Irradiation Apparatus Market Size - By Type, By Application, By End Use, Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Irradiation Apparatus Market Size

The global irradiation apparatus market size was valued at USD 7.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to exhibit 5.2% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. Irradiation apparatus are medical or industrial devices made to emit controlled levels of ionizing or non-ionizing radiation for specific purposes like diagnosis, therapy, sterilization, or research. These systems use energy from X-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or ultraviolet (UV) light to change or interact with matter, especially biological tissues, materials, or microbes.

The global rise in cancer cases is significantly driving the demand for advanced irradiation systems. World Health Organization (WHO) reported over 20 million new incidence of Cancer and about 9 million deaths in 2022. Radiotherapy continues to be a vital treatment option for various types of cancer, with advancements in targeted irradiation technologies significantly improving precision and patient outcomes. As healthcare providers prioritize early-stage cancer detection and treatment, investments in modern irradiation systems, such as linear accelerators and brachytherapy devices, are increasing. This trend is particularly evident in oncology centers and specialized clinics, reflecting a growing focus on improving access to advanced cancer care solutions.
 

Advancements in imaging-guided irradiation systems, incorporating AI, robotics, and real-time imaging, are significantly improving the precision and efficiency of treatment delivery. Modern imaging-guided irradiation systems such as linear accelerator (LINAC) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) are increasingly capable of administering high radiation doses to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. These technological advancements have enhanced therapeutic outcomes and reduced patient side effects, driving demand for next-generation systems across both developed and emerging healthcare markets.
 

Substantial investments by governments and private institutions in radiology and cancer care infrastructure, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are addressing treatment gaps and improving access to cancer care. For instance, Indian government, through initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and the National Cancer Grid, is fostering public-private partnerships to enhance access to radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging services in rural regions.
 

As a result of such initiatives, healthcare settings such as hospitals are adopting cost-effective and reliable radiation therapy technologies to meet these needs. Additionally, public health policies supporting patients and healthcare providers, along with access to international funding programs, are further accelerating the adoption of advanced radiation therapy systems, driving the revenue growth in the market.
 

Irradiation Apparatus Market Trends

• The irradiation apparatus industry is witnessing a significant shift toward automated and AI-driven systems in radiation therapy. AI is increasingly being utilized to enhance treatment planning, automate radiation dose selection, and monitor tumor response in real time.
   
• Automated image-guided systems enable highly precise irradiation with minimal human intervention, improving accuracy, reducing treatment time, and minimizing human error during procedures. These advancements benefit healthcare providers by streamlining radiotherapy workflows and offering more personalized treatment options for patients.
   
• Additionally, there is growing demand for compact and portable irradiation apparatuses suitable for deployment in mobile clinics, outpatient centers, and smaller hospitals. These innovations address geographic and structural barriers to care, providing patients in rural or underserved areas with easier access to radiation therapy. This development ensures low-risk, localized treatment options for such populations.
   
• Furthermore, these portable systems offer significant advantages in emergency or disaster response scenarios. Mobile clinics equipped with irradiation apparatuses can expedite care delivery, enhancing the speed and efficiency of treatment in critical situations.
   

Irradiation Apparatus Market Analysis

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Based on type, the irradiation apparatus market is segmented into gamma irradiators, x-ray irradiators, UV and neutron irradiators, electron-beam irradiators and other types. The gamma irradiators segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 41.8% in 2024.

• The increasing use of disposable medical products, such as syringes, surgical gloves, implants, and catheters, is driving the growth of gamma irradiators in the market.
   
• Gamma irradiation offers an efficient and residue-free sterilization method for materials sensitive to heat and chemicals, making it a preferred choice for complex polymers used in advanced medical devices. With regulatory bodies emphasizing infection control and sterility assurance, the adoption of gamma irradiators is expected to rise in the production of medical items.
   
• Gamma irradiators remain critical for treating blood products to prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD), a rare but severe complication.
   
• As global blood transfusion rates increase and blood safety measures expand, gamma irradiation is being utilized for red cells and platelets. Hospitals, blood banks, and transfusion centers, particularly those catering to high-risk patients such as transplant recipients, are likely to adopt irradiated blood products, further driving the demand for gamma irradiators in the market.
   

Based on application, the irradiation apparatus market is segmented into diagnostic imaging, therapy/radiotherapy, sterilization and disinfection, and other applications. The sterilization and disinfection segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 3.4 billion in 2024 and is also expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period.
 

• The rising global consumption of disposable medical products, such as surgical gloves, syringes, drapes, and catheters, is driving the demand for irradiation sterilization. These products often require cold, residue-free sterilization methods that preserve material integrity, making irradiation an ideal solution.
• According to WHO, infection prevention and control programmers can help in reducing healthcare associated infection by about 70%. As a result, increasing number of healthcare facilities are adopting infection prevention programs.
   
• With increasing emphasis on infection prevention in healthcare facilities, particularly in high-risk areas like ICUs and operating rooms, the demand for high-throughput sterilization systems is expected to grow, fueling the global market for irradiation systems.
   
• Regulatory authorities, including the FDA, EMA, and WHO, enforce stringent sterility assurance levels (SAL) for pharmaceutical products such as injectables, biologics, and implantable devices. Gamma and electron beam irradiation are widely accepted sterilization methods due to their ability to meet these regulatory requirements effectively.
   
• Additionally, as pharmaceutical manufacturing becomes more global and complex, organizations increasingly rely on in-house or contract irradiation services to ensure regulatory compliance, minimize contamination risks, and prioritize patient safety.
   

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Based on end use, the irradiation apparatus market is segmented into hospitals and clinics, research laboratories and institutes, and other end users. The hospitals and clinics segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 53.9% in 2024.
 

• Hospitals and clinics are among the primary users of irradiation apparatus, that finds widespread applications in radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging across these settings. For example, X-ray systems, CT-scanners, and fluoroscopy units are extensively used for non-invasive, real-time visualization of internal structures of the patients.
   
• Moreover, hospitals and clinics are increasingly focused on reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which contribute to higher morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs. This has led to a growing adoption of irradiation systems for sterilizing invasive medical instruments, surgical devices, and textiles.
   
• Irradiation sterilization offers a residue-free and reliable alternative to chemical and heat-based methods, ensuring compliance with infection control standards while maintaining patient safety across various healthcare settings.
   
• The rising reuse of certain medical instruments, particularly in resource-constrained regions, is driving demand for advanced sterilization methods that preserve the integrity of device materials.
   
• As hospitals and clinics increasingly adopt sustainable yet effective practices, the demand for irradiation-based disinfection systems is expected to grow, supporting routine reprocessing and regulatory compliance.
   

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The North America irradiation apparatus market was valued at USD 3.3 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% over the forecast period. The market is driven by the growing demand for radiation therapy and presence of stringent regulatory requirements related to sterilization and infection control in the region.
 

The U.S. irradiation apparatus market is projected to grow significantly from USD 3 billion in 2024 to USD 4.9 billion by 2034.
 

• Increasing incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer is driving the demand for radiation therapy in the region, which is further fueling the need for irradiation apparatus. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S., owing to increasing demand for radiation therapy, the requirement of radiation therapists is projected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033 in the country.
   
• Moreover, growing adoption of ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) and outpatient care in the U.S. healthcare system is driving the need for efficient, reliable, and safe sterilization solutions for reusable instruments and devices.
   
• Irradiation systems, particularly compact or modular designs, are increasingly preferred for their ability to provide rapid sterilization without compromising the integrity of the equipment.
   
• As the U.S. healthcare model shifts toward decentralized and cost-effective care delivery, the demand for high-throughput, in-house sterilization technologies is rising, especially among standalone clinics and surgical centers.
   

Europe irradiation apparatus market was valued at USD 1.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period.
 

• Initiatives such as EU4Health, Horizon Europe, and national health reforms are fuelling capital spending in research and development of advanced imaging systems and in increasing the digital imaging upgrades (from analog to digital X-ray and advanced CT scanner units). According to the European Commission (EU), the EU-funded SPCCT project is developing imaging technology for accurate early detection, characterization and monitoring of cardio- and neurovascular disease.
   
• In addition, owing to increasing incidence of cancer, the demand for radiotherapy is increasing. As per the study published by Radiotherapy and Oncology Journal, about 16% increase in demand for radiotherapy is expected to be observed in Europe in 2025 in comparison to 2012.
   
• Further, European Union's Medical Device Regulation (MDR) has replaced the previous Medical Device Directive (MDD), mandating sterility validation and traceability for medical devices sold within EU member states.
   
• To comply with these regulations, manufacturers are increasingly adopting validated sterilization methods, including gamma, X-ray, and electron beam irradiation. This regulatory shift is driving capital investments in both in-house irradiation technologies and third-party sterilization services across the medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing markets in Europe.
   
• Europe hosts a significant concentration of drug manufacturers and biotechnology companies, particularly in countries like Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium. These companies rely on consistent and reliable sterilization processes for various product types, such as packaging, drug delivery systems, biologics, and laboratory equipment.
   
• Irradiation technology, offering a non-thermal and residue-free sterilization solution, is witnessing higher adoption rates compared to other sterilization methods, especially in the production of sterile drug environments.
   
• Additionally, EU GMP guidelines endorse the use of irradiation in aseptic processing environments, further boosting the demand for advanced irradiation infrastructure.
   

The irradiation apparatus market in UK is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The government of the UK is heavily investing in the modernisation of radiotherapy services under the auspices of the NHS to reduce the length of time it takes to receive treatment for cancer and improve patient outcomes.
   
• Various funding initiatives such as the Radiotherapy Modernisation Fund, have increased the pace of replacing outmoded linear accelerators, with modern irradiation systems for NHS trusts.
   
• This influx of public money illustrates the ongoing demand for irradiation apparatus in oncology departments, particularly if it can deliver localized or highly targeted and image-guided therapies.
   
• Hence, the above-mentioned factors are propelling the market growth in the region.
   

The Asia Pacific irradiation apparatus market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period.
 

• Large APAC nations such as India, China, and South Korea are global leaders in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. These nations require capable, regulatory-compliant sterilization systems for injectable and biologic drugs and packaging materials.
   
• Irradiation systems can be deployed for the effective sterilization of products without using heat or chemical agents. As international demand for APAC-grown pharmaceuticals is rapidly increasing, especially in the post-COVID era, investments to establish systems for high-throughput gamma- and E-beam-based sterilization in sterile production lines within Asia Pacific countries are expected to continue.
   
• Government-sponsored oncology programs, coupled with expanded health insurance coverage, are also helping to fuel the increased uptake of irradiation technologies in diagnostics and therapeutics across urban areas in the region.
   

Japan irradiation apparatus market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2025 – 2034.
 

• Japan also plays a leading global role in particle therapy including proton and carbon-ion therapy, with demonstration centers such as the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) and Hitachi.
   
• The Japanese government is actively and publicly investing in the establishment of particle therapy centers as part of their precision medicine in the oncology care plan, with a local innovation and public-private collaborative support strategy.
   
• With sustained government funding, local innovation, and public-private collaboration, next generation irradiation systems are expected to be established in locations throughout Japan. Such initiatives are significantly boosting the market growth.
   

Brazil irradiation apparatus market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2025 – 2034.
 

• Brazil’s pharmaceutical and devices-based industry are both growing and the government is supporting this growth with policies of "localization" tied to purchasing medical devices from Brazil rather than importing, as well as adding jobs and research and development. This has surged the demand for irradiation apparatus across medical device and pharmaceutical companies in Brazil.
   
• The Brazilian NHS also has standards for sterilizing products such as injectables, implants and surgical kits and the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) is a partner of the FDA and issues standards for the sterilization of products.
   
• In addition, growing incidence of cancer and chronic diseases in Brazil is driving the demand for radiotherapy systems and diagnostic systems such as CT scanners in Brazil. Through its Radiotherapy Expansion Plan for Brazil's Unified Health System (PER-SUS) project, until October 2021, delivery of nearly 50% of the planned implementation of radiotherapy equipment were made in Brazil. Such implementations are driving the revenue growth in the irradiation apparatus market in Brazil.
   

Middle East and Africa: The Saudi Arabia irradiation apparatus market is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• Saudi Arabia is further encouraging pharmaceutical and medical device development within the country through the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP).
   
• Given a greater emphasis on local demand and production capabilities, the primary focus of this programs is to create demand in-sector for reliable technologies, including but not limited to, diagnostic, therapeutic, and sterilization systems. Irradiation apparatus, specifically gamma and electron beam systems, play key roles in sterilizing syringes, surgical kits, packaging, and biologics, which is propelling their demand in Saudi Arabia.
   
• In addition, regulators are enforcing sterility assurance and supporting Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance, owing to which, companies are investing in irradiation capacity to support domestic and potential export demand.
   
• Moreover, development of healthcare diagnostic and therapeutic infrastructure as a part of Vision 2030 action plan is also driving the demand for radiotherapy and diagnostic systems in the country.
   

Irradiation Apparatus Market Share

The irradiation apparatus industry has a dynamic mix of international and domestic players providing innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for advanced treatments for the growing patient population. Companies such as Siemens Healthineers, Elekta, GE HealthCare, Koninklijke Philips, and Accuray are some of the dominant competitors in the market accounting for a combined market share of approximately 75%. Competition in this area arises from continuous technological developments and the ability to offer customized solutions.
 

In developing nations, due to the priority given to cost, multinational companies are squeezed to offer irradiation apparatus that are both affordable and of quality. Domestic manufacturers take advantage of this demand by providing cost effective alternatives, which make multinationals alter their price strategy while maintaining the safety, ruggedness, and regulatory acceptability of the products.
 

Irradiation Apparatus Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the Irradiation apparatus industry include:

• Accuray
• Canon Medical Systems
• Elekta
• GE HealthCare
• Hitachi
• Koninklijke Philips
• Mevion Medical Systems
• Mindray
• Neusoft Medical Systems
• Panacea Medical Technologies
• Shinva Medical
• Siemens Healthineers
• Sumitomo Heavy Industries
• ViewRay
   
• Siemens Healthineers is one of the leading manufacturer of irradiation systems, Company offers an industry-leading radiotherapy system Varian (TrueBeam, Halcyon) and advanced imaging systems (Sonata). Sonata's end-to-end cancer care solutions, from diagnosis to precision radiation therapy, provide seamless interoperability that helps limit clinical workflow inefficiencies.
   
• Elekta has developed MR-LINAC technology ahead of any competitors, leading with its Elekta Unity system which correlates soft-tumor visualization during the treatment, creating a new precision oncology capability. The company's Gamma Knife remains the standard of care for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatments with the most precise and advanced ability for brain tumors and functional abnormalities.
   
• Koninklijke Philips stands out with hybrid solutions that connect imaging, radiotherapy, and sterilization, such as its MRI-guided radiotherapy (MR-RT) and UV-C disinfection systems. Its IntelliSpace Radiation Oncology platform connects imaging, planning, and treatment into a streamlined pathway for enhanced efficiency of cancer center operations.
   

Irradiation Apparatus Industry News:

• In January 2025, Koninklijke Philips, a health technology company, launched the AI-enabled CT 5300 at the 23rd Asian Oceanian Congress of Radiology (AOCR) 2025. This product is created for diagnosis, interventional procedures, and screening. The flexible X-ray CT system boosts diagnostic confidence, improves workflow efficiency, and increases system uptime. It helps enhance patient outcomes and productivity of healthcare providers.
   
• In May 2024, Elekta announced the launch of its latest linear accelerator, Evo, a CT- Linac with new high-definition AI enhanced imaging. It can deliver both offline and online adaptive radiation therapy and also improve standard image-guided radiation therapy treatments. This versatile CT-Linac will allow clinicians to select the best radiation therapy technique for each patient.
   
• In May 2024, GE HealthCare announced the launch of Revolution RT, a radiation therapy computed tomography (CT) solution aimed at improving imaging accuracy. This product also simplifies the simulation workflow, providing more personalized and smooth oncology care for clinicians and patients.
   
• In December 2024, Siemens Healthineers announced to introduce the Luminos Q.namix1 platform at RSNA 2024. This product is for next-generation fluoroscopy and radiography. The flexible platform combines both functions to save time, space, and costs.
   

The irradiation apparatus market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 - 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Gamma irradiators
• Xray irradiators
• Ultraviolet (UV) and neutron irradiators
• Electronbeam irradiators
• Other types

Market, By Application

• Diagnostic imaging
• Therapy/radiotherapy
• Sterilization and disinfection
• Other applications

Market, By End Use

• Hospitals and clinics
• Research laboratories and institutes
• Other end use

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific 
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE