MICROSCOPE SLIDES MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2025 - 2032)

Global Microscope Slides Market Size and Forecast – 2025 to 2032

The Global Microscope Slides Market is estimated to be valued at USD 551.4 Mn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 862.5 Mn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2025 to 2032. This steady growth reflects increasing demand across various sectors such as healthcare, research, and education, driven by advancements in microscopy technologies and rising investments in biomedical research globally.

Key Takeaways of the Global Microscope Slides Market

• By slide type, regular microscope slides lead the global market in 2025 with an estimated 31.3% share.
• For thickness, slides in the 0.13–0.16 mm range is expected to hold the top share at 25.3% in 2025.
• By application, clinical diagnostics—including histology, cytology, and hematology— are expected to account for the largest portion of 35.2% in 2025.
• North America is expected to lead the market, holding an estimated share of 36.4% in 2025. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region, with a market share of 24.3% in 2025.

Market Overview

Current trends in the microscope slides market emphasize the growing adoption of specialty and customized slides that enhance imaging quality and facilitate advanced diagnostic applications. Additionally, there is a notable shift towards the use of eco-friendly and more durable materials, along with integration of automation in slide preparation processes, which contributes to higher efficiency and accuracy in laboratory settings. The market is also witnessing increased collaboration among manufacturers and research institutions to innovate and meet evolving user requirements.

Current Events and Its Impact

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Segmental Insights

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Microscope Slides Market Insights, By Slide Type - Predominance of Regular Microscope Slides are Driven by Versatility and Cost-effectiveness

In terms of slide type, regular microscope slides command the largest share of the global microscope slides market with an estimated 31.3% in 2025 primarily due to their broad applicability and practicality across various laboratory settings. These standard glass slides are renowned for their simplicity, ease of use, and compatibility with a wide array of staining techniques and microscopy methods. As a fundamental consumable in clinical and research laboratories, regular slides serve as the go-to medium for preparing specimens, offering a reliable platform for everything from routine histological examinations to basic cellular observations.

The cost-effectiveness of regular microscope slides also significantly contributes to their market dominance. Laboratories, hospitals, and educational institutions often operate within constrained budgets, making affordable yet reliable slides essential for high-volume and recurring use. Compared to specialized or coated slides, regular slides offer an economical solution without compromising the quality required for clear and accurate microscopic analysis. This financial advantage facilitates widespread adoption, especially in diagnostic labs and teaching facilities that handle large specimen throughput.

Microscope Slides Market Insights, By Thickness - Dominance of 0.13–0.16 mm Thickness Owing to Optimal Optical Performance and Standardization

Among the thickness-based segments, slides in the 0.13–0.16 mm range is expected to hold the largest market share of 25.3% in 2025 due to the critical balance they strike between mechanical robustness and optical clarity. This thickness specification is widely regarded as the industry standard, providing sufficient durability to withstand routine handling and processing without compromising light transmission essential for high-quality microscopic imaging. The thin profile allows for sharper focus and better resolution, which are paramount in applications requiring detailed cellular and tissue analysis.

The preference for this thickness is reinforced by widespread standardization across microscopy equipment manufacturers. Optical instruments and automated systems are predominantly designed and calibrated to accommodate slides within this range, facilitating seamless integration and consistent imaging results. Laboratories thus benefit from reduced variability and improved reproducibility in sample analysis, a critical consideration in both clinical and research settings. Thicker slides, while more resistant to breakage, may introduce refractive distortions or require adjustments in microscope calibration, making them less desirable for routine use.

Microscope Slides Market Insights, By Application - Clinical Diagnostics Lead the Application Segment Bolstered by the Growing Need for Accurate Disease Diagnosis

The clinical diagnostics segment, including histology, cytology, and hematology, constitutes the largest share of the microscope slides application market with an estimated 35.2% in 2025, driven by the critical role microscope slides play in disease diagnosis and patient management. These diagnostic fields rely heavily on precise microscopic examination of tissue and cellular samples to identify pathological changes, detect malignancies, and monitor disease progression, necessitating high-quality slides that ensure specimen integrity and clarity.

Increasing incidence of chronic diseases, cancer, and infectious conditions worldwide fuels the demand for meticulous diagnostic procedures. As healthcare systems emphasize early and accurate diagnosis, the volume of clinical tests involving microscopic evaluation rises correspondingly. Microscope slides are indispensable for preparing biopsy specimens, blood smears, and cytological samples that pathologists examine to provide definitive diagnoses. The demand is further amplified by the adoption of advanced staining techniques and immunohistochemistry, which require high-grade slides capable of withstanding complex processing and producing sharp visual contrast.

