Kings Research today announced the launch of its latest market intelligence study, “Global Synthetic Biology Market: Size, Share, Trends & Forecast 2023–2031.” The report delivers an in-depth analysis of the synthetic biology industry’s trajectory, examining market drivers, regional dynamics, competitive positioning, and future opportunities across technology, product, end-user, and geography.
Kings Research estimates the synthetic biology market was worth USD 17.12 billion in 2023, and projects it will expand to USD 78.74 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 21.15% over the forecast period.
These numbers reflect accelerating adoption of synthetic biology platforms in therapeutics, industrial biotech, agriculture, and environmental applications, as well as increased investment in bio-engineering infrastructure worldwide.
Synthetic biology blends engineering principles with biology to design, modify, or construct new biological systems. Unlike traditional genetic engineering, which tweaks existing genes, synthetic biology aspires to build biological parts or entire organisms through modular, standardized components and predictive modeling.
The field operates on a “design-build-test-learn” (DBTL) cycle, frequently augmented by AI and automation, enabling faster iteration and scale. The convergence of computational design, high-throughput synthesis, and systems biology is turning synthetic biology into a discipline for rational biological design.
This approach enables industries to manufacture bio-based chemicals, enzyme systems, next-generation therapies, and biosensors with greater precision, sustainability, and cost efficiency. Given rising demands for greener production and advanced biologics, synthetic biology is increasingly viewed as foundational to the emerging bioeconomy.
Kings Research identifies the following five major growth drivers:
- AI-Augmented Biological Design
The merger of AI with synthetic biology accelerates the DBTL cycle, enabling automated DNA design, pathway optimization, and predictive modeling. The preprint “The Convergence of AI and Synthetic Biology” explores how AI models, especially language models and generative frameworks, are helping democratize synthetic biology and speed innovation. (Source: https://arxiv.org/)
- Strategic Government Funding & Bioeconomy Policy Support
Governments worldwide are prioritizing bioeconomy strategies that hinge on synthetic biology. The U.S. GAO notes market forecasts in the tens of billions by 2030, underlining how public investment is de-risking adoption (Source: https://www.gao.gov/). In Asia, research reviews indicate that national synthetic biology roadmaps and venture capital inflows are reshaping capacity and ecosystem maturity.
- Decarbonization & Sustainable Biomanufacturing
Corporations are under pressure to reduce their reliance on petrochemical feedstocks. Synthetic biology offers routes to convert renewable biomass, CO₂, or waste streams into high-value molecules, biopolymers, or novel materials. The sustainability imperative is pulling industrial, chemical, and consumer goods sectors into the synthetic biology orbit.
- Growth of Engineered Therapeutics and Diagnostics
Synthetic biology plays a crucial role in engineered cell therapies, synthetic vaccines, gene circuits, and biosensors. The GAO report highlights advances such as synthetic organisms enabling “living therapeutics.” As biotech and pharma companies push toward precision and modular biologics, synthetic biology becomes a core enabler.
For C-level executives, including CEOs, CTOs, and COOs across biotech, industrials, agriculture, and sustainability domains, synthetic biology presents compelling strategic benefits:
- Accelerated Innovation: Reduces development timelines via modular, predictive design and high-throughput testing.
- Cost Efficiency: Lowers dependence on expensive chemical synthesis, especially for complex molecules.
- Scalability & Flexibility: Biological systems can be scaled or modified across geographies and product lines.
- Sustainability Credentials: Enables bio-based, low-carbon manufacturing routes aligned with ESG goals.
- Barrier to Entry: Proprietary chassis, circuits, and bio-IP can serve as defensible assets in competitive markets.
Regional Outlook
- North America: North America remains the dominant region in synthetic biology, propelled by deep venture capital ecosystems, concentration of biotech hubs, and strong public-private research programs. U.S. funding alone exceeds hundreds of millions annually for synthetic biology efforts. (Source: https://www.drugdiscoveryonline.com/)
- Asia-Pacific: APAC is emerging as the fastest-growing region. Governments in China, India, Singapore, and South Korea are rolling out strategic programs to strengthen synthetic biology infrastructure. The Asia-focused NCBI review highlights rising investments, biotech ecosystem expansion, and support policies as key enablers.
Competitive Landscape
Some of the leading companies in the synthetic biology space (active in technology development, platform scale-up, or synthetic product commercialization) include Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, Synbio Technologies, Merck KGaA, Agilent Technologies Inc., GenScript, Novozymes, Codexis, Inc., Bota Biosciences Inc., Illumina, Inc., and Synthego These companies are investing heavily in R&D, M&A, and strategic collaborations to build competitive moats in synthetic biology platforms, proprietary designs, and biofoundry capabilities.
The full Kings Research report includes detailed segmentation by technology, product, end-use, and sub-regions; competitor benchmarking with SWOTs; innovation maps; and growth opportunity matrices. To request a complimentary sample, download the full report, or explore bespoke consulting services, please visit https://www.kingsresearch.com/synthetic-biology-market-741.
About Kings Research
Kings Research is a global market intelligence and consulting firm specializing in emerging technology, life sciences, and industrial innovation. We support corporates, investors, and governments with rigorous, data-backed analysis and forward-looking insights that inform strategy, investment, and execution.
All data in this press release are based on Kings Research’s proprietary modeling, cross-validated against publicly available research, government sources, and industry publications. Key external references include the U.S. Government Accountability Office (U.S. GAO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).