Forensic Genomics Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Component (Kits, Analyzers & Sequencers, Software, Consumables), By Technique (Capillary Electrophoresis {CE}, Next-generation Sequencing {NGS}, PCR Amplification), By Application (Criminal Testing, Paternity & Familial Testing, Biodefense, Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Forensic Genomics Market was valued at USD 587.15 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1347.26 million by 2030 with a CAGR of 14.85% during the forecast period. The global market for Forensic Genomics is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing private and government funding for the development of cost-effective forensic testing techniques along with testing and analysis of physical evidence in publicly funded forensic laboratories across the globe. Besides increasing security concerns at both the international as well as national airports because of increasing criminal cases are expected to support market growth in the coming years. Besides, increasing preference for using new equipment and systems for forensic departments due to technological advancement in forensics science will further propel the market over the forecast period. Additionally, huge usage of forensics by police officers and law enforcement agencies to identify the criminals will drive the forensic genomics market in the coming years. In February 2022, researchers from the University of Washington along with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security used DNA testing of ivory shipments confiscated by law enforcement to identify the global criminal groups involved in ivory smuggling out of Africa.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Crime Rates and Demand for Advanced Forensic Solutions

One of the primary drivers for the global forensic genomics market is the increasing incidence of violent crimes and the corresponding demand for precise and efficient investigative tools. As crime rates rise across various countries, law enforcement agencies are under pressure to adopt more reliable and scientifically advanced methodologies to solve cases. Forensic genomics—using DNA sequencing and analysis to identify individuals—has emerged as a critical component in criminal investigations. For instance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States reported over 1.3 million violent crimes in 2022, including homicides, sexual assaults, and aggravated assaults. The role of DNA evidence has become central in solving such crimes. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, DNA testing helped solve more than 50,000 cases between 2010 and 2020, and the trend continues as law enforcement agencies adopt forensic genomics for cold case resolutions and real-time investigations.

Globally, governments are enhancing forensic infrastructure. In the United Kingdom, the Home Office funds the Forensic Capability Network (FCN) to standardize forensic practices and ensure advanced tools, including genomics, are available across police forces. Similarly, countries like India have launched the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, which seeks to create national DNA data banks and regulate the use of DNA for criminal identification. The growing trust in DNA evidence for its accuracy and admissibility in courts, combined with policy-driven expansion of forensic facilities, is driving demand for genomic tools. As a result, forensic genomics is becoming indispensable in modern law enforcement, boosting market growth globally.

Expansion of National DNA Databases and Government-Supported Programs

The global expansion of national DNA databases is significantly accelerating the adoption of forensic genomics. Governments are increasingly recognizing the power of DNA in criminal justice and have initiated efforts to develop centralized systems for storing and comparing DNA profiles. These initiatives not only improve the efficiency of criminal investigations but also help in exonerating the innocent and identifying unknown human remains. For example, the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) managed by the FBI in the U.S. contains over 20 million DNA profiles as of 2023. CODIS has assisted in more than 600,000 investigations, demonstrating how a well-maintained DNA database can directly impact public safety. Similarly, in China, the government has built the world's largest forensic DNA database, housing tens of millions of genetic profiles, which it uses to aid law enforcement and public security functions. Moreover, many developing countries are following suit. India's Ministry of Home Affairs recently allocated funds for upgrading forensic labs and establishing regional DNA data banks under the Forensic Science Services modernization initiative. Meanwhile, the European Union has implemented the Prüm Decisions, which allow cross-border sharing of DNA data between EU member states, streamlining international cooperation in crime solving.

These government-led programs not only increase the efficiency of forensic investigations but also set the foundation for scalable and secure forensic genomic infrastructure. The rise of integrated national and international databases is facilitating quicker matches, reducing backlogs, and expanding the use of DNA technology beyond traditional crime-solving to applications in disaster victim identification and missing persons cases, thereby strongly driving market expansion.

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Key Market Challenges

Ethical Concerns and Data Privacy Issues

Despite its transformative potential, forensic genomics raises significant ethical and privacy concerns, which present substantial challenges to market growth. As genomic technologies enable more sensitive and comprehensive analysis of individual DNA, concerns are mounting over the protection, use, and potential misuse of genetic data. One major concern is the informed consent of individuals whose DNA is collected and stored. In many cases, law enforcement agencies collect DNA from suspects, arrestees, or even from relatives of persons of interest, raising questions about the voluntary nature of the process. Furthermore, the long-term storage of this data in national databases leads to fears of genetic surveillance, discrimination, or misuse in non-criminal contexts.

Governments and civil liberties organizations are increasingly scrutinizing these practices. For example, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) have criticized the lack of clear legal frameworks governing the use of forensic DNA databases in the United States. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union imposes strict conditions on processing genetic data, limiting the use of forensic genomics without proper legal basis.

Additionally, high-profile breaches and controversies—such as the misuse of genealogy websites in law enforcement investigations—have sparked public debate. In the Golden State Killer case, for example, police accessed a public genealogy database without a warrant, raising alarms about the potential for abuse. Balancing public safety with individual rights remains a key challenge. Without transparent governance frameworks, community trust in forensic genomic applications may decline, potentially hinder adoption and development in this field.

High Cost and Limited Access to Advanced Technologies

Another major challenge hindering the global forensic genomics market is the high cost associated with implementing and maintaining advanced sequencing technologies and data analysis infrastructure. Despite their potential benefits, genomic tools often require significant financial investment in laboratory equipment, software systems, trained personnel, and sample storage facilities. Forensic genomic workflows frequently rely on next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, which, while becoming more affordable over time, still represent a considerable expense. The initial setup costs for these technologies can range from tens of thousands to millions of U.S. dollars, depending on the scale and complexity of the facility. In addition to capital investment, there are ongoing costs associated with reagents, software updates, quality assurance protocols, and data security.

Low- and middle-income countries often face difficulties in adopting these technologies due to limited budget allocations for forensic infrastructure. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), many countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America operate with outdated forensic capabilities, severely limiting their use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations. Furthermore, the shortage of trained forensic genomics professionals exacerbates the issue. A report by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) highlights significant backlogs in DNA testing due to insufficient staffing in public laboratories. Without well-trained personnel, even laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment may struggle to deliver timely and accurate results. To address these disparities, international cooperation and donor-funded programs are essential. However, until such efforts are scaled up, cost and access will remain persistent barriers to the global adoption of forensic genomics technologies.

Key Market Trends

Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Forensic Genomics

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in forensic genomics is emerging as a transformative trend, enhancing the speed, accuracy, and scalability of forensic investigations. As genomic data becomes more complex and voluminous, the use of AI-driven algorithms for pattern recognition, variant calling, and sequence interpretation is becoming essential in processing large datasets quickly and with high precision. AI tools are particularly valuable in improving DNA mixture deconvolution, a common challenge in forensic casework where biological samples contain DNA from multiple individuals. Machine learning models can identify individual contributors more accurately than traditional statistical methods. Additionally, AI enhances phenotypic prediction, which helps reconstruct physical traits—such as hair color, eye color, and ancestry—from genetic data, aiding law enforcement in narrowing down suspects when no DNA match exists.

Governments are actively supporting AI integration in forensic science. For instance, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. is funding research on AI applications in forensic laboratories, focusing on algorithm validation and ethical considerations. Meanwhile, the European Commission’s Horizon Europe program supports projects that apply AI to forensic biology, promoting cross-border standardization and digital transformation. This trend is further reinforced by collaborations between technology firms and forensic service providers, who are co-developing AI-powered platforms for automated DNA analysis and case management. As these tools mature, AI is expected to reduce turnaround times, enhance accuracy, and make forensic genomics more accessible to under-resourced laboratories, positioning this as a defining trend in the evolution of the market.

Growing Use of Forensic Genomics in Humanitarian and Disaster Victim Identification

Another important trend shaping the forensic genomics market is its expanding use in humanitarian missions and disaster victim identification (DVI). In recent years, governments and international organizations have increasingly turned to forensic genomics to identify victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts, and mass migration, highlighting the humanitarian utility of DNA-based technologies. One of the most prominent examples is the work of the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), which utilizes DNA technology to identify missing individuals in post-conflict and post-disaster scenarios. The ICMP has successfully applied forensic genomics to identify victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the Balkan wars, and other mass fatality incidents. According to ICMP data, over 20,000 missing people have been identified globally using DNA testing, with a growing emphasis on NGS for more complex identifications.

Governments have also institutionalized the role of forensic genomics in disaster preparedness. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) supports initiatives through its Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams (DMORT), which use DNA to assist in victim identification during national emergencies. Similarly, Interpol has issued guidelines on the use of DNA in international DVI operations, reinforcing standardization and cross-border cooperation.

Segmental Insights

Component Insights

Based on Component, Kits category holds the largest market share. This dominance is primarily driven by the widespread and recurring use of DNA extraction kits, quantification kits, amplification kits, and STR (short tandem repeat) analysis kits across forensic laboratories and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Kits are integral to nearly every stage of the forensic genomics workflow—from sample collection to DNA profiling—making them indispensable tools for rapid, accurate, and standardized genetic analysis. The increased frequency of criminal investigations and cold case reopenings, along with advancements in low-template and degraded DNA analysis, have intensified the demand for highly sensitive and specialized forensic kits. These ready-to-use kits reduce processing time, enhance consistency, and require minimal technical training, which contributes to their strong adoption globally.

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Regional Insights

Based on the region, North America held the largest market share in the global forensic genomics market. This dominance can be attributed to several critical factors, including the region's advanced forensic infrastructure, significant government investments in law enforcement technologies, and strong presence of major industry players. The United States has made substantial efforts to enhance its forensic capabilities. For instance, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has been consistently funding programs under initiatives such as the DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program, which allocated over $78 million in FY 2023 to improve the quality and efficiency of forensic DNA testing and analysis across public crime laboratories. Moreover, the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) continues to be one of the largest DNA databases globally, supporting the rapid identification and comparison of DNA profiles in criminal investigations. This infrastructure allows forensic genomics to be integrated seamlessly into law enforcement workflows, resulting in faster case resolutions and higher clearance rates for crimes. Additionally, public awareness and acceptance of forensic technologies are higher in this region, further supporting the market’s expansion.

Recent Developments

• In October 2024, Promega Corporation introduced a newly developed enzyme designed to significantly reduce stutter artifacts in forensic DNA analysis. This innovation is expected to enhance the accuracy of forensic profiling and support the company’s growth trajectory in the coming years.
• In May 2024, QIAGEN entered into a strategic collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop an advanced digital PCR assay tailored for the QIAcuity platform. This initiative aims to improve DNA quantification processes from human samples, allowing forensic professionals and law enforcement to analyze a broader spectrum of evidence with greater speed and precision. The partnership reinforces QIAGEN’s leading role in the field of forensic science and human identification.
• In February 2024, Bode Technology made notable progress in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) by launching a suite of validated genome sequencing services. These services are backed by Bode’s fully accredited, in-house forensic DNA capabilities, offering reliable and legally compliant solutions for complex genealogical investigations.

Key Market Players

• Illumina, Inc.
• Verogen, Inc.
• Agilent Technologies, Inc.
• Thermo Fischer Scientific, Inc.
• QIAGEN N.V.
• GE Healthcare
• Gene by Gene, Ltd.
• Neogen Corporation
• Eurofins Scientific SE
• Othram Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Forensic Genomics Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Forensic Genomics Market, By Component:

o   Kits

o   Analyzers & Sequencers

o   Software

o   Consumables

• Forensic Genomics Market, By Technique:

o   Capillary Electrophoresis {CE}

o   Next-generation Sequencing {NGS}

o   PCR Amplification

• Forensic Genomics Market, By Application:

o   Criminal Testing

o   Paternity & Familial Testing

o   Biodefense

o   Others

• Forensic Genomics Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Mexico

§  Canada

o   Europe

§  France

§  Germany

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  South Korea

§  Japan

§  Australia

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East and Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Forensic Genomics Market.

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Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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