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In the ever-evolving world of biotechnology, gene synthesis is no longer just a laboratory curiosity—it’s a cornerstone of modern science. From revolutionizing personalized medicine to turbocharging vaccine development, synthetic genes are transforming how we understand and manipulate life.
According to market forecasts, the global gene synthesis market size accounted for USD 3.22 billion in 2024, grew to USD 4 billion in 2025 and is predicted to surpass around USD 27.63 billion by 2034, representing a healthy CAGR of 23.97% between 2024 and 2034. The North America gene synthesis market size is calculated at USD 1.26 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a fastest CAGR of 24.15% during the forecast year.
What Is Gene Synthesis?
Gene synthesis is a transformative biotechnological method that enables the de novo creation of DNA sequences in a laboratory, without relying on a natural DNA template. Instead of copying genetic material from existing organisms, scientists can digitally design custom genetic sequences using software tools and then chemically synthesize them from short DNA fragments called oligonucleotides. These fragments are precisely assembled to form complete genes, allowing for high accuracy and control over the final sequence.
This technology offers distinct advantages over traditional gene cloning and PCR-based techniques. It eliminates the constraints of working with existing biological samples, enabling researchers to introduce novel sequences, optimize codons for expression, or incorporate specific mutations with ease. As a result, gene synthesis has become a foundational tool across a wide range of fields—including therapeutic development, vaccine design, agricultural biotechnology, industrial enzyme production, synthetic biology, and even DNA-based data storage. By offering unparalleled flexibility and precision, gene synthesis is accelerating innovation in both research and real-world applications.
Key Market Drivers
Gene synthesis is rapidly becoming an indispensable technology across fields such as biomedicine, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology. Its versatility enables the development of vaccines, gene therapies, and bioengineered products ranging from pharmaceuticals to sustainable biofuels. Additionally, it plays a foundational role in the study of biological systems and the advancement of synthetic biology. As technological capabilities expand and costs decline, the market is witnessing unprecedented acceleration driven by several transformative forces.
One of the most significant drivers is the rise of personalized medicine and precision therapeutics. As healthcare shifts toward individualized treatment plans, synthetic genes are enabling breakthroughs in CAR-T cell therapy, gene therapy, and personalized vaccine development. Tailoring treatments to a patient’s unique genetic profile is becoming more feasible and efficient, increasing the demand for custom genetic sequences. This shift toward targeted therapies is fueling innovation in both research institutions and biotech startups.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for the global biotechnology ecosystem, reinforcing the importance of pandemic preparedness and rapid-response vaccine platforms. Gene synthesis played a central role in the rapid creation of mRNA vaccines, enabling scientists to design viral protein-encoding sequences within days. This unprecedented speed has set a new standard for future infectious disease responses, with synthetic DNA likely to remain central to vaccine R&D moving forward.
Meanwhile, the explosion of interest in synthetic biology is another major catalyst. Researchers are increasingly engineering microbes to perform useful tasks—from producing clean energy to manufacturing biodegradable materials. This new era of programmable biology relies on synthetic genes to build customized biological systems. The ability to reprogram organisms at the genetic level offers massive potential for environmental sustainability, industrial efficiency, and healthcare innovation.
Gene synthesis is also tightly intertwined with the CRISPR and gene-editing revolution. Tools like CRISPR-Cas9 require precise DNA templates to guide edits, and synthetic genes are essential for this precision. In 2023, the FDA approved the first CRISPR-edited sickle cell therapy—an achievement made possible through synthetic DNA. Whether it’s developing one-time cures for genetic diseases, improving crop genetics, or reprogramming immune cells to fight cancer, gene synthesis enhances the power and accuracy of gene-editing technologies.
Emerging breakthroughs in AI and automation are further transforming the landscape. Machine learning models can now optimize gene design in hours rather than weeks, cutting down R&D cycles significantly. Companies like DNA Script offer benchtop gene synthesizers—“DNA printers”—that allow labs to produce synthetic genes on-demand without outsourcing. Tech giants like NVIDIA are also contributing with AI platforms such as BioNeMo, which streamline the design of synthetic biological systems, bringing advanced capabilities to more researchers and startups.
