Near Infrared Imaging Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product (Devices, Reagents), By Application (Cancer Surgeries, Gastrointestinal Surgeries, Cardiovascular Surgeries, Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeries, Other), By End-use (Hospitals & Clinics, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Research Laboratories), By Region, By Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 3.05 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.45%
Fastest Growing Segment	Cancer Surgeries
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 3.96 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Near Infrared Imaging Market will grow from USD 3.05 Billion in 2025 to USD 3.96 Billion by 2031 at a 4.45% CAGR. Near infrared imaging constitutes a noninvasive spectroscopic method that utilizes the electromagnetic spectrum between 700 and 2500 nanometers to visualize subsurface structures or chemical compositions without damaging the sample. The primary drivers supporting market growth include the increasing demand for radiation free diagnostic modalities and the rising adoption of image guided surgery to improve clinical outcomes. This expansion is further fueled by the escalating global burden of chronic diseases which necessitates precise early detection tools. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2024, the United States projected over 2 million new cancer cases for the first time, a statistic that underscores the critical need for advanced visualization technologies in medical care.

One significant challenge impeding the broader expansion of the global near infrared imaging market is the substantial cost associated with high sensitivity indium gallium arsenide sensors and specialized optical components. These financial barriers often deter smaller healthcare facilities and industrial manufacturers with limited capital from investing in this advanced instrumentation. Consequently, high acquisition and maintenance expenses limit market penetration in price sensitive regions despite the superior performance of these systems compared to conventional visible light imaging.

Key Market Drivers

The surging demand for minimally invasive surgical procedures represents a primary catalyst for the Global Near Infrared Imaging Market, as healthcare providers increasingly prioritize techniques that enhance patient safety and accelerate recovery. Near infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging has become an indispensable tool in these operations, enabling surgeons to visualize blood flow, lymphatic architecture, and tissue perfusion in real-time, effectively identifying anatomical structures that remain invisible to the naked eye. This capability is particularly critical in oncology and reconstructive surgeries, where precision is paramount to avoid complications. According to Intuitive Surgical, January 2025, in the 'Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results', worldwide procedures performed with da Vinci surgical systems grew approximately 17% in 2024 compared to the previous year, illustrating the robust trajectory of robotic-assisted interventions that heavily rely on such advanced imaging capabilities.

Technological advancements in NIR sensor and detector performance are simultaneously broadening the market's scope beyond medical diagnostics into industrial quality control and inspection. Recent innovations in indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) sensors have significantly improved quantum efficiency and spatial resolution, facilitating the detection of minute defects and foreign contaminants in semiconductor manufacturing and food processing. According to Sony Semiconductor Solutions, December 2024, in the release 'Sony's New Wide-spectrum Image Sensors IMX992 and IMX993 are Now Available', the company commenced mass production of short-wavelength infrared sensors featuring the industry's highest pixel count of 5.32 effective megapixels to support precision industrial inspection. This continuous innovation translates into sustained commercial momentum; according to Hamamatsu Photonics, in 2024, net sales for the company's Imaging and Measurement Instruments business rose by 3.3% to JPY 32,746 million, driven by the adoption of these sophisticated optical solutions.

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Key Market Challenges

The substantial cost associated with high-sensitivity indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) sensors and specialized optical components acts as a primary constraint on the Global Near Infrared Imaging Market. These financial barriers significantly deter smaller healthcare facilities and industrial manufacturers with limited capital from investing in this instrumentation. Although these systems offer performance advantages over conventional visible light imaging, the high acquisition and maintenance expenses effectively restrict market penetration, particularly in price-sensitive regions and sectors operating under tight budgetary constraints.

This economic pressure directly impacts the broader adoption of machine vision technologies, of which near infrared imaging is a critical subset. The inability of end-users to absorb these high costs leads to delayed procurement and reduced market activity. According to the VDMA Machine Vision sector group, in 2024, the machine vision industry in Europe was forecast to experience a 10 percent drop in sales in nominal terms. Such a decline illustrates how financial hurdles and economic constraints directly hamper the growth and expansion of advanced imaging markets.

Key Market Trends

The Rise of Hyperspectral and Multispectral NIR Technologies is reshaping the Global Near Infrared Imaging Market by moving beyond standard visualization to high-dimensional spectral phenotyping. This capability is increasingly critical in life sciences and advanced material analysis, where researchers require multiplexed visualization of biological tissues or complex chemical compositions to understand disease mechanisms and structural integrity. The demand for such advanced instrumentation is driving significant revenue growth for major manufacturers who have expanded their portfolios into spatial biology and high-precision diagnostics. According to Bruker Corporation, February 2025, in the 'Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results', the company reported full-year revenues of $3.37 billion, a 13.6% increase over the prior year, a performance attributed significantly to the robust adoption of its newly acquired spatial biology and molecular inspection platforms.

The Emergence of Wearable Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is simultaneously expanding the market's application into sports science and naturalistic behavioral monitoring. Unlike traditional tethered systems, these portable devices allow for the continuous assessment of muscle and brain oxygenation during dynamic physical activity, unlocking new avenues for athletic performance research and rehabilitation outside of clinical settings. The shift towards mobile instrumentation is evidenced by a marked increase in academic output utilizing these flexible solutions for real-world physiological tracking. According to Artinis Medical Systems, February 2025, in the 'Publication overview 2024' report, the number of sports science publications utilizing the company's wearable muscle NIRS devices more than doubled to 67 papers in 2024 compared to the previous year, highlighting the rapid uptake of this technology in field-based research.

Segmental Insights

The Cancer Surgeries segment is the fastest-growing component of the Global Near Infrared Imaging Market, propelled by the escalating global burden of oncological diseases and the demand for operative precision. This expansion is heavily supported by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which have approved specific fluorescence imaging agents designed to illuminate malignant cells during procedures. These advancements facilitate superior visualization of tumor margins, allowing surgeons to preserve healthy tissue while ensuring complete resection. As healthcare facilities prioritize reducing re-operation rates and improving clinical outcomes, the adoption of near-infrared solutions for cancer treatment continues to accelerate.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a dominant position in the Global Near Infrared Imaging Market primarily due to the rising prevalence of chronic disorders and cancer that demand precise diagnostic interventions. The region benefits from established healthcare infrastructure and the strong presence of key industry players driving product development. Furthermore, supportive regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding product approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, facilitate the rapid commercialization of imaging systems. High healthcare expenditure and the widespread adoption of surgical navigation technologies continue to support this regional expansion.

Recent Developments

• In April 2025, Revvity unveiled the VivoJect Image-Guided Injection System at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting, marking a significant addition to its preclinical imaging portfolio. This system pairs with the Vega automated preclinical ultrasound platform to facilitate real-time imaging and precise needle operation for in vivo research. The technology streamlines workflows for applications such as tumor model creation and targeted drug delivery, which frequently utilize near-infrared imaging agents to track biological processes. This launch aims to accelerate cancer research by offering higher throughput and greater reproducibility compared to traditional manual injection techniques.
• In April 2024, LICORbio introduced two new models of the Odyssey F biomolecular imaging system, reinforcing its position in the near-infrared imaging market. The launch featured a three-channel model equipped with dual near-infrared lasers, designed to deliver high throughput and precise quantitative imaging for researchers. A ten-channel version was also released, combining near-infrared capabilities with visible fluorescence lasers to enable advanced multiplexing for plate-based assays and tissue section imaging. These systems were developed to address the increasing demand for speed, accuracy, and versatility in life science research and biological instrumentation.
• In March 2024, Stryker launched the 1788 Advanced Imaging Platform, a cutting-edge solution designed to enhance visualization in the global near-infrared imaging market. The system features advanced fluorescence imaging capabilities, including a Color Segmented Fluorescence mode that generates a color map based on indocyanine green intensities. This technology is particularly beneficial for critical tasks such as assessing tissue perfusion and mapping lymph nodes during minimally invasive surgeries. By delivering high-resolution 4K images with a wider color gamut, the platform provides surgeons with superior visual clarity to identify anatomical details and improve patient outcomes across multiple medical specialties.
• In January 2024, Leica Microsystems launched an evolved version of its ARveo 8 digital visualization microscope, which significantly advances capabilities in the near-infrared imaging market. The updated system integrates GLOW800 augmented reality fluorescence, a technology that utilizes near-infrared light to visualize vascular flow in three dimensions during neurosurgical procedures. This platform is also compatible with the new MyVeo all-in-one surgical visualization headset, which enhances ergonomic comfort and workflow efficiency by reducing dependence on external monitors. This development enables surgeons to make more confident intraoperative decisions through precise, real-time visualization of complex anatomical structures and blood flow.

Key Market Players

• Stryker Corporation
• Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
• PerkinElmer, Inc.
• Olympus Corporation
• Leica Microsystems
• Teledyne FLIR LLC
• KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG
• Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
• Medtronic PLC
• LI-COR, Inc.

By Product	By Application	By End-use	By Region
Devices Reagents	Cancer Surgeries Gastrointestinal Surgeries Cardiovascular Surgeries Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeries Other	Hospitals & Clinics Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies Research Laboratories	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• Near Infrared Imaging Market, By Product:

• Devices
• Reagents

• Near Infrared Imaging Market, By Application:

• Cancer Surgeries
• Gastrointestinal Surgeries
• Cardiovascular Surgeries
• Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeries
• Other

• Near Infrared Imaging Market, By End-use:

• Hospitals & Clinics
• Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies
• Research Laboratories

• Near Infrared Imaging Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE