Cell Harvesting System Market Grows on Back of Cell Therapy Boom
The global cell harvesting system market is entering an era of robust growth, driven by rapid advances in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, regenerative medicine, and personalized therapies. Valued at US$ 6.9 billion in 2025, the market is forecast to more than double, reaching approximately US$ 15.5 billion by 2032. This translates into a compelling compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2% during the 2025-2032 period, underscoring the sector’s critical role in the evolving landscape of cell-based research and therapies.
Shifting Landscape: From Manual Processes to Automated Precision
Historically reliant on manual processes such as centrifugation and depth filtration, cell harvesting has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. The emergence of automated technologies is redefining industry standards by improving efficiency, reducing manual errors, and enabling scalable manufacturing processes.
Automated cell harvesting systems are projected to capture a dominant 67.4% share of the market by 2025, displacing traditional manual methods. These systems offer unmatched precision, reproducibility, and high-throughput capabilities, which are essential for applications ranging from basic research to large-scale production of advanced therapeutics.
“Innovation in automation and closed-system processing has fundamentally changed how manufacturers approach cell harvesting,” said a senior executive at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “The transition is not merely technological—it’s strategic, enabling companies to deliver complex biologics and cell therapies with greater reliability and regulatory compliance.”
Technology Milestones Drive Market Expansion
Key industry players are aggressively investing in research and development to expand their product portfolios and improve process efficiencies. For instance:
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Thermo Fisher Scientific introduced the DynaSpin Single-Use Centrifuge in October 2022, boasting a six-fold reduction in filter use and a 70% decrease in waste compared to conventional systems.
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Cytiva, in collaboration with Kite (Gilead), launched the modular Sefia cell therapy manufacturing platform in May 2024. This platform automates multiple steps in CAR-T cell therapy production, integrating closed systems for enhanced sterility and process control.
Meanwhile, advancements in tangential flow filtration (TFF), continuous centrifugation, and integrated bioprocessing solutions are reshaping manufacturing paradigms. These technologies not only streamline workflows but also support regulatory initiatives such as the U.S. FDA’s Emerging Technology Program, encouraging the adoption of innovative solutions that ensure product quality and consistency.
Market Dynamics: Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunities
Growth Drivers
Several factors are fueling the cell harvesting system market’s impressive growth trajectory:
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Booming Biopharma Industry: The rise of biologics, monoclonal antibodies, and cell-based therapies has intensified the demand for sophisticated harvesting technologies capable of handling delicate cells while preserving their therapeutic potential.
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Personalized Medicine: The increasing focus on personalized treatments requires precise cell isolation and manipulation, driving demand for high-performance harvesting systems.
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Regenerative Medicine Expansion: Stem cell therapies and tissue engineering rely on efficient harvesting processes to produce clinically viable cell products.
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Integration of Digital Technologies: Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and lab-on-a-chip (LOC) systems are enhancing yield prediction, process optimization, and real-time monitoring capabilities.
Challenges
Despite its strong outlook, the market faces several headwinds:
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High Cost of Automation: Advanced automated harvesting systems involve significant capital investments and require rigorous qualification and validation procedures. Many facilities, particularly those with legacy infrastructure, remain hesitant to undertake expensive upgrades.
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Regulatory Complexities: Bioprocessing innovations must align with stringent regulatory requirements, often leading to longer timelines for adoption and market entry.
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Technical Integration Issues: Seamless integration of new systems with existing manufacturing lines poses engineering and operational challenges, particularly for complex, multiproduct facilities.
Emerging Opportunities
Nonetheless, emerging technologies and innovative collaborations are creating significant growth avenues:
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Novel Microcarrier Technologies: Rousselot and IamFluidics launched dissolvable microcarriers in November 2024, leveraging patented IN-AIR MICROFLUIDICS™ technology. These enable simpler harvesting of adherent cells, supporting scalability for regenerative medicine applications.
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Robotic and AI-Driven Platforms: Devices like AVISO’s CellCelector automate precise cell selection, reducing labor intensity and contamination risks while improving throughput.
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3D-Printed Microfluidics: New designs for continuous stem cell harvesting processes enhance efficiency and maintain cell viability, opening possibilities for large-scale bioprocessing.
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Collaborative Innovation: Strategic alliances, such as the 2024 partnership between Ori Biotech and Fresenius Kabi to integrate cell therapy manufacturing platforms, highlight how industry players are converging to create seamless, end-to-end solutions.
Market Segmentation Insights
Product Analysis
Automated cell harvesters are set to dominate the global market due to their ability to handle higher volumes, reduce variability, and ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). They offer substantial benefits in terms of labor savings, process standardization, and reduced risk of human error. As personalized medicine expands, demand for such precision tools will continue to grow exponentially.
Application Analysis
Biopharmaceutical applications are anticipated to command a significant share of the market in 2025, fueled by increasing R&D investments in biologics, vaccines, and cell-based therapies. Cell harvesting systems are essential in maintaining high purity, yield, and functionality of therapeutic cells, which is critical for ensuring efficacy and regulatory compliance.
Regional Outlook
North America Leads the Charge
North America is projected to retain its leadership position with a 38.6% market share in 2025, driven by advanced infrastructure, strong R&D investments, and regulatory support for cell-based therapeutics. According to the Association of University Technology, collaborations between academia and industry have led to the development of over 200 new drugs and vaccines since 1996, underlining the region’s innovative ecosystem.
Moreover, the United States remains a hub for biopharma startups and established players alike, with companies averaging over US$ 637,000 in R&D spending per employee in recent years.
Europe Gains Momentum
Europe is fast emerging as a strong contender in the global cell harvesting market. Strategic investments and supportive regulations are accelerating technology adoption. Notably, Novartis plans to operationalize its new GMP-ready cell culture manufacturing line in Austria by Q3 2025, designed to produce up to 1.7 million litres of cell culture harvest annually. Such developments signal Europe’s commitment to scaling advanced biomanufacturing.
Asia Pacific: The Rising Star
Asia Pacific is witnessing explosive growth, fueled by government funding for regenerative medicine and increasing investments in biomanufacturing capacity. In December 2023, FUJIFILM announced a US$ 200 million investment to bolster cell therapy capabilities, highlighting the region’s determination to become a biopharma powerhouse. The surge in chronic diseases and a rising demand for cell-based treatments further underscore the region’s market potential.
Competitive Landscape
The global cell harvesting system market is highly competitive, characterized by a blend of established giants and innovative startups. Key players include:
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Esco Micro Pte. Ltd.
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Sartorius AG
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Cytiva (Danaher)
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Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
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Beckman Coulter, Inc.
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Corning Incorporated
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PerkinElmer
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Revvity
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ScaleReady USA
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Human Med, among others.
These companies continue to invest heavily in technological innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic partnerships to solidify market positions and tap into emerging opportunities.
Outlook
As biopharmaceuticals, regenerative medicine, and personalized therapies reshape the healthcare landscape, the cell harvesting system market stands as a critical enabler of progress. The integration of automation, AI, and advanced manufacturing techniques promises to transform the industry further, unlocking new possibilities for treatment innovation and commercial scalability.
With the market projected to reach US$ 15.5 billion by 2032, stakeholders across biotech, pharma, and medical technology sectors are positioning themselves to capitalize on the immense potential of this evolving domain.
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