Multimodal Imaging Market By Technology Combination (PET/CT, PET/MRI, SPECT/CT, Ultrasound/MRI, Optical/CT); By Application (Oncology, Neurology, Cardiology, Orthopedics, Inflammatory Disorders); By End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Diagnostic Centers, Research Institutions, Pharmaceutical Companies); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030.

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Multimodal Imaging Market will witness a robust CAGR of 7.8% , valued at USD 4.9 billion in 2024 , and is expected to appreciate significantly to reach USD 8.2 billion by 2030 , confirms Strategic Market Research.

 

Multimodal imaging refers to the integration of two or more imaging techniques—such as MRI , PET , CT , SPECT , or ultrasound —into a single platform, enabling synergistic visualization of anatomical, functional, and molecular data. This hybrid approach enhances diagnostic accuracy, disease characterization, and therapy monitoring in a broad spectrum of clinical domains, including oncology, neurology, and cardiology.

 

From a strategic lens, 2024 to 2030 represents a pivotal growth window for this sector, driven by a confluence of macroeconomic and technological tailwinds. These include:

• The rising burden of chronic and neurodegenerative diseases globally

• Continuous advancements in AI-powered image fusion algorithms

• Government initiatives for early and precise disease detection

• Expanding applications of hybrid imaging in pharmaceutical R&D

Moreover, the shift toward personalized medicine and quantitative imaging biomarkers is reshaping diagnostic protocols. As healthcare ecosystems move toward precision-based approaches, multimodal platforms offer clinical teams the capability to generate high-fidelity, multi-parametric data—improving both patient outcomes and system efficiency.

 

Key stakeholders operating in this space include:

• OEMs and device manufacturers , who innovate in sensor fusion, hardware miniaturization, and integration algorithms

• Hospitals, diagnostic chains, and academic research centers , which serve as primary end users

• Payers and government agencies , whose reimbursement decisions and funding models influence adoption

• Venture investors and pharma partners , who co-develop imaging tools for use in clinical trials and biomarker development

In sum, the multimodal imaging market is transitioning from niche research applications to mainstream clinical use, establishing itself as a cornerstone of next-generation diagnostics and therapeutic planning.

As one radiologist from the Netherlands commented during a 2023 imaging summit: “We no longer ask whether multimodal imaging is better—it’s about how fast we can implement it across care pathways.”

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The multimodal imaging market is segmented to reflect the diversity of technologies, clinical applications, and end-use environments driving adoption globally. These segmentations not only delineate market performance across categories but also offer strategic granularity for investors, OEMs, and healthcare providers planning deployment or innovation strategies.

By Technology Combination

Multimodal imaging systems integrate two or more core modalities. The most commercially significant and research-driven combinations include:

• PET/CT

• PET/MRI

• SPECT/CT

• Ultrasound/MRI

• Optical/CT

Among these, PET/CT remains the dominant technology segment , accounting for approximately 42% of the global market in 2024 , thanks to its entrenched use in oncology staging and treatment planning. However, PET/MRI is the fastest-growing segment , expected to register a CAGR of over 9.6% , supported by demand for lower radiation exposure and superior soft-tissue resolution—especially in neurology and pediatric imaging.

 

By Application

Multimodal imaging systems are applied across a wide clinical spectrum, including:

• Oncology

• Cardiology

• Neurology

• Orthopedics

• Autoimmune & Inflammatory Diseases

Oncology leads the application landscape, driven by the need for multi-dimensional tumor profiling and response assessment. However, neurology is emerging as a critical growth frontier, propelled by rising Alzheimer’s disease cases and new trials relying on PET/MRI imaging for neuroinflammation and amyloid plaque detection.

 

By End User

Deployment varies across different healthcare and research environments:

• Hospitals & Clinics

• Diagnostic Imaging Centers

• Academic and Research Institutions

• Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

Hospitals & Clinics dominate market demand due to integrated infrastructure and higher imaging throughput, but research institutions are expected to witness high adoption rates—fueled by neuroscience and drug development initiatives.

 

By Region

The market is geographically segmented into:

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

In 2024, North America captures the highest revenue share—due to advanced infrastructure, favorable reimbursement frameworks, and high R&D activity. However, Asia Pacific is forecast to register the highest CAGR , driven by government investments in precision medicine and public health screening programs.

According to imaging researchers in Singapore: “Multimodal fusion isn’t a luxury in Asia’s high-density hospitals—it’s becoming a necessity for workflow efficiency and deeper diagnostic context.”

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The multimodal imaging market is evolving rapidly, shaped by a wave of innovations that fuse hardware, software, and data intelligence into next-generation imaging platforms. These advances are not only transforming diagnostic precision but are also enabling broader clinical use, real-time insights, and cost efficiencies.

Convergence of Imaging Modalities and AI

One of the defining trends is the fusion of hardware with artificial intelligence , particularly in:

• Image reconstruction and enhancement

• Anomaly detection and region-of-interest segmentation

• Automated quantification and report generation

Vendors are embedding machine learning algorithms directly into scanners to create adaptive systems that learn from prior imaging and optimize scan parameters in real-time. This reduces acquisition time, improves spatial resolution, and personalizes imaging protocols for each patient.

As an imaging AI expert from South Korea noted: “We are no longer just capturing anatomy; we are decoding tissue-level information that radiologists previously couldn’t access.”

 

Rising Integration with Molecular and Functional Imaging

The boundaries between anatomical and functional imaging are blurring. Next-gen multimodal systems increasingly support radiomics and molecular tracer analytics , facilitating early disease detection at the cellular level.

Notably, PET/MRI systems are being adopted in:

• Preclinical drug discovery (for understanding biomarker pathways)

• Neuroimaging research (amyloid, tau, and dopamine transporters)

• Cancer immunotherapy response tracking

The growing importance of quantitative imaging biomarkers is catalyzing demand for these hybrid systems, especially in clinical trials and longitudinal studies.

 

Material and Device Innovations

There has been considerable progress in:

• Detector materials (e.g., silicon photomultipliers, cadmium-zinc-telluride)

• Miniaturization of sensors

• Low-dose protocols with iterative reconstruction

Such breakthroughs are enabling portable and mobile multimodal units , particularly for point-of-care applications in ICUs and emergency medicine.

Example: A start-up in Germany has developed a cart-mounted SPECT/CT platform for rapid stroke assessment in emergency departments, reducing diagnostic delays by over 35%.

 

Strategic Collaborations and Technology Licensing

A notable trend is the spike in academic-industrial partnerships . These collaborations focus on:

• Developing new contrast agents specific to multimodal platforms

• Licensing patented AI algorithms for integration into OEM systems

• Establishing shared imaging databases for algorithm training

Large imaging firms are also pursuing cross-border R&D centers to co-develop regionally compliant systems that meet clinical guidelines in Asia, Europe, and North America.

 

Regulatory and Clinical Validation Trends

The demand for FDA- and CE-approved hybrid systems is rising, particularly for platforms supporting advanced neuroimaging and cardiac risk stratification. Regulatory agencies are updating guidance to support fusion imaging techniques, including software-as-a-medical-device ( SaMD ) components.

In 2023, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) launched a pilot framework for evaluating PET/MRI-based imaging biomarkers in rare neurodegenerative disorders.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The multimodal imaging market is defined by a blend of global OEM giants, niche innovators, and academic spin-offs that specialize in hybrid imaging systems and AI-enhanced diagnostics. Competitive positioning is largely influenced by technology integration capability, cross-modality expertise, and clinical validation across diverse therapeutic areas.

Below are 7 leading companies shaping the strategic landscape:

1. Siemens Healthineers

A global leader in the imaging sector, Siemens Healthineers dominates in PET/CT and PET/MRI systems. Its strategy emphasizes end-to-end integration —linking multimodal platforms with electronic health records (EHRs), radiology workflow tools, and AI-based reconstruction algorithms. The company’s strong European and North American presence enables it to launch and scale new platforms with speed and regulatory agility.

Siemens’ Biograph mMR PET/MRI system continues to be a benchmark in functional brain imaging.

 

2. GE HealthCare

GE HealthCare maintains a robust position in SPECT/CT and PET/CT markets, focusing heavily on AI-powered diagnostics and dose-reduction technologies. Its competitive edge lies in cross-platform interoperability and scalable image processing pipelines for large hospitals and research institutions.

The company has actively partnered with academic centers for deep-learning algorithm integration and precision oncology trials.

 

3. Philips

Known for its commitment to patient-centric design , Philips has developed multimodal platforms that emphasize user ergonomics, image fusion simplicity, and cloud-based data sharing. Its IntelliSpace Portal supports multimodal analysis and remote access, appealing to diagnostic chains and teleradiology networks.

Philips is also pioneering low-field MRI in hybrid settings to expand access in emerging markets.

 

4. Canon Medical Systems

Canon has gained traction with advanced ultrasound/MRI and PET/CT systems, often praised for their exceptional image clarity and flexible modular configurations. The company is increasing its footprint in Asia Pacific , capitalizing on regional R&D partnerships and local regulatory support.

Canon also collaborates with academic consortia in Japan and Australia to advance hybrid imaging for cardiovascular applications.

 

5. Bruker Corporation

Specializing in preclinical and research-grade systems , Bruker focuses on PET/MRI and optical/CT imaging combinations. Their platforms are dominant in academic neuroscience and pharmaceutical discovery labs , known for molecular-level sensitivity and real-time in vivo imaging.

Bruker’s unique strength lies in innovation velocity and adaptability across translational research pipelines.

 

6. United Imaging Healthcare

A rising global contender, United Imaging is aggressively scaling its multimodal imaging systems in China, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe . The company blends affordability with AI integration, targeting hospitals in secondary cities and national health systems seeking hybrid platforms at scale.

Their PET/CT and PET/MRI units are winning bids in government-funded cancer and neurology screening programs.

 

7. Mediso Medical Imaging Systems

Mediso , based in Europe, specializes in multi-modality systems for small animal and clinical research markets. Known for SPECT/MRI and PET/SPECT/CT fusion units, Mediso operates at the edge of scientific innovation with a growing customer base in academic imaging labs.

In 2024, Mediso entered a strategic collaboration with a Scandinavian university hospital to develop AI-assisted SPECT/MRI protocols for neurodegenerative disease tracking.

Competitive differentiation in this market revolves around precision software , cross-modality calibration fidelity , and regulatory scalability . As new entrants pursue AI-native systems and low-cost hybrid scanners, market leaders must continue to innovate beyond hardware—into data intelligence, platform integration, and therapeutic alignment .

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

The global multimodal imaging market exhibits distinct regional dynamics, shaped by healthcare infrastructure, disease prevalence, reimbursement policies, and technological readiness. While mature economies remain strongholds of adoption, emerging markets are rapidly gaining ground as governments invest in advanced diagnostics to tackle non-communicable disease burdens.

North America: Leadership in Clinical Innovation and Reimbursement Ecosystems

North America holds the largest share of the global market, accounting for an estimated 38% in 2024. The United States drives this dominance due to:

• High adoption of PET/CT and PET/MRI in oncology, neurology, and cardiology

• Well-established reimbursement frameworks for hybrid imaging under Medicare/Medicaid

• Strong presence of OEMs like GE HealthCare , Siemens Healthineers , and Philips

• A robust network of academic medical centers, such as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins, piloting novel hybrid modalities

Canada is also expanding its hybrid imaging footprint, with several provinces investing in AI-integrated PET/MRI units to improve cancer staging and reduce diagnostic wait times.

 

Europe: Early-Adopter Region with Strong Research Collaboratives

Europe remains a pioneer in regulatory validation and clinical integration , supported by public health policies and EU-funded research.

• Germany, France, and the UK lead in multimodal imaging deployments, especially in tertiary care hospitals

• Scandinavia is testing multimodal imaging in rural care hubs via mobile PET/SPECT systems

The EU’s Horizon Europe program funds multi-country trials that rely heavily on PET/MRI imaging for neurodegenerative disorders and rare cancers

Despite budgetary pressures in some southern and eastern European nations, regional partnerships are helping democratize access to high-end systems.

 

Asia Pacific: Fastest-Growing Market with Expansive Health Infrastructure Projects

Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region , with a forecast CAGR exceeding 10.4% between 2024 and 2030.

• China leads the charge, with state-driven hospital upgrades and partnerships with firms like United Imaging and Canon

• India is leveraging public-private diagnostic centers to deploy cost-effective PET/CT systems in Tier 2 cities

• South Korea and Japan are early adopters of AI-augmented PET/MRI for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease research

An official from the Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine remarked: “PET/MRI is becoming indispensable—not only for research but for national screening programs tied to aging population needs.”

 

Latin America: Slow but Steady Expansion via Private Providers

Growth in Latin America is moderate, hampered by public budget constraints and uneven healthcare access. However:

• Brazil and Mexico are regional leaders, with top private hospital chains investing in multimodal platforms

• Cross-border partnerships with U.S.-based institutions help accelerate technology transfer and training

Adoption is highest in urban academic centers and specialized cancer institutes, with growing demand for ultrasound/MRI systems due to cost advantages.

 

Middle East & Africa (MEA): White Space with High Future Potential

The MEA region remains underserved but shows long-term potential:

• UAE and Saudi Arabia are building digital hospitals equipped with PET/CT and SPECT/MRI systems

• Africa’s adoption remains limited to research centers in South Africa and Morocco, but NGO-funded mobile hybrid systems are being piloted for infectious disease imaging

The primary constraint is capital cost, but modular, lower-cost systems and tele-radiology integration are helping overcome adoption hurdles.

In summary, regional growth is not uniform but converges on a clear trajectory: rising demand for integrative, accurate, and faster diagnostics . Markets that align multimodal imaging with national health priorities—especially in oncology and neurodegeneration—are set to lead the next phase of clinical transformation.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The end-user landscape of the multimodal imaging market is diverse, reflecting the complexity and versatility of these hybrid systems. From tertiary care hospitals to pharmaceutical labs, the value proposition of multimodal imaging shifts based on diagnostic demand, throughput requirements, and clinical specialization.

1. Hospitals & Clinics

These remain the primary adopters , particularly large academic and tertiary hospitals with multidisciplinary care units. The focus here is on:

• Oncology : Integrating PET/CT and PET/MRI for tumor staging, therapy response, and recurrence monitoring

• Neurology : Using advanced fusion imaging to track neuroinflammation , dementia, and seizure foci

• Cardiology : Combining anatomical and functional data to assess myocardial perfusion and viability

Adoption is highest in radiology and nuclear medicine departments with centralized image analysis labs. Hospital procurement decisions are often linked to reimbursement coverage and compatibility with PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System).

 

2. Academic & Research Institutions

Research centers and universities deploy multimodal imaging to support preclinical and translational studies , especially in:

• Drug discovery (target validation, biodistribution tracking)

• Neurological disease modeling in animals

• Experimental contrast agent testing

These end users value system flexibility , multi-species support , and software compatibility with image analysis toolkits . Platforms from Bruker and Mediso dominate in this segment due to their modular design and customizability.

 

3. Diagnostic Imaging Centers

Private and chain-based diagnostic centers increasingly invest in PET/CT and SPECT/CT systems, particularly in urban settings with high patient volumes. Their business model is volume-based, so multimodal systems are chosen for:

• High scan throughput

• Ease of use

• Low maintenance costs

Ultrasound/MRI combinations are emerging as a preferred option in outpatient settings due to their non-ionizing nature and cost efficiency.

