Investing in European bioreactors: A convergence of scientific impact and market growth

Unlocking growth opportunities in European bioreactor technologies

The life science tools sector, particularly bioreactor technologies, is emerging as a high-growth investment frontier in Europe, combining scientific innovation with robust market dynamics. Driven by pandemic-era acceleration and sustained demand for biopharmaceuticals, this sector offers compelling opportunities for venture capital (VC) and institutional investors. Here's why bioreactors and related technologies are poised to deliver strong returns while advancing global health outcomes.

Market momentum: Bioreactors fueling Europe's biopharma boom

Europe's single-use bioreactor market is projected to grow at a 15.3% CAGR from 2025 to 2032, reaching $3.34 billion by the end of the forecast period (1). This growth is driven by:

• Cost and Efficiency Advantages: Single-use systems reduce contamination risks and eliminate costly sterilization processes, cutting operational expenses by up to 30% compared to traditional stainless-steel systems. These systems offer greater flexibility, enabling manufacturers to scale production quickly in response to fluctuating demand, such as during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

  
  

• Demand for Advanced Therapies: The rise of Cell and Gene Therapies, alongside mRNA vaccines, has created an unprecedented need for flexible and scalable biomanufacturing solutions. Single-use bioreactors are uniquely suited to meet these demands due to their adaptability and reduced risk of cross-contamination between batches.

  
  

• Government Support: EU initiatives like the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe prioritize biomanufacturing resilience, with grants accelerating facility expansions across the region (2). Germany leads in R&D infrastructure and policy support for biologics manufacturing, as outlined in the EU Pharmaceutical Strategy Overview (3).

VCs bet big: High-impact transactions and exits

European VC firms are increasingly deploying capital into life science tools, recognizing their dual role in enabling therapeutic breakthroughs and generating outsized returns:

• Sector Resilience: Biotech & healthcare VC investments in Europe have consistently shown strong growth over the past decade, outpacing many other tech sectors even during economic downturns.

• Univercells Technologies' €136M Acquisition: In 2023, Univercells Technologies was acquired by Donaldson Company for €136 million, exemplifying investor confidence in innovative bioreactor technologies, as noted in Univercells Technologies Acquisition News (4).

  
  

Case study: Single-use bioreactors as a market catalyst

The shift toward disposable bioreactors underscores the transformative potential of this technology:

• Innovative Players: Companies like Green Elephant Biotech are at the forefront with novel systems tailored for efficient and sustainable cell cultivation. Our flagship product, the CellScrew®, exemplifies how innovation can address both scalability needs and environmental concerns by using CO₂-neutral materials.

• Automation Integration: Platforms combining bioreactors with filtration systems and real-time analytics reduce labor costs while improving batch consistency—critical for compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

• Scalability: Single-use systems allow CDMOs to rapidly pivot between different production needs, aligning with Europe's growing Cell and Gene Therapy market, projected to exceed €2 billion by 2025.

  
  

Future outlook

The European bioreactor market is poised for continued growth as emerging trends reshape its trajectory:

• AI Integration: Artificial intelligence optimizes feeding strategies, predicts batch outcomes, and identifies potential production bottlenecks. Startups like BioRaptor leverage machine learning to enable a stable manufacturing environment and boost yield predictability significantly (5).

• Sustainability Focus: EU regulations under the Green Deal incentivize low-waste manufacturing practices, driving innovation in recyclable materials and energy-efficient designs.

• CDMO Expansion: The rapid growth of CDMOs creates a surge in demand for flexible capacity and the use of bioreactors that can be easily scaled up or reconfigured based on client needs (6).

For investors seeking high-growth opportunities at the intersection of science and business, the European bioreactor sector offers a unique blend of technological innovation and market potential. With projected market growth exceeding €3 billion by 2032, advancements in automation and AI integration, and strong policy support from the EU, bioreactors are positioned as critical enablers of Europe's next generation of life-saving therapies.

Key investment areas include companies developing AI-driven bioprocessing solutions, manufacturers specializing in scalable single-use systems, and firms focusing on sustainable innovations that align with regulatory trends.

Green Elephant Biotech exemplifies this innovative spirit, focusing on efficient cell cultivation methods using CO₂-neutral materials. Their CellScrew® technology represents a breakthrough in adherent cell culture efficiency and sustainability.

For venture capitalists and institutional investors alike, the equation is clear: bioreactors are not mere tools, but engines powering Europe's future in healthcare innovation and sustainable returns.

References

(1) Meticulous Research. Europe Single-use Bioreactors Market Report. 2025. Report ID:MRHC - 104869 https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/europe-single-use-bioreactors-market-5552

(2) European Commission, Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe, November 25, 2020, available from https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0761

(3) Altios, The Pharmaceutical Industry in Germany: Growth, Investment, and Market Potential, February 18, 2025, available from https://altios.com/publication/the-pharmaceutical-industry-in-germany/

(4) Univercells Technologies, Press release: Donaldson Acquires Univercells Technologies, Broadens Life Science Research, June 30, 2023, available from https://www.univercellstech.com/donaldson-acquires-univercells-technologies-broadens-life-sciences-reach/

(5) BioRaptor, Case Study How BioHarvest Sciences Optimizes Manufacturing and Yield Prediction with BioRaptor, available from https://www.bioraptor.ai/case-studies/bioharvest-sciences

(6) Kamal N, The Fourth Revolutionary Wave of Biologics Manufacturing: CDMOs Empower Large-scale Production of Biologics, Frost & Sullivan, May 28, 2024, available from https://www.frost.com/uncategorized/the-fourth-revolutionary-wave-of-biologics-manufacturing-cdmos-empower-large-scale-production-of-biologics