Multimodal AI: The next tech frontier

Prasad Kale

While many argue that artificial intelligence poses significant challenges to the job market, it has also set the stage for the next technological revolution. A key development in this domain is multimodal AI, which represents a significant leap forward. This innovative area of AI combines text, sound, images, and sensory information to give users a more engaging and dynamic experience. Multimodal AI outperforms single-mode systems by merging many data streams, providing unmatched contextual comprehension and accuracy.

The global adoption of AI is evolving rapidly, and while India is establishing itself as a leader in this space, there is scope for further progress. With its robust ecosystem of talent, innovation, and policy support, India is well positioned to shape the future of multimodal AI on a global scale.

India’s AI industry is poised for exponential growth, with projections estimating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20% in the coming years. This growth is driven by a combination of factors, including government policies promoting AI adoption, a thriving startup ecosystem innovating in deep tech, and established tech giants scaling AI-driven solutions.

Generative AI (GenAI) has been a key growth driver, enabling creative applications that were once unimaginable. According to a recent study by Pearson, GenAI alone could save the Indian workforce over 51 million hours a week by automating routine tasks. However, its potential extends far beyond time savings. When combined with multimodal capabilities, GenAI becomes a transformative tool across industries. 

As digital interactions grow more complex, the limitations of single-mode AI systems are becoming evident. Text-only chatbots often fail to grasp intricate human queries, while speech-based systems struggle with contextual understanding. Multimodal AI addresses these shortcomings by integrating diverse data types. 

Multimodal systems contribute to enhanced accuracy by cross-referencing data from various modes, delivering more accurate responses and a deeper understanding of user intent. They also offer enriched user experiences across diverse applications—from virtual classrooms to immersive retail environments. 

In a country as diverse as India, multimodal AI can significantly bridge linguistic, cultural, and technological gaps. For example, a healthcare app powered by multimodal AI could analyse a patient’s symptoms via text, assess anomalies through visual cues like photos, and provide speech-based instructions in over 20 regional languages—creating inclusive, effective solutions.

Multimodal AI has transformative potential across industries:

Healthcare: Integrates patient records, diagnostic images,
and real-time health data to support doctors in making informed decisions.

Education: Enables adaptive learning experiences in virtual classrooms by combining text, audio, and video inputs.

Entertainment: Facilitates AI-generated scripts, visuals, and soundtracks, creating immersive narratives and transforming the film and gaming industries. 

Retail: Powers virtual try-ons, personalised shopping experiences, and augmented reality-based solutions to redefine consumer engagement.

Agriculture: Combines satellite imagery, weather data, and on-ground sensors to deliver actionable insights for precision farming.

From personalised learning to precision farming, multimodal AI will reshape how industries operate, offering solutions that are smarter, faster, and more inclusive.

Despite its promises, adopting multimodal AI in India faces significant challenges. High computational costs, limited access to quality datasets, and concerns over data privacy and security remain key barriers. Ethical considerations, such as addressing biases and preventing misuse, also require proactive attention. 

Government policies and public-private partnerships will be instrumental in overcoming these hurdles. Initiatives such as India’s National AI Strategy (NITI Aayog) and the establishment of AI research hubs are promising steps. Collaboration among academia, industry, and government is crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring equitable access to AI technologies.

India’s growing AI ecosystem is at a pivotal juncture. The rise of multimodal AI represents technological advancement and a shift in how machines interact with humans. As the global multimodal AI landscape evolves, India has an opportunity to lead by investing in innovation, strengthening collaboration, and addressing challenges such as infrastructure and skill development. By doing so, multimodal AI can become a cornerstone of India’s digital future—one that is inclusive, impactful, and globally influential. It has the potential to empower India’s diverse population while driving equitable growth.

(The writer is the founder of an Indian AI platform that unifies multiple AI tools)

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author's own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH.