video analysis technologies were used in more than 40,000 cases worldwide, especially in traffic violation and surveillance audits. An emerging trend is the miniaturization of field-deployable devices; for instance, over 1,200 police departments globally adopted handheld DNA analyzers in 2023. Digital forensics also saw substantial growth, with over 170,000 mobile devices examined for digital evidence globally in 2023. Furthermore, crime scene reconstruction software integrated with VR interfaces is now used by over 800 agencies for training and simulation. The market is also influenced by the convergence of genomics with forensic evidence; over 70 cross-functional collaborations between biotech firms and law enforcement agencies were documented in 2024. Environmental forensic testing rose by 19% in adoption across oil spill and industrial contamination cases. Academic institutions contributed significantly through more than 400 forensic science publications in 2023, enabling deeper technology integration and training. The forensic kits market alone registered a shipment of over 3.2 million units worldwide, with rising demand in emerging economies.

Forensic Technology Market Dynamics

The forensic technology landscape is shaped by rapid advancements in crime-solving tools, governmental policy changes, and increasing reliance on biological and digital evidence. Over 90 countries have updated forensic evidence admissibility laws since 2022, allowing advanced tools like next-generation sequencing and AI-based analysis. This regulatory flexibility has supported over 50,000 cases using rapid DNA technology. The market dynamics are further influenced by cross-border collaboration in crime tracking, with INTERPOL and regional policing units exchanging data from over 35 million criminal cases.

DRIVER

Technological advances in DNA analysis and digital forensics

One of the most significant growth drivers in the forensic technology market is the rapid advancement of DNA profiling and digital analysis tools. Between 2022 and 2024, more than 5,500 new digital forensic software licenses were issued globally. Tools like AI-based video analytics and rapid DNA identification have led to over 37% reduction in time-to-conviction for criminal cases. The expansion of capabilities in rapid DNA testing—where results can be obtained within 90 minutes—has allowed law enforcement agencies to streamline investigations. DNA profiling was used in 72% of major crime investigations in the U.S. alone in 2023, underscoring its dominant role.

RESTRAINT

Limited forensic infrastructure in low-income regions

Despite the growth, limited forensic infrastructure in developing nations acts as a restraint. In 2023, more than 45 countries had fewer than 5 operational forensic labs, leading to a backlog of over 230,000 unresolved criminal cases. Lack of skilled personnel further exacerbates the situation, with over 60% of developing countries reporting insufficient training programs in forensic disciplines. Budget constraints hinder access to next-generation tools, and cross-border forensic data exchange is often restricted by geopolitical issues.

OPPORTUNITY

Integration of AI and IoT in forensic operations

The integration of artificial intelligence and IoT is opening new opportunities across forensic operations. Over 2,800 law enforcement agencies adopted AI-based scene reconstruction software between 2023 and 2024. IoT devices used in crime scene environments, such as environmental sensors and real-time monitoring systems, are now utilized in over 1,200 forensic kits. These systems reduce human error by 28% in analysis and provide better traceability of evidence.

CHALLENGE

Data privacy and ethical concerns in forensic genomics

A major challenge lies in the ethical and privacy concerns surrounding forensic genomics. As of 2024, over 40 privacy complaints were lodged against public databases hosting DNA records. While familial DNA searching helped solve over 3,000 cold cases globally, it has raised significant ethical questions regarding consent. Data security breaches at three major forensic labs in 2023 affected over 9 million DNA profiles, leading to investigations and legislative reforms. These challenges hinder broader adoption in certain regions despite technological advancements.

Forensic Technology Market Segmentation

The Forensic Technology Market is segmented by type and application, reflecting the variety of technologies used across different sectors. Type-wise segmentation includes polymerase chain reaction (PCR), capillary electrophoresis, next-generation sequencing (NGS), rapid DNA analysis, automated liquid handling, microarrays, and others. Application-based segmentation involves pharmacogenetics, biodefense & biosurveillance, judicial and law enforcement, and others.

By Type

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR is the most widely used technique, employed in over 70% of forensic DNA analysis cases globally. In 2023 alone, more than 450,000 PCR tests were conducted across crime labs. Its high sensitivity allows for accurate DNA replication from minute samples, making it integral to forensic biology.
Capillary Electrophoresis: Used in over 35,000 DNA sequencing applications in 2023, capillary electrophoresis plays a key role in STR (Short Tandem Repeat) analysis. It enables rapid and high-throughput genetic fingerprinting with error rates under 0.1%. Around 60% of forensic labs in Europe utilize this method for identity verification.
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): NGS adoption grew by 24% in 2023 with over 800 labs globally equipped with NGS platforms. It allows multilocus DNA sequencing, often used in cold case reviews and mass disaster identification, handling more than 100,000 samples annually.
Rapid DNA Analysis: With results in under 2 hours, rapid DNA systems were used in over 16,000 field investigations in 2023. More than 90 countries now have at least one field unit using rapid DNA tools for border security and crime scene processing.
Automated Liquid Handling Technology: Approximately 1,700 forensic labs now utilize automated liquid handling platforms to prepare DNA and toxicology samples. This has reduced sample contamination rates by over 32% and increased throughput by 45% year-over-year.
Microarrays: In 2023, over 28,000 cases employed microarray-based analysis, especially in gene expression profiling for toxicological testing. Around 22% of forensic toxicology labs utilize microarrays due to their multiplexing capabilities.
Others: Other technologies include voice analysis systems, bite-mark identification, and digital forensic kits. Over 7,000 cases worldwide in 2023 were assisted by biometric facial recognition and gait analysis systems.

By Application

Pharmacogenetics: Over 12,000 criminal cases involved pharmacogenetic testing in 2023, particularly in identifying drug metabolism patterns for poisoning cases. This segment is rising due to over 240 drug-related fatalities reviewed using genetic markers.
Biodefense & Biosurveillance: Biosurveillance tools were used in over 4,500 investigations of biological threats in 2023. Forensic labs in the U.S. and Europe processed over 1.1 million environmental and pathogen samples combined.
Judicial and Law Enforcement: Accounting for more than 68% of applications, this segment saw over 920,000 cases processed using forensic DNA, toxicology, and digital evidence in 2023 alone. Police and federal agencies are major users.
Others: This includes academic research, private investigations, and insurance fraud detection. Approximately 5,700 insurance cases globally used forensic document examination in 2023.

Regional Outlook for the Forensic Technology Market

The regional landscape of the forensic technology market demonstrates significant disparities in adoption, investment, and technological advancement. North America remains the leading region, with the United States alone accounting for over 54% of global forensic technology utilization. More than 1,600 accredited forensic laboratories are operational across the U.S. and Canada, and the region processed over 920,000 forensic cases in 2023, supported by extensive use of rapid DNA analyzers, digital forensics platforms, and automated evidence handling systems.

North America

North America leads the global forensic technology market, with the U.S. accounting for over 54% of global forensic technology usage in 2024. There are more than 1,600 operational forensic labs across the U.S. and Canada. The FBI alone processed over 640,000 DNA samples through CODIS, while more than 75,000 digital forensic cases were handled across 52 state-level labs. Investments in rapid DNA systems grew by 17%, with the deployment of over 2,400 field analyzers.

Europe

Europe has a mature forensic infrastructure, with over 1,200 accredited forensic labs operating in 2024. The UK and Germany lead the region with more than 400,000 forensic case evaluations annually. European nations saw a 22% increase in DNA-based convictions, while the EU funded over 120 forensic R&D projects in 2023. GDPR compliance and ethical data handling are core focus areas for digital forensic services.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is witnessing rapid growth with over 1,900 forensic labs across countries like China, Japan, and India. India alone conducted over 210,000 DNA-based investigations in 2023. China launched 38 forensic modernization projects, and South Korea deployed AI-powered forensic tools in 15% of its national crime labs. Government funding across the region exceeded 1.2 billion USD equivalent for forensic advancements.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East and Africa region is slowly emerging, with over 400 forensic labs. UAE and South Africa lead the regional market. Dubai Police handled more than 45,000 forensic investigations in 2023. However, the region faces limitations in access to NGS and rapid DNA tools, though over 23% of labs have introduced automated toxicology analysis recently.

List of Top Forensic Technology Companies

Thermo Fisher Scientific
Agilent Technologies
Qiagen
Promega Corporation
Eurofins Scientific
Neogen Corporation
NMS Labs
Sorenson Forensics
Forensic Fluids Laboratories

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Offers more than 120 forensic tools and was involved in over 680,000 investigations in 2023. Its rapid DNA platform is used in over 30 countries.

Qiagen: Supplies forensic kits and instruments to over 90 countries. More than 25,000 labs globally utilize Qiagen's DNA analysis products.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The forensic technology market has become a significant focal point for public and private sector investment, particularly in areas involving advanced DNA tools, digital forensics, and crime scene analysis systems. In 2023, over 3,200 forensic laboratories globally received public funding, with the United States allocating more than 850 million USD equivalent to state-level forensic improvement programs. India’s government funded 27 new regional forensic science labs in 2024, while the European Union disbursed grants for over 40 multi-country forensic research collaborations. Private sector investment is also growing, with biotech and software companies investing heavily in AI-powered forensic tools and next-generation DNA sequencing kits. More than 150 startups received venture capital investments in the forensic space between 2022 and 2024, with an average funding round size of over 6 million USD equivalent. Among them, over 40 companies focused exclusively on digital forensics, offering tools for mobile device extraction, computer forensics, and cybercrime analysis. In terms of infrastructure, over 900 forensic laboratories were modernized with automation and robotics between 2023 and 2024, enhancing throughput and reducing sample contamination rates by 30%. Investments in portable crime scene tools have also surged. For example, over 3,500 handheld DNA analyzers were deployed globally in 2023, significantly cutting processing times.

New Product Development

Innovation in the forensic technology market has accelerated, particularly in rapid analysis systems, AI integration, and portable detection kits. In 2023, more than 450 new forensic products were launched globally, including next-generation DNA sequencing platforms, advanced toxicology kits, and mobile scene analysis tools. Over 110 of these innovations were classified as “disruptive,” featuring fully automated, cloud-integrated functionality. Thermo Fisher Scientific introduced a rapid DNA analyzer capable of processing 5 samples simultaneously within 90 minutes. The system has been deployed across 700+ police departments in the United States and EU. Qiagen launched a next-gen sequencing kit with integrated AI error correction, now in use across 280 forensic labs, reducing analysis time by 27%. In the field of digital forensics, Cellebrite introduced an advanced mobile device extraction unit capable of retrieving deleted messages from encrypted messaging apps. The system has assisted in over 11,000 investigations worldwide since its release. Meanwhile, Verogen unveiled a genealogical database tool specifically designed for law enforcement that supports kinship searches using over 30 million DNA profiles. Portable forensic devices have also seen innovation. In 2023, over 2,100 crime scene units globally adopted the new handheld Raman spectroscopy kits capable of identifying over 15,000 substances including narcotics and explosives. These devices are now being used by more than 120 border control agencies for on-site analysis.

Five Recent Developments

Thermo Fisher Scientific (2023): Launched a next-gen rapid DNA platform used in over 700 field cases within 6 months of release. It reduced sample-to-result time to under 90 minutes.
Qiagen (2024): Rolled out a forensic NGS kit optimized for degraded samples, successfully deployed in over 300 labs across 35 countries, including India, UK, and Japan.
Eurofins Scientific (2023): Deployed mobile forensic vans equipped with biometric scanning and DNA collection tools in 12 European countries, handling over 5,000 cases.
Neogen Corporation (2024): Introduced a forensic toxicology test kit that detects over 300 substances in under 15 minutes. It’s now in use by 130 law enforcement agencies globally.
NMS Labs (2023): Partnered with U.S. state governments to implement a centralized digital evidence portal. Over 250,000 samples have been processed through this system to date.

Report Coverage of Forensic Technology Market

This report offers an in-depth examination of the global forensic technology market, covering the evolution, current scenario, and projected developments of the sector. The report includes comprehensive analysis across key technological domains such as DNA analysis, toxicology, biometric tools, digital forensics, and automated evidence processing. As of 2024, more than 4,200 forensic service facilities operate globally, processing over 1.8 million criminal cases per year. More than 70% of these facilities now utilize at least one form of AI or automation. The scope of the report spans across forensic laboratories, judicial institutions, law enforcement agencies, private investigation firms, and academic research institutions. Over 950 forensic labs were newly certified under ISO/IEC 17025 standards between 2022 and 2024, reflecting rising quality assurance in sample processing and report generation. The report also covers trends related to new forensic evidence types—such as voice, digital trace, and synthetic drug signatures—that are now accepted in over 55 countries. Emphasis is placed on the convergence of forensic medicine, data science, and automation, with more than 2,800 tools evaluated in terms of performance, portability, and reliability. Additionally, the report addresses technological penetration across developing regions, where forensic facility deployment grew by 18% between 2022 and 2024. Investment trends have also been assessed, tracking over 300 funding events, grants, and acquisitions involving forensic technology companies. The integration of blockchain and cloud storage systems in forensic data protection is covered extensively, with over 950 labs upgrading to tamper-proof evidence archiving systems. This report includes competitive benchmarking across leading vendors, profiling tools used in over 90% of global forensic casework. Each tool’s specifications, usage volume, and compatibility across systems have been evaluated. Application-based demand is also explored, showing that judicial and law enforcement sectors accounted for over 900,000 forensic requests in 2023 alone.