Near Infrared Imaging Market

Near Infrared Imaging Market Overview (2025 to 2035)

The global near-infrared (NIR) imaging market is poised for remarkable growth in the coming decade, driven by its expanding role in clinical diagnostics, surgical guidance, and medical imaging technologies.

With an estimated valuation of USD 1.56 billion by 2025, the industry is anticipated to experience strong acceleration, reaching about USD 6.88 billion by 2035. The growth indicates a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.9% between 2025 and 2035, highlighting the revolutionizing potential of NIR imaging across healthcare and industrial sectors.

Near-infrared imaging technology uses light between 700-900 nm to offer real-time visualization of biological structures and processes, with the benefits of deep tissue penetration, minimal invasiveness, and improved image resolution. Its non-ionizing characteristics and ability to measure oxygenation levels, blood flow, and tissue viability have made it an increasingly sought-after tool in oncology, cardiovascular interventions, and plastic surgery.

The increasing incidence of chronic conditions, combined with increased demand for early and precise diagnosis, is driving the adoption of NIR imaging in specialized clinics and hospitals across the globe. Also, the incorporation of this technology into surgical systems like image-guided and robotic surgeries further reinforces its value in contemporary medical practice.

Supportive regulatory clearances, increasing investments in biomedical research, and the arrival of technologically sophisticated contrast agents and fluorophores are anticipated to continue fueling the near-infrared imaging market's growth.

Outside the biomedical field, NIR imaging is also finding significant uptake in the food and agriculture industries, as well as in the quality control and environmental monitoring industry. Such cross-sector usage is further expanding the horizon of the industry, rendering NIR imaging a go-to tool in various scientific and business environments.

With important players committing to more and more innovation and governments making investments in improved healthcare infrastructure, near-infrared imaging can look forward to sustained, high-value growth through 2035.

Report Attributes	Details
Near Infrared Imaging Market Size (2025E)	USD 1.56 billion
Near Infrared Imaging Market Size (2035F)	USD 6.88 billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2025 to 2035)	15.9%
U.S. Industry Value (2025)	10.2%
China Industry Value (2025)	11.6%
Key Companies Profiled	Carl Zeiss Meditec; Olympus Corporation; PerkinElmer Inc.; Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.; Leica Microsystems; Fluoptics; Innopharma Labs; IRCameras LLC; Artemis Medical Systems; Karl Storz SE & Co. KG.

Shifts in the Market from 2020 to 2024 and Future Trends 2025 to 2035: Near Infrared Imaging Market

Between 2020 and 2024, the near-infrared imaging market experienced significant growth, primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions. The demand for minimally invasive procedures skyrocketed as NIR imaging offered real-time visualization of surgeries, improving accuracy and patient outcomes.

Advances in technology, such as the use of artificial intelligence and the creation of sophisticated fluorescent agents, also contributed to the integration of NIR imaging systems. North America led the industry, with the U.S. contributing a very high revenue share, driven by a mix of demographic factors, technological innovation, and a movement towards minimally invasive procedures.

Europe also maintained a high share, driven by ongoing advances in imaging technology and an increase in demand for non-invasive procedures. Yet, the high cost of NIR imaging systems and low awareness in the developing world were the restraints to the industry's growth.

During 2025 to 2035, the industry is expected to continue its growth journey on the back of some main drivers. The combination of artificial intelligence and advanced fluorescent agents is likely to improve visualization performance, and NIR imaging is going to be more effective and widely available.

The Asia-Pacific region will be the strongest in terms of compound annual growth rate (CAGR), as countries like China, India, and Japan are propelling growth due to their massive population base and increasing expenditure on healthcare.

Moreover, increased adoption of NIR imaging in numerous surgical procedures like cancer surgeries, cardiovascular surgeries, and plastic/reconstructive surgeries will propel the growth. Yet, the sector may be constrained by issues like stringent regulatory pressures and the need for large research and development investments to encourage innovation and adapt to evolving standards.

A Comparative Market Shift Analysis (2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035)

2020 to 2024	2025 to 2035
Prevalence of chronic disease; demand for minimally invasive surgery; technology advancements.	Combination of AI and sophisticated fluorescent agents; expansion in Asia-Pacific; enhanced usage in a broad range of surgical procedures.
The introduction of more sophisticated fluorescent agents and the early introduction of AI to imaging equipment.	More capable AI, better visualization performance, creation of better and more accessible NIR imaging technology.
Europe and North America maintained high revenue shares. The U.S. maintained dominance in the North American region.	Asia-Pacific anticipated the fastest growth rate; major contributions to be made by China, India, and Japan owing to extensive populations and growing healthcare spending.
Generally applied in cancer surgeries, cardiovascular operations, and plastic/reconstructive operations.	Augmented application in gastrointestinal operations, obstetrics and gynecology operations, and other medical domains; greater penetration in research and development laboratories and pharmaceutical industries.
High costs are associated with NIR imaging systems, minimal awareness in the developing world, and regulatory barriers.	Strict regulations, requirement for significant R&D expenditure, assurance of compliance with changing standards, and overcoming cost-related barriers to augment accessibility in developing industries.
Presence of key players like Carl Zeiss AG, Danaher Corporation, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., and Medtronic plc.; focus on product innovation and strategic partnerships.	Intensified competition with new entrants; increased mergers and acquisitions; emphasis on expanding product portfolios to include advanced and cost-effective NIR imaging solutions; focus on sustainability.

Near Infrared Imaging Market (2025 to 2035)

Comparative CAGR Table

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
U.S.	10.2%
UK	9.4%
France	8.9%
Germany	9.1%
Italy	8.5%
South Korea	10.5%
Japan	8.7%
China	11.6%
Australia	8.4%
New Zealand	7.9%

U.S.

The U.S. near-infrared imaging market is projected to witness a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period. Industry growth is fueled by advanced healthcare infrastructure, increased R&D investments, and widespread application of intraoperative imaging techniques. Major applications in cancer surgery, cardiovascular diagnosis, and neurological procedures are driving demand for enhanced imaging precision.

Key companies such as Stryker, Medtronic, and Carl Zeiss Meditec are taking the forefront in bringing near-infrared functionality to surgical visualization platforms. The increased need for image-guided minimally invasive procedures is also cementing the role of near-infrared imaging within clinical environments. Continued focus on greater surgical accuracy and patient results will be set to keep sales penetration at peak levels.

UK

In the UK, the near-infrared imaging market will grow at a CAGR of 9.4% between 2025 and 2035. Drivers include increasing adoption of fluorescence-guided surgery and increasing clinical emphasis on the detection of early disease. Broad adoption in oncology diagnosis and vascular assessments continues to expand the base of clinical use.

Key leaders like Hamamatsu and Olympus Medical are introducing compact and efficient imaging platforms for UK hospitals. National healthcare programs focusing on digital transformation are helping to usher in sophisticated visualization systems. Harmonization of medical imaging protocols with EU and UK clinical safety regulations is favoring a favorable industry environment.

France

France will post a CAGR of 8.9% in the near-infrared imaging market between 2025 and 2035. Increasing adoption of real-time imaging solutions for use in surgical oncology and reconstructive surgery is fueling growth. Procedural efficiency and intraoperative complication reduction measures are key drivers of technology adoption.

Key players such as Fluoptics and Lumicell are increasingly adopting product innovation and clinical integration. Private clinics and hospitals are investing more in fluorescence imaging systems as they embark on surgical modernization. Collaborative research among academia and healthcare providers is also driving next-generation imaging solution development.

Germany

Germany's near-infrared imaging market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 9.1% throughout the forecast period. The robust medical technology industry and robust adoption of fluorescence-guided products among surgeons are driving sales. Procedural safety and postoperative success rates are given high priority by the healthcare system, which benefits the adoption of advanced intraoperative imaging solutions.

Key leaders such as Karl Storz and Leica Microsystems are introducing ergonomic and high-resolution imaging systems for use in operating rooms. Compatibility with digital workflow solutions and hospital information systems facilitates easy usage. It is in greatest demand in disciplines such as oncology, orthopedics, and vascular surgery.

Italy

Italy is expected to have a CAGR of 8.5% in the near-infrared market through 2035. Rising demand from the healthcare industry for accurate diagnostics and minimally invasive surgery is stimulating the use of fluorescence imaging systems. Expanded clinician training for intraoperative imaging procedures is pushing clinical adoption.

Key leaders such as Bracco Imaging and Esaote are spearheading advancement with localized solutions and imaging enhancements. Care to reduce diagnostic errors and enhance operative visualization is resulting in increased adoption. Governmental incentives for digital imaging upgradation in state hospitals are also boosting sales.

South Korea

South Korea is anticipated to lead with a CAGR of 10.5% in the near-infrared imaging market during 2025-2035. Growing healthcare digitization and widespread use of technology-based surgical devices are major drivers of the industry. The application of hepatobiliary and plastic surgery is gaining strong traction.

Key leaders such as Vieworks and SurgVision are increasing their presence by providing miniaturized, AI-based imaging solutions. Private institutions and academic hospitals are actively adopting hybrid operating rooms featuring fluorescence imaging systems. Government investment in medical device development also fuels the industry's growth.

Japan

Japan's near-infrared imaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% through the forecast period. Increasing demand for minimally invasive and image-guided procedures, especially in oncology and cardiovascular procedures, is propelling the adoption of near-infrared technologies. The focus on accuracy in healthcare, as well as efficiency in surgery, remains high.

Competitors like Shimadzu and Sony are offering integrated systems with real-time image enhancement capability. Clinical awareness of the importance of fluorescence imaging in improving resection accuracy is fueling the reach of the industry. Government support for new imaging platforms ensures effective product approvals and clinical acceptance.

China

China's near-infrared imaging market is likely to achieve the highest CAGR among the countries surveyed, expanding at 11.6% between 2025 and 2035. Spontaneous expansion of tertiary care hospitals, increasing investments in surgical robotics, and a surge in complex surgical procedures are driving demand for near-infrared imaging systems.

Local firms such as Optomedic and Mindray are investing in the development of low-cost yet complex imaging solutions. Favorable health reforms and enhanced medical education are enabling broader adoption of image-assisted surgeries. Greater awareness amongst clinicians about the clinical advantages of fluorescence-based imaging is further propelling sales.

Australia

Australia's near-infrared imaging market is expected to register a CAGR of 8.4% through 2035. Advances in medical infrastructure and increased surgical specialization are propelling the use of real-time imaging technology. Clinical emphasis on improving patient outcomes is consolidating the value of precise intraoperative visualization.

Companies such as Device Technologies and Cook Medical are promoting high-performance imaging systems in the region. Public-private partnerships and hospital upgrade schemes are facilitating the inclusion of innovative solutions in surgical departments. Training centers are making surgeons ready to conduct procedures with fluorescence.

New Zealand

The CAGR of New Zealand's near-infrared imaging market in 2025-2035 stands at approximately 7.9%. Slow expansion fostered by a focus on enhancing surgical quality and uptake of advanced diagnostic solutions is driving transformation. Use in oncology, gastrointestinal, and vascular procedures is becoming more apparent for both public and private segments.

Local distributors are coming together with global manufacturers to make FDA-approved imaging systems accessible. Efforts to provide better access to advanced technology in local health centers are also driving growth. Increased collaboration between hospitals and research institutions will support innovation as well as clinical adoption.

Segment-wise Analysis

By Application

By application, the cancer surgeries segment dominates with a share of 42%. NIR is largely driven by the increased cancer burden worldwide and the need for accurate visualizations in real-time for tumor identification and margin assessment in oncologic procedures. Near-infrared imaging allows surgeons to correctly and accurately differentiate between cancerous and healthy tissues, thus reducing the chance of repeat surgery and enhancing patient outcomes.

Many NIR systems for oncology have been developed by some of the leading companies in medical imaging. The SPY Elite System is offered, among others, by Novadaq Technologies (acquired by Stryker), which is mostly used in breast reconstruction and gastrointestinal cancer surgeries. In keeping with that spirit, KARL STORZ offers integrated NIR imaging with laparoscopic systems that show blood flow and tumor margins during minimally invasive procedures in real time. Such advances have further increased the spread of NIR imaging in cancer centers worldwide.

Cardiovascular surgeries account for 16% of the near-infrared imaging market share and represent another important application of NIR imaging. The NIR fluorescence in these surgeries is used to assess tissue perfusion, locate vascular structures, and assess graft patency during bypass surgeries. This technology enhances operative precision and minimizes complication risks related to irregularities of blood flow.

Companies like PerkinElmer and Hamamatsu Photonics produce components of NIR imaging and thereby support cardiovascular imaging. Integration of the technology into surgical platforms aids real-time decision-making during complex vascular interventions.

With increasing demand for minimally invasive and image-guided surgeries, NIR imaging is gaining recognition as a useful aid in the enhancement of surgical accuracy. While cancer surgeries will remain the prime segment, cardiovascular applications and other emerging areas will continue to grow steadily with further technological innovations and clinical integrations.

By Product

In 2025, the Near-Infrared Imaging Market is anticipated to be occupied by-products and devices, commanding an estimated share of 64%. Such a trend denotes the growing acceptance of advanced NIR imaging systems in surgical and diagnostic uses in hospitals and specialty clinics. The devices participate actively in real-time, high-contrast imaging during tumor resections, cardiovascular surgeries, and sentinel lymph node mapping.

Major medical device manufacturers such as Stryker Corporation, Olympus Corporation, and KARL STORZ dominate. The SPY-PHI and SPY Elite systems use indocyanine green (ICG) dye and NIR fluorescence to visualize tissue perfusion and lymphatic flow, which Stryker widely utilizes in open and minimally invasive surgeries. Olympus provides its VISERA ELITE II NIR integrated solution for laparoscopic imaging; it will enable surgeons to toggle between white light mode and fluorescence with ease.

The reagents segment holds 36% of the share. These chemical agents enable fluorescence during imaging procedures. Some commonly used reagents for improving the visibility of blood vessels, tumors, and lymph nodes under near-infrared light are Indocyanine Green (ICG) and Methylene Blue. These reagents, however, account for a much lower share than functional income-generating customers for the NIR system, growing as clinical applications extend.

Notable companies engaged in the attending area within reagents include PerkinElmer, Bracco Imaging, and LI-COR Biosciences. They deal with high-purity dyes for clinical and research applications via development geared toward safety, photostability, and precision in tissue targeting.

Competitive Outlook

Technological innovations, integration with medical imaging systems, and an expanding range of clinical applications shape the NIR imaging industry. Major players in this field - Carl Zeiss Meditec, Olympus Corporation, and Leica Microsystems - provide advanced optics, high-resolution imaging solutions, and integration with surgical microscopes and endoscopic systems. In addition, their strategic emphasis on precision imaging for neurosurgery, ophthalmology, and fluorescence-guided procedures strengthens their operation.

PerkinElmer, Hamamatsu Photonics, and Bruker emphasize multi-modal imaging solutions fueled by their expertise in digital spectroscopy and biomedical imaging. Their strength lies in research-oriented applications, preclinical imaging and diagnostic advancement. These companies maintain competitive status through strong collaborations with research institutes and investment in photonics-based imaging technologies.

New and emerging players such as Fluoptics, IRCameras LLC, and Artinis Medical Systems have led the way to niche innovation in fluorescence surgery guidance, functional brain imaging, and portable NIR. These companies benefit from the applications of affordable, compact imaging devices to meet the rising demands for real-time and point-of-care applications.

Also, Karl Storz and Innopharma Labs have a vested interest in bespoke industrial and medical imaging systems, such as those monitoring pharmaceutical processes and intraoperative visualization. In this competitive landscape, such companies are now more focused on the integration of AI-based analytics, enhanced spectral sensitivity, and improved clinical indications in their offerings.

Market Share Analysis by Company

Company Name	Market Share (%)
Carl Zeiss Meditec	20-25%
Olympus Corporation	15-20%
PerkinElmer Inc.	10-15%
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.	8-12%
Leica Microsystems	6-10%
Combined Others	25-35%

Key Company Offerings and Activities

Company Name	Offerings & Activities
Carl Zeiss Meditec	High-precision NIR surgical microscopes for neurosurgery and ophthalmology.
Olympus Corporation	NIR-integrated endoscopic and laparoscopic imaging systems are used for minimally invasive procedures.
PerkinElmer Inc.	Preclinical NIR imaging platforms for life sciences and biomedical research.
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.	Advanced photonic sensors and NIR cameras for medical and industrial imaging.
Leica Microsystems	High-resolution fluorescence imaging microscopes for clinical as well as research applications.

Key Company Insights

Carl Zeiss Meditec (20-25%)

Carl Zeiss is a leader in high-end NIR surgical imaging solutions that offer real-time fluorescence visualization in precision-guided surgery.

Olympus Corporation (15-20%)

Olympus applies NIR-enhanced endoscopic systems in minimally invasive procedures for superior visualization in surgical fields.

PerkinElmer Inc. (10-15%)

PerkinElmer adopts multi-modal imaging approaches for biomedical research, combining NIR with molecular and fluorescence imaging.

Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. (8-12%)

Hamamatsu specializes in high-sensitivity NIR sensors and cameras essential for spectroscopy, medical imaging, and industrial applications.

Leica Microsystems (6-10%)

Leica Microsystems produces high-precision NIR imaging microscopes developed for fluorescence-guided surgery and life sciences research.

Other Key Players

• Fluoptics
• Innopharma Labs
• IRCameras LLC
• Artemis Medical Systems
• Karl Storz SE & Co. KG

Key Players

• Carl Zeiss Meditec
• Olympus Corporation
• PerkinElmer Inc.
• Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
• Leica Microsystems
• Fluoptics
• Innopharma Labs
• IRCameras LLC
• Artemis Medical Systems
• Karl Storz SE & Co. KG

Segmentation

By Application :

The segmentation is into Preclinical Imaging, Cancer Surgeries, Gastrointestinal Surgeries, Cardiovascular Surgeries, Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeries, and Others.

By Product :

The segmentation is into Devices and Reagents.

By End User :

The segmentation is into Hospitals & Clinics, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, and Research Laboratories.

By Region :

The segmentation is into North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Oceania, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA).