NIL system market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 15.8% during the forecast period. NIL is a method to fabricate nanometer-scale patterns by mechanical deformation of imprint resist and related processes. This method is widely used in industries such as semiconductors, electronics, and automotive because of its potential for nanoscale manufacturing. The demand for technology has increased significantly in recent years owing to the growth of end-user industries such as electronic and semiconductor manufacturing, automotive, energy, and technological advancements in nanotechnology industries, growing applications in multiple industries among others. Additionally, the demand for miniature devices has also seen significant growth in recent years which is a major contributor to the growth of the NIL system market. 

Segmental Outlook 

The global NIL system market is segmented by technology type and end-user industry. By technology type, the market is further sub-segmented into micro contact printing nanoimprint lithography, Ultraviolet Nanoimprint Lithography (UV-NIL), soft lithography, and Hot Embossing (HE). By end-user industry, the market is further sub-segmented into electronics and semiconductors, healthcare, and life sciences, automotive, energy, and others (research institutes and academia, aerospace, and defense). Among end-users, the demand for NIL is constantly growing in the healthcare and life sciences industry as it allows the creation of precise nanostructures. In healthcare, NILs are used for manufacturing and research of biosensors and diagnostic devices, enhancing sensitivity and accuracy. In pharmaceuticals, it helps in the development of nanostructured drug delivery systems to improve solubility and controlled release. It helps to provide personalized medicine by modifying drug formulations and is also used in the design of advanced pharmaceutical devices like microneedles and gene therapy carriers. With the growing need for precise solutions in biosensing, drug delivery, and personalized medicine, the demand for NIL is further expected to grow in healthcare and life sciences. Major NIL market leaders such as DNP, and NIL technology also provide solutions for the healthcare and life sciences industry.

Electronics and Semiconductors Contribute the Highest to the Global NIL System Industry

Among end-users, the electronics, and semiconductors industry accounts for the highest share in the global NIL systems market. Within semiconductor manufacturing, lithography is used in the transfer of circuit patterns onto a silicon wafer, representing an important stage in the production of integrated circuits (ICs). The growth of R&D activities in the semiconductor industry, production, and the importance of carbon neutrality in semiconductor production are contributing to the demand for the NIL systems market. As per the 2022 report from the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), global semiconductor sales witnessed significant growth over the years, surging from $139.0 billion in 2001 to $555.9 billion in 2021, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2 %. Projections from the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) Fall 2021 semiconductor industry forecast anticipate a continued upward trend, forecasting sales to reach $601 billion in 2022 and further increase to $633 billion in 2023. Additionally, technology is finding applications for multiple use cases beyond semiconductor manufacturing such as photonics, sensors, and other nanotechnology applications, eventually pushing market players to invest in R&D and portfolio expansion. For instance, in December 2023, SCIL Nanoimprint Solutions, a nanostructure patterning solutions company on large wafers by using its lithography technology, secured more than €10 million ($10.9 million) in funding. According to the company, the funding will be utilized for technology development and customer acquisition. These factors collectively are contributing to the overall market growth in the electronics and semiconductor sector. 

Regional Outlook

The global NIL System market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). Among regions, the Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growing market for the global NIL System market. The presence and growth of end-user industries such as electronics semiconductors, and automotive is a key factor driving growth in this region. As per the data from SIA, China is the world’s largest manufacturing hub, producing 36% of the world’s electronics-including smartphones, computers, cloud servers, and telecom infrastructure. Also, as per the same source, approximately 42 % of semiconductor manufacturing of the major US firms are located in the Asian region. This share is further expected to increase in the forecasting period as regional governments are increasingly promoting domestic manufacturing in end-user industries by providing financial and regulatory support, eventually driving demand for the NIL system market in the region.

Global NIL System Market Growth, by Region 2024-2031

North America Accounts Highest Share in the Global NIL System Market

Among the regions, North America accounts for the highest share of the global NIL system market owing to the regions strong presence in global electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, growing government support for domestic manufacturing and R&D by policies such as the CHIPS and Science Act, and rapid technological advancements among others. As per the data from SIA, in 2021, the US accounted for a 43.2 % share in global chip manufacturing with total exports of $62 billion in 2021. After introducing the CHIPS and Science Act in 2020, the country has registered over $200 billion of investment in the domestic chip industry. Additionally, as per the data from the US government, the country has allocated $171.26 billion in 2022 for R&D, which was a 9% increase from the previous year. Considering these factors, the demand for NIL systems is expected to grow further in the forecasting period. 

Market Players Outlook

The major companies serving the global NIL System market are Eulitha AG, EV Group, Micro Resist Technology GmbH, and SET Corporation SA among others. As the demand for NIL systems is growing on a global scale and expanding applications, market players are increasingly collaborating for R&D and business expansion. For instance, In April 2023, EV Group (EVG), a provider of wafer bonding and lithography equipment for MEMS, nanotechnology, and semiconductor markets, collaborated with Notion Systems, a supplier of industrial inkjet coating systems for functional materials. Under this development, both companies have agreed to jointly develop the inaugural fully integrated and automated solution for nanoimprint lithography (NIL) with incorporated inkjet coating capabilities.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the NIL system market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.