Regional Insights

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North America Microscope Slides Market Analysis and Trends

North America’s dominance in the global microscope slides market, with an estimated share of 36.4% in 2025, is driven by a well-established healthcare infrastructure, advanced research facilities, and strong industry presence. The region benefits from extensive government funding in medical research and life sciences, fostering innovation and adoption of high-quality microscope slides in diagnostics and research. The presence of leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as well as prominent academic institutions, fuels demand for precision and specialized slides. Companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Corning Incorporated, and VWR International have significant operations here, contributing through continuous product development and distribution networks tailored to clinical and research applications.

For example, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is a U.S.-based global leader in life science tools with operations across North America, Europe, and APAC. Its Thermo Scientific Nunc Plastic Microscope Slides are tissue-culture–treated polystyrene slides (standard 25×75 mm footprint) that promote adherent cell attachment and growth comparable to flasks and dishes, offered in clean, ready-to-use sterile formats for brightfield or fluorescence workflows—ideal for ICC/IF and other cell-based assays where single-use, solvent-sensitive plastic is preferred.

Asia Pacific Microscope Slides Market Analysis and Trends

The Asia Pacific region is expected to exhibit the fastest growth in the global microscope slides market with a share of 24.3% in 2025, propelled by rising investments in healthcare infrastructure, expanding research initiatives, and increasing demand for diagnostics due to a growing population and rising prevalence of chronic diseases. Emerging economies in this region are witnessing enhanced government support for medical research and biotechnology sectors, with countries like China, India, and South Korea leading the charge.

The expanding healthcare ecosystem, combined with lower manufacturing costs and increased trade liberalization, encourages both local production and imports of advanced microscope slide products. Key players such as Epredia (a Thermo Fisher brand), Matsunami Glass Ind. Ltd., and local manufacturers are leveraging these dynamics to capture the growing market.

Global Microscope Slides Market Outlook for Key Countries

U.S. Microscope Slides Market Trends

The U.S. microscope slides market remains highly competitive and innovative, supported by strong R&D expenditure and advanced healthcare settings. Leading companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific have a substantial presence, offering a diverse product portfolio ranging from standard glass slides to specialized coated slides for research and clinical applications. The mature distribution system and robust regulatory framework ensure widespread adoption of high-quality products. Moreover, academia-industry collaborations and government grants promote continual market expansion in precision glass slide technologies.

In January 2021, Biocare Medical, LLC, a U.S.-based provider of innovative immunohistochemistry (IHC) instruments and reagents, launched the ONCORE Pro, a fully automated IVD benchtop staining platform for IHC and in situ hybridization (ISH) capable of processing up to 36 microscope slides at a time.

Canada Microscope Slides Market Trends

Canada microscope slides market is witnessing steady growth driven by rising demand for advanced diagnostic capabilities in pathology and clinical laboratories, particularly with the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and cancer screening programs. Adoption of specialized coated slides for molecular and histology applications is expanding, supported by investments in healthcare infrastructure and laboratory automation. Additionally, technological advancements, such as integration of high-resolution slide printing and digital pathology systems, are enhancing sample traceability and workflow efficiency, fostering greater uptake across research institutions, hospitals, and diagnostic centers.

In April 2023, GA International, a Canada-based lab labeling solutions manufacturer, launched Histo-PinTAG, a patent-pending label that allows re-identification of microscope slides without compromising the original label or interfering with imaging and processing systems.

China Microscope Slides Market Trend

China’s microscope slides market growth is anchored by rapid technological advancements and increasing healthcare investments. The country’s government initiatives to boost biotechnology and medical device manufacturing have stimulated local production capacities along with imports. Companies such as Matsunami Glass Ind. Ltd. and domestic players focus on cost-effective yet quality manufacturing, making microscope slides more accessible across clinical laboratories and research institutions. The vast population and expanding healthcare infrastructure further amplify demand for microscope slides in both diagnostic pathology and life science research sectors.

For example, Citotest Labware Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a China-based global lab consumables maker, offers newly upgraded Color-PLUS PCI microscope slides designed for automatic IHC (Immunohistochemistry) on Roche Ventana automated IHC stainers as well as manual IHC.

Germany Microscope Slides Market Trend

Germany continues to lead in Europe through its advanced medical research landscape and strong industrial base. Well-established companies, such as Carl Zeiss AG and Menzel Gläser, provide high-grade microscope slides tailored for precision diagnostics and pharmaceutical research. Robust regulatory compliance and integration of innovative coating technologies are hallmarks of this market. Germany’s strategic position within the EU also facilitates trade flows across neighboring countries, enhancing market penetration and technology exchange.

For example, Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH is a Germany-based cancer diagnostics company with a global footprint. Its specialty microscope slides include the VCE slide, which uses two vertical stripes to create three fields for vaginal, cervical, and endocervical sampling on a single slide, and a fully frosted slide with one side completely frosted for body fluid specimens.

Japan Microscope Slides Market Trend

Japan's microscope slides market benefits from cutting-edge technological innovations and a strong focus on quality control. Domestic companies like Matsunami Glass Ind. Ltd. and global players operating locally emphasize the production of ultra-thin and specialized slides aimed at sophisticated research and diagnostic applications. The healthcare system's embracement of digital pathology and increased government funding for biomedical research contribute significantly to market dynamics. Japan’s unique combination of innovation and stringent quality standards bolsters its leadership in the Asia Pacific region.

For example, Matsunami Glass (Japan-based global manufacturer of laboratory glassware and microscope slides) introduced TOMO hydrophilic adhesion slides designed for demanding histology and IHC. They deliver strong tissue adhesion, crisp staining on an optically flat, clear surface, and uniform reagent flow thanks to a hydrophilic coating that holds up under heat and humidity.

End User Feedback and Unmet Needs for the Global Microscope Slides Market

• End user feedback in the global microscope slides market reveals insightful perspectives from various key application sectors such as research laboratories, diagnostic centers, and educational institutions. Many users express satisfaction with the enhanced clarity and durability of modern glass slides, particularly appreciating coatings that reduce sample degradation during long-term studies. For instance, a leading pathology lab highlighted the precision of adhesive microscope slides, which streamlined sample preparation and minimized slide handling errors, significantly improving workflow efficiency. On the other hand, recurring concerns relate to the accessibility and affordability of high-quality slides, especially in resource-constrained settings. Diagnostic labs in emerging markets often report issues with inconsistent slide thickness and variations in glass quality, which compromise imaging accuracy and can lead to repeated tests. These operational challenges underscore the need for standardized manufacturing and better-quality control.
• Unmet needs in the market center around technological advancements, customization options, and cost-effectiveness. Customers are seeking slides tailored to specific applications, such as those compatible with advanced imaging techniques or those that integrate seamlessly with automated staining equipment. Additionally, many users voice affordability concerns, particularly in academic and government sectors, where budget constraints limit access to premium products. Addressing these gaps could create substantial opportunities for manufacturers by expanding market reach, fostering customer loyalty, and driving innovation in slide technology. Introducing adaptable product lines with enhanced features and competitive pricing, alongside improved user support services, would empower end-users, improve satisfaction, and stimulate sustained growth in this evolving market landscape.

Market Players, Key Developments, and Competitive Intelligence

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Key Developments

• In April 2024, Bruker’s Canopy Biosciences, a U.S.-based life sciences company owned by Bruker and specializing in spatial biology solutions, launched the CellScape Whole-Slide Imaging Chamber for its CellScape Precise Spatial Multiplexing platform. Designed for use with standard microscope slides, the chamber offers the largest imaging area among microfluidic spatial biology instruments at 710 mm², converting slides into microfluidic chambers with uniform reagent delivery to reduce reagent use and costs.
• In September 2024, StatLab Medical Products, a U.S.-based global developer and manufacturer of medical diagnostic supplies and equipment, announced the launch of its KT brand of premium microscope slides and coverglass, the first to be developed, manufactured, and sold entirely within the StatLab group following its acquisition of Germany’s Knittel Glass. Its designed for high-performance pathology labs.
• In July 2024, Grundium, a manufacturer of compact digital microscope scanners, launched the Ocus M 40, its first multi-slide scanner designed to enhance workflow efficiency and image quality. Expanding beyond its single-slide models, the Ocus M 40 accommodates up to four microscope slides simultaneously, featuring advanced image processing, increased storage, and a redesigned user interface while retaining the brand’s compact form factor.
• In April 2021, ZEISS, a Germany-based global leader in optical and optoelectronic technology, introduced the Axioscan 7, its next-generation automated slide scanner for digitizing microscopy samples. Succeeding the Axio Scan.Z1, the Axioscan 7 delivers faster scan speeds, expanded imaging modes, advanced fluorescence capabilities, and enhanced user experience.

Top Strategies Followed by Global Microscope Slides Market Players

• Established players lead the market with substantial investments in research and development aimed at innovating high-performance products that meet evolving customer demands, such as enhanced durability, anti-fog coatings, and specialized chemical treatments. These companies also engage in strategic partnerships and collaborations with major industry players, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), research institutions, and biotechnology firms, to co-develop cutting-edge solutions and integrate their products into broader scientific ecosystems.
  • Corning Incorporated is a U.S.-based materials science company. It supplies Corning Plain Microscope Slides made from soda-lime glass, 0.9–1.10 mm thick, packed in half-gross boxes (~72 slides). Bulk options: 5 gross (10 boxes, 720 slides) and 10 gross (20 boxes, 1,440 slides). Choose the size you need from the available options to match your workflow.

• Mid-level players in the microscope slides market adopt strategies prioritizing cost-effectiveness without compromising product quality, addressing the needs of price-sensitive consumers such as academic institutions, small laboratories, and diagnostic centers. These companies focus on producing affordable microscope slides that meet industry standards, often emphasizing bulk sales and customized solutions to appeal to a broad customer base seeking value-for-money options.
  • For example, Paul Marienfeld GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), a medical technology manufacturer, makes precision microscope slides used worldwide. Core options are ~1 mm glass with cut or ground edges, with or without a frosted marking area, and 45° corner versions.

• Small-scale players in the global microscope slides market differentiate themselves by focusing on specialized features or niche applications unmet by larger competitors. They often introduce innovative products tailored for specific research needs or industry verticals, such as slides designed for fluorescence microscopy or disposable, eco-friendly slides made from biodegradable materials.
  • For example, Electron Microscopy Sciences is a U.S.-based lab consumables company known for precision and quality in microscopy products. Its Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-printed multi-well microscope slides feature an ultra-hydrophobic mask with fully wettable wells, helping labs use less reagent and prevent cross-contamination during staining and immunofluorescence work.

Market Report Scope

Microscope Slides Market Report Coverage

Microscope Slides Market Dynamics

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Microscope Slides Market Driver - Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases Requiring Diagnostic Testing

The growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and autoimmune conditions has significantly amplified the need for accurate and timely diagnostic testing, thereby propelling the demand for microscope slides. These conditions often require detailed pathological analysis of tissue samples and blood smears to monitor disease progression, detect abnormalities, and guide therapeutic decisions. Microscope slides serve as an essential medium for preparing and examining these biological specimens under microscopes, enabling clinicians and researchers to conduct precise microscopic evaluations. As healthcare systems worldwide prioritize early diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches, laboratories and diagnostic centers are experiencing greater throughput of samples requiring slide preparation. Furthermore, advancements in staining techniques and imaging technologies that enhance slide examination further contribute to their utilization.

In January 2024, according to National Library of Medicine, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases (CCDs) is a major factor in the recent decline in U.S. life expectancy, with 7 of the 10 leading causes of death linked to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and chronic respiratory illnesses. While past decades saw heart attack mortality rates of about 50%, advances in treatment mean most patients now survive, though many develop long-term complications like heart failure. Contributing factors include poor diet—where 42 countries have lower diet-related disease rates than the U.S.—and persistent smoking among 28 million Americans. This growing CCD burden is also fueling demand for advanced diagnostic testing, boosting the need for high-quality microscope slides.

Microscope Slides Market Opportunity - Rising Adoption of Automated Slide Preparation Systems

The global microscope slides market is poised to benefit significantly from the rising adoption of automated slide preparation systems, which presents a substantial growth opportunity. Automation in slide preparation enhances accuracy, efficiency, and consistency, addressing the increasing demand for high-throughput laboratory workflows, particularly in clinical diagnostics, research, and pharmaceutical sectors. Laboratories and research institutions are increasingly integrating automated systems to reduce manual errors, save time, and improve reproducibility in specimen handling. This shift is driven by advancements in robotics and image processing technologies, which enable seamless slide staining, labeling, and mounting processes with minimal human intervention. Additionally, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases and cancer has escalated the volume of pathological testing, fueling the need for faster and more reliable slide preparation. Automation also supports compliance with stringent regulatory standards by maintaining high-quality specimen processing and traceability.

In September 2024, Axlab, a Denmark-based medtech pioneer specializing in pathology laboratory solutions, announced its expansion into the U.S. microscope slides market to meet the rising demand for fully automated tissue sectioning workflows. The company’s AS-410M automated slide preparation system, U.S. FDA-cleared in 2024 and already deployed in 100 installations globally, offers high-quality sectioning, full traceability, image capture, automatic blade replacement, patient data safety, and stable performance under varying conditions.

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion)

• The microscope slides market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand from clinical diagnostics, biomedical research, and material sciences. Advances in manufacturing, such as high-precision cutting, anti-fog coatings, and improved adhesion technologies, are enhancing slide quality and usability, while automation in histopathology labs is accelerating sample processing. Expanding research in oncology, infectious diseases, and cellular biology is fueling adoption, particularly in emerging economies where investments in healthcare infrastructure are rising.
• Opportunities are opening up in specialized coated slides for molecular diagnostics and high-throughput imaging, although challenges such as fragility of glass slides, competition from low-cost manufacturers, and the need for consistent quality standards remain. Events like the European Congress of Pathology and the American Society for Cell Biology Annual Meeting in the past two years have been pivotal in showcasing innovations, fostering collaborations, and influencing procurement trends among labs and institutions.
• Recent industry developments underscore the market’s momentum. Thermo Fisher Scientific expanded its Epredia pathology solutions with next-generation charged slides to improve tissue adhesion in 2024, addressing a common challenge in histology workflows. Paul Marienfeld GmbH partnered with leading imaging system providers to offer pre-barcoded slides for automated tracking, streamlining laboratory operations. In parallel, regional initiatives like India’s National Cancer Grid have boosted the adoption of standardized slide preparation for diagnostic accuracy across networked hospitals, while the EU-funded DigiPath project is pushing forward digital pathology integration, indirectly increasing demand for high-quality slides compatible with advanced imaging systems. These real-world actions, combined with ongoing research collaborations and policy-backed infrastructure upgrades, are shaping a competitive yet innovation-driven market outlook.

Market Segmentation

• Slide Type Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
  • Regular Microscope Slides
  • Adhesive Microscope Slides
  • Pattern Printed Microscope Slides
  • Others (e.g., specialized/coated slides)
• Thickness Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
  • 13–0.16 mm
  • 16–0.19 mm
  • 19–0.23 mm
  • Others
• Application Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
  • Clinical Diagnostics (Histology, Cytology, Hematology)
  • Life Science Research (Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology)
  • Tissue-Based Testing (e.g., histopathology, cancer diagnostics)
  • Others (e.g., forensics, environmental testing)
• Material Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
  • Glass Slides
  • Plastic Slides
• End User Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
  • Hospitals and Clinics
  • Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies
  • Diagnostic Laboratories (Pathology labs)
  • Academic and Research Institutes
  • Biological/Research Laboratories
  • Others (veterinary labs, etc.)
• Sales Channel Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
  • Online
  • Offline
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
  • Corning Incorporated
  • Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
  • Menzel-Glaser (now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific)
  • Paul Marienfeld GmbH and Co. KG
  • Waldemar Knittel Glasbearbeitungs GmbH
  • Globe Scientific Inc.
  • Citotest Labware Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
  • Bio-Optica Milano S.p.A.
  • Chemglass Life Sciences LLC
  • Sail Brand Co., Ltd.
  • Hirschmann Laborgeräte GmbH and Co. KG
  • Propper Manufacturing Co., Inc.
  • Microscope World (MW Manufacturing Division)

Sources

Primary Research Interviews

Industry Stakeholders list

• Manufacturing directors at leading microscope slide producers
• Product managers for histology/cytology consumables
• QA/RA managers involved in ISO 8037/1 compliance
• R&D heads from slide coating technology teams
• Automation platform integration specialists
• Procurement managers from large hospital networks

End Users list

• Senior pathologists in clinical diagnostic labs
• Histotechnologists in accredited histology labs
• Core facility managers at research universities
• Forensic science lab supervisors
• Public health laboratory directors
• Materials testing lab managers in industry

Government and International Databases

• World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Observatory
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) database
• United Nations Comtrade Database
• Eurostat health and trade statistics
• OECD Health Data
• National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS)

Trade Publications

• CAP Today
• Medical Laboratory Observer (MLO)
• The Pathologist
• Lab Manager
• BioTechniques
• GenomeWeb (Diagnostics/Pathology section)

Academic Journals

• Journal of Histotechnology
• Histopathology
• American Journal of Clinical Pathology
• Diagnostic Pathology
• Journal of Microscopy
• Microscopy and Microanalysis

Reputable Newspapers

• The New York Times
• The Wall Street Journal
• Financial Times
• The Washington Post
• The Guardian

Industry Associations

• College of American Pathologists (CAP)
• National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• European Society of Pathology (ESP)
• International Academy of Pathology (IAP)
• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)

Public Domain Resources

• USPTO Patents and Applications
• European Patent Office Espacenet
• Zenodo

Proprietary Elements

• CMI Data Analytics Tool: Proprietary analytics tool to analyze real-time market trends, consumer behavior, and technology adoption in market
• Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of Information for Last 8 Years