 

4. Pharmaceutical & Biotech Companies

Biopharma firms use multimodal imaging to:

• Monitor drug efficacy noninvasively in clinical trials

• Validate biomarkers in preclinical models

• Conduct safety studies and PK/PD evaluations

PET/MRI and PET/CT systems with dynamic scanning capabilities and real-time analytics are particularly favored for immunotherapy and CNS drug trials . These systems help correlate molecular changes with anatomical markers—a key advantage in modern drug development.

 

Real-World Use Case: Tertiary Hospital in South Korea

In 2023, a tertiary care hospital in Seoul , specializing in neuro-oncology, implemented an integrated PET/MRI system to improve tumor margin detection in glioblastoma patients.

• Prior to treatment, hybrid imaging was used to delineate tumor boundaries using both anatomical (MRI) and metabolic (FDG-PET) data.

• During treatment, fusion scans helped monitor early metabolic changes before size reduction was evident on MRI alone.

• This allowed oncologists to adjust treatment protocols within two weeks , leading to improved progression-free survival in 37% of patients.

As noted by the attending radiologist: “Multimodal imaging didn’t just help us see better—it helped us treat smarter and faster.”

In conclusion, each end-user type brings unique workflow requirements and decision criteria to the multimodal imaging landscape. The technology’s adaptability across clinical, research, and commercial environments underscores its strategic importance through 2030.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Key Recent Developments

The multimodal imaging market has seen a flurry of activity over the past two years as companies and research bodies push to expand capabilities, secure regulatory approvals, and develop AI-enhanced imaging solutions.

• GE HealthCare launched Omni Legend PET/CT system with digital detectors and AI-powered time-of-flight technology to improve lesion detectability at lower radiation doses.

• Philips and Quibim partnered to co-develop AI-enabled PET/MRI solutions for radiomics -based cancer assessment, enabling quantitative imaging biomarkers in precision oncology.

• Canon Medical received EU MDR certification for its Celesteion PET/CT system, positioning it for broader adoption across European hospitals.

• United Imaging opened a multimodal R&D hub in Singapore , focused on integrating AI with PET/MRI for neurodegenerative disease imaging and pediatric oncology.

• Bruker released a fully integrated PET/MRI platform for small animal research , with multi-tracer tracking capabilities for real-time pharmacodynamic analysis.

 

Opportunities

• AI-Powered Workflow Optimization The integration of AI in image registration, segmentation, and interpretation is unlocking time and cost efficiencies across modalities. This is particularly transformative for high-volume diagnostic centers and hospitals managing complex cases.

• Emerging Markets and Mobile Multimodal Platforms Countries in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are investing in mobile and modular hybrid systems , often backed by public-private partnerships. These systems offer high diagnostic value without needing extensive infrastructure.

• Companion Diagnostics and Clinical Trials Multimodal imaging is being increasingly embedded in drug development pipelines , especially in oncology and neurology trials, where it supports companion diagnostics, target engagement monitoring, and therapy response evaluation.

 

Restraints

• High Capital Investment and Maintenance Costs The acquisition and upkeep of multimodal systems, particularly PET/MRI, represent a major barrier for mid-tier hospitals and standalone diagnostic centers, particularly in price-sensitive markets.

• Regulatory Complexity for Software-Integrated Devices As imaging systems become more software-dependent, particularly with AI and radiomics features, regulatory pathways become more complex. Delays in approval timelines for integrated platforms can slow market entry and clinical deployment.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 4.9 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 8.2 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 7.8% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Technology Combination, Application, End User, Geography
By Technology Combination	PET/CT, PET/MRI, SPECT/CT, Ultrasound/MRI, Optical/CT
By Application	Oncology, Neurology, Cardiology, Orthopedics, Inflammatory Disorders
By End User	Hospitals & Clinics, Diagnostic Centers, Research Institutions, Pharmaceutical Companies
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., UK, Germany, China, India, Japan, Brazil, UAE, South Korea
Market Drivers	• Rise in chronic disease burden • AI-enabled image fusion • Increased use in clinical trials
Customization Option	Available upon request