Whole Slide Imaging Market Share, Size and Growth Analysis By 2029

The global whole slide imaging market is projected to expand significantly, growing from US$ 459.36 million in 2021 to US$ 1,471.71 million by 2028. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.2% from 2022 to 2028.

Several factors are contributing to this market expansion, notably the rapid advancements in technology related to whole slide imaging and the increasing adoption of digital pathology practices.

The integration of medical services with digital platforms is enhancing the popularity and acceptance of digital consultations. Among the transformative technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as a key player that has been revolutionizing medical imaging and pathology in recent years. AI facilitates the use of digitized consultation images for both diagnostic purposes and workflow enhancements. A significant application of these digitized images is in the development of diagnostic algorithms that can improve the efficiency of the diagnostic process.

Moreover, companies are actively working on creating AI-driven products. For example, in December 2021, Roche launched three AI-based deep learning image analysis algorithms specifically for breast cancer, designated for Research Use Only (RUO). The advancements in AI and the ongoing digitization of pathology are promising strategies to fulfill the increasing demand for precise detection, classification, and patient prediction.

In addition to image analysis, the workflow for whole slide analysis is being enhanced through automated pre-computation of slide images prior to pathologist evaluation, along with accurate visual overlays that highlight tumor cells, both with and without nuclear staining. A notable innovation in this area was introduced by OptraSCAN in July 2019, which unveiled the OS-SiA, a next-generation AI-enabled digital scanner capable of automatic scanning and real-time tissue or cell area analysis.

Furthermore, governmental bodies are promoting the integration of AI technologies within digital pathology. For instance, in August 2020, the UK?s Department of Health and Social Care announced a funding initiative of US$ 63.17 million to establish three digital pathology centers in the UK, aimed at incorporating AI technology into their operations. The anticipated adoption of AI technology is expected to positively influence market growth in the coming years.

Type Insights

The whole slide imaging market is categorized into three main types: hardware, software, and services. Within the hardware segment, there are further subdivisions including scanners, microscopes, and cameras. In 2021, the hardware segment dominated the market and is projected to experience the highest CAGR of 18.8% during the forecast period.

Application Insights

From an application perspective, the whole slide imaging market is divided into segments such as telepathology, cytopathology, immunohistochemistry, and hematopathology. The telepathology segment was the largest market segment in 2021. However, the immunohistochemistry segment is anticipated to achieve the highest CAGR throughout the forecast period. Telepathology involves conducting pathology assessments remotely using advanced telecommunication technologies.

End User Insights

In terms of end users, the whole slide imaging market is segmented into hospitals, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, laboratories, and academic research institutes. The academic research institutes segment held the largest market share in 2021, driven by the growing number of research centers globally. Conversely, the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Key organizations involved in this sector include the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), Ohio State Innovation Foundation (OSIF), National Institute for Health (NIH), and the Canada Foundation of Innovation (CFI).