Finally, xenotransplantation is on the verge of a revolution, with gene synthesis enabling breakthroughs in pig-to-human organ transplantation. In 2024, eGenesis successfully tested CRISPR-edited pig kidneys in humans, a historic step toward solving the global organ shortage. By designing and synthesizing genetic sequences to eliminate immune rejection, researchers are working toward human-compatible pig hearts, lungs, and other organs—offering hope for thousands on transplant waiting lists.
Together, these drivers are propelling the gene synthesis market into a new phase of maturity and impact, making it a cornerstone of next-generation biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental innovation.
Market Segmentation Analysis
The gene synthesis market can be segmented across four key dimensions that highlight the industry’s diverse applications and technological approaches:
By Method
The gene synthesis market is primarily segmented into solid-phase synthesis, chip-based synthesis, and PCR-based enzyme synthesis, each offering unique strengths suited to different use cases. Solid-phase synthesis currently dominates the landscape, accounting for the largest share of global revenues. This method is highly favored for its proven reliability, precision, and scalability, particularly in producing high-fidelity oligonucleotides used across a wide range of therapeutic and research applications. In 2022, solid-phase synthesis alone contributed to approximately 37% of the total market, underscoring its continued relevance in both academia and industry. Despite its advantages, the method can be cost-intensive and requires specialized equipment and expertise, which may limit accessibility in price-sensitive regions. However, ongoing improvements in automation and miniaturization are gradually addressing these challenges, making the process more cost-effective and accessible.
Chip-based synthesis, a more recent advancement, is rapidly gaining momentum. This method enables massively parallel DNA production, dramatically reducing cost and time for high-throughput and large-scale projects—especially useful for companies involved in synthetic biology and large-scale screening studies. It is particularly advantageous for applications requiring numerous gene variants or libraries, such as protein engineering and metabolic pathway optimization.
Meanwhile, PCR-based enzyme synthesis represents a promising emerging method. It leverages enzymatic amplification techniques for constructing longer and more complex gene sequences. With potential benefits in speed, accuracy, and error correction, this approach is gaining interest for applications involving long-read DNA fragments or rapid prototyping of synthetic constructs. As the demand for faster turnaround and longer gene constructs continues to grow, PCR-based synthesis is expected to evolve into a significant player in the gene synthesis toolkit.
Together, these methods reflect a vibrant and evolving ecosystem, with innovation pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in synthetic biology.
By Service
Service offerings in the gene synthesis market are evolving to meet the specialized needs of modern biomedical and synthetic biology research. Among these, antibody DNA synthesis currently dominates, reflecting the surging demand for therapeutic antibodies and the growing need for tailored genetic sequences in immunotherapy and diagnostics. Researchers and biotech companies rely heavily on custom antibody gene synthesis to develop next-generation treatments for conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious disorders. The ability to engineer precise variable regions and optimize expression systems has made this service a cornerstone of biopharmaceutical innovation.
At the same time, viral DNA synthesis is emerging as the fastest-growing segment, fueled by advancements in vaccine development, gene therapy, and antiviral research. Synthetic viral genes—coding for both structural and non-structural proteins—are enabling breakthroughs in mRNA vaccine platforms, viral vector engineering, and oncolytic virus therapies. This growth is also being accelerated by increasing global investments in pandemic preparedness and emerging infectious disease surveillance.
Additionally, the “other services” category, while smaller in market share, is gaining strategic importance. This includes niche offerings such as synthetic pathway engineering, metabolic optimization, and even whole-genome assembly, all of which support cutting-edge synthetic biology efforts. These high-value, research-intensive services are crucial for designing complex biological circuits, engineering microorganisms for industrial use, and pushing the boundaries of artificial life. As the gene synthesis market matures, demand for such specialized services is expected to increase, unlocking new possibilities in fields ranging from precision agriculture to cellular manufacturing.
By Application
Gene and cell therapy development stands as the dominant application driving the gene synthesis market, propelled by the growing clinical success of treatments such as CAR-T cell therapies and CRISPR-based gene editing. With chronic diseases like cancer, rare genetic disorders, and autoimmune conditions on the rise, the demand for customized, precision-targeted therapies has surged. Gene synthesis enables the creation of therapeutic constructs from scratch—supporting the development of viral vectors, modified immune cells, and gene-correcting payloads essential for these advanced therapies. Academic institutions, startups, and major biotech firms alike are investing in synthetic DNA technologies to accelerate translational research and bring life-saving treatments to market.
Vaccine development is another key application area experiencing rapid growth. Synthetic genes serve as the foundation for mRNA vaccine platforms, viral protein engineering, and the design of DNA vaccines. This was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where rapid gene synthesis facilitated the creation of spike protein-encoding sequences in record time. As global health agencies prepare for future pandemics, synthetic DNA will continue to be a cornerstone of agile vaccine design.
Disease diagnosis is also expanding its footprint, with synthetic DNA now routinely used in molecular diagnostics. Custom DNA probes, synthetic controls, and genetic standards improve the accuracy and reproducibility of PCR-based testing, next-generation sequencing, and pathogen detection. Beyond healthcare, emerging applications grouped under the “others” category—such as agricultural biotechnology and industrial enzyme production—are gaining traction. In these areas, gene synthesis enables the engineering of crops for pest resistance and climate resilience, as well as the creation of microbial strains for greener, more sustainable manufacturing. As gene synthesis becomes more accessible and affordable, its applications are expected to diversify further across industries.
By End Users
The gene synthesis market caters to three core groups of end users: academic and government research institutes, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and contract research organizations (CROs). Among these, academic and government institutions lead adoption, representing the largest market share. Backed by robust public funding and national research initiatives, these institutions are driving fundamental discoveries in genomics, synthetic biology, and gene-editing technologies. Their focus on early-stage therapeutic research, disease modeling, and bioinformatics is shaping the foundation for downstream commercial applications. From developing disease diagnostics to investigating complex biological systems, these entities continue to push the frontiers of science.
Meanwhile, biotech and pharmaceutical companies are leveraging gene synthesis for drug discovery, biologics development, and precision medicine. Their demand is fueled by the growing need for customized genes in applications like CAR-T therapy, antibody engineering, and microbial cell factories. Additionally, the rise of industrial biotechnology—using engineered organisms for sustainable production of chemicals, fuels, and enzymes—is further expanding the commercial use of synthetic genes. CROs are also gaining prominence as industry players increasingly outsource gene synthesis tasks to speed up R&D, reduce costs, and focus on core innovation. This segmentation illustrates the market’s evolution into a sophisticated, multi-layered ecosystem, where each stakeholder group is driving innovation in tandem with advancing gene synthesis technologies.
The gene synthesis market is highly segmented, with each category—method, service, application, and end-user—showing distinct growth drivers. While solid-phase synthesis and antibody DNA synthesis currently lead in revenue, emerging segments like viral DNA synthesis and gene therapy applications are set to expand rapidly. Academic and industrial research will continue to be key adopters, supported by technological advancements and increasing investment in precision medicine and biomanufacturing. As the field evolves, cost reductions and automation are expected to further accelerate adoption across all segments
Emerging Trends in Gene Synthesis
The gene synthesis landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by innovations that are lowering costs, improving precision, and expanding the scope of applications. One of the most transformative trends is the drastic reduction in synthesis costs, which has made gene synthesis more accessible to a broader range of researchers and startups. This affordability, coupled with automated synthesis platforms, is enabling high-throughput capabilities and faster turnaround times, making it easier to scale up projects for industrial and therapeutic use.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is further accelerating the pace of innovation. AI tools are being used to optimize gene design, predict biological behaviors, and minimize errors in synthetic sequences. Coupled with improved error correction technologies, these advancements are ensuring higher accuracy and reliability in synthesized DNA. This is particularly important as custom genetic sequences are increasingly being used in personalized medicine, gene therapy, and agricultural biotechnology. Whether it’s tailoring therapies for cancer patients or engineering crops for climate resilience, gene synthesis is becoming more precise and versatile.
Other forward-looking trends include the exploration of DNA as a data storage medium, leveraging its unparalleled density and stability for long-term archival of digital information. Meanwhile, enhanced screening protocols by international biosecurity organizations aim to prevent the misuse of synthetic genes, reflecting growing concerns around dual-use risks and bioethics. These concerns are prompting ongoing ethical and regulatory discussions, focusing on how to responsibly govern access to powerful gene synthesis tools. Finally, the critical role of gene synthesis in vaccine development—especially in mRNA platforms—continues to underscore its importance in pandemic preparedness and therapeutic innovation.
Regional Leaders & Emerging Hotspots
North America leads the charge, thanks to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, major pharmaceutical companies, and active government support for genomics research. However, Asia-Pacific is emerging as a formidable contender. Countries like China and India are investing heavily in genomics, biomanufacturing, and biosecurity, accelerating regional demand.
North America currently dominates the gene synthesis market with a 42% share, driven by strong biotech funding and FDA fast-tracking of gene therapies. Key players like Twist Bioscience and GenScript are leading the charge, supported by a thriving ecosystem of startups and research institutions.
Europe follows closely with a 28% market share, thanks to EU initiatives like Horizon Europe, which funds cutting-edge synthetic biology research. Companies such as Eurofins and Merck KGaA are expanding their gene synthesis capabilities to meet growing demand from pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.
The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing market, with an 18% CAGR, fueled by government biotech initiatives and lower R&D costs. Countries like China and South Korea are investing heavily in domestic gene synthesis capabilities, with companies like Bioneer and SBS Genetech emerging as key players.
Industry Innovations and Partnerships
Innovations like chip-based DNA synthesis and enzymatic DNA synthesis are also gaining traction. These newer methods promise faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly synthesis compared to traditional phosphoramidite chemistry.
The gene synthesis market is highly competitive and rapidly evolving, with a number of key players driving innovation, expanding their portfolios, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in synthetic biology. Among the top companies shaping the industry are:
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OriGene Technologies, Inc. – Known for its broad catalog of gene-related products, OriGene plays a significant role in accelerating biomedical research and therapeutic development.
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Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), Inc. – A global leader in custom nucleic acid synthesis, IDT supports applications from CRISPR to qPCR and NGS, with a growing focus on synthetic genes.
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Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. – One of the giants in the life sciences industry, Thermo Fisher offers a full suite of gene synthesis services, along with tools for genetic analysis, protein engineering, and cell biology.
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ProMab Biotechnologies, Inc. – Specializing in gene synthesis for therapeutic antibody development and CAR-T cell research.
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Eurofins Scientific – A major player in the genomics space, Eurofins provides gene synthesis as part of its extensive testing and analytical services for pharmaceutical, food, and environmental industries.
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Biomatik – Offering a wide range of affordable gene synthesis services, Biomatik supports academic and industrial research around the world.
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ProteoGenix – Known for their customizable synthetic gene services, they cater to applications in antibody discovery and recombinant protein production.
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Bosyer Biological Technology – A rising star, particularly in the Asian market, offering advanced gene synthesis and editing services.
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GenScript – A global biotech company at the forefront of synthetic biology, GenScript offers extensive gene synthesis solutions with fast turnaround and quality assurance.
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Brooks Automation, Inc. (GENEWIZ) – Through its GENEWIZ subsidiary, Brooks Automation provides industry-leading gene synthesis, sequencing, and molecular biology services.
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Twist Bioscience – Pioneering silicon-based DNA synthesis, Twist offers scalable and high-fidelity gene synthesis for applications in healthcare, agriculture, and synthetic biology.
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Codex DNA – Innovators of the BioXp™ system, Codex DNA provides benchtop platforms for rapid and automated gene synthesis and assembly.
Recent Developments in the Market
In July 2022, OraSure Technologies made a notable advancement with the introduction of OmniGene Gut DNA and DNA product (OMR-205), enhancing capabilities in microbiome research and personalized medicine applications. This innovation enables more efficient DNA stabilization and transport for gut microbiome studies.
Another major development occurred in April 2022 when DNA Script launched its Syntax System Early Access Program. This cutting-edge platform represents a breakthrough in enzymatic DNA synthesis technology, offering researchers unprecedented speed and accuracy in oligonucleotide synthesis. The Syntax System’s novel approach eliminates many limitations of traditional phosphoramidite chemistry, potentially revolutionizing how laboratories access synthetic DNA.
These developments underscore the rapid pace of innovation in gene synthesis technologies, with companies competing to deliver faster, more accurate, and cost-effective solutions. The integration of automation, machine learning, and novel enzymatic synthesis methods is setting new standards for the industry, enabling applications ranging from precision medicine to sustainable biomanufacturing. As the market continues to expand, these technological advancements are expected to further accelerate the adoption of gene synthesis across research and therapeutic applications.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
Despite the promise, challenges remain. Synthetic DNA can be used for both good and ill. The potential for misuse—such as creating harmful viruses—has prompted growing concern among biosecurity experts. Regulatory frameworks are still catching up with the pace of technological innovation.
1. Skilled Workforce Shortage
The industry faces a critical talent gap, particularly in emerging markets. While North America and Europe have well-established biotech hubs, countries in Asia and Latin America are struggling to keep up with the demand for skilled genetic engineers. Universities in India and China are launching specialized synthetic biology programs to address this shortage, but it will take years to build a robust global workforce capable of sustaining the industry’s rapid growth.
2. Biosecurity Concerns
With AI making gene design easier, regulators are tightening oversight to prevent misuse. The WHO and NIH are developing global DNA screening standards to ensure that synthetic genes are used responsibly. There are growing concerns about the potential for engineered pathogens or bioterrorism, prompting calls for stricter controls on DNA synthesis companies. Balancing innovation with security will be one of the biggest challenges facing the industry in the coming decade.
There are also concerns around data privacy (when used in personalized medicine), intellectual property, and access to advanced genomic technologies in lower-income nations.
Future Outlook: What’s Next?
As gene synthesis becomes faster, cheaper, and more precise, its role in shaping our biological future is undeniable. The convergence of AI, cloud computing, and biotechnology will only accelerate this trajectory. We’re entering an age where genes can be as programmable as software—an age full of promise, but not without its perils.
Blockchain technology is being explored for DNA traceability, allowing researchers to verify the origin and integrity of synthetic genes. Cloud-based platforms like Strateos are enabling remote gene design and testing, making synthetic biology more accessible than ever. Meanwhile, NASA is funding research into space biotech, including radiation-resistant microbes that could support future Mars colonies.
In this context, the explosive growth of the gene synthesis market is not just an economic opportunity—it’s a bellwether of the bioeconomy’s emergence as a key pillar of 21st-century innovation.
Conclusion:
The gene synthesis market is poised at a transformative juncture. It’s enabling us to reimagine life at the molecular level—faster, smarter, and more precisely than ever before.
Gene synthesis is no longer just a tool—it’s the engine of the bioeconomy. As costs plummet and AI accelerates innovation, the next decade will see custom DNA transform everything from medicine to materials science. The industry must address challenges like workforce shortages and biosecurity risks, but the potential for positive impact is enormous.
With the right mix of innovation, regulation, and ethics, this $9.38 billion industry could reshape medicine, agriculture, and global health for decades to come.
