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 is projected to expand at a 7.8% CAGR, rising from USD 4.9 billion in 2024 to USD 8.2 billion by 2030, powered by medical imaging, diagnostic imaging, PET-CT, PET-MRI, MRI systems, and hybrid imaging—as cited by 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.”

 

Comprehensive Market Snapshot

• The Global Multimodal Imaging Market is projected to expand at a 7.8% CAGR, rising from USD 4.9 billion in 2024 to USD 8.2 billion by 2030, driven by hybrid imaging adoption, oncology-centric diagnostics, and precision medicine workflows.

• Based on a 38% share of the 2024 global market, the USA Multimodal Imaging Market is estimated at USD 1.86 billion in 2024, and at a 6.7% CAGR is projected to reach approximately USD 2.74 billion by 2030.

• With a 23% share, the Europe Multimodal Imaging Market is estimated at USD 1.13 billion in 2024, and at a 5.6% CAGR is expected to reach around USD 1.56 billion by 2030.

• With an 18% share, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Multimodal Imaging Market is estimated at USD 0.88 billion in 2024, and at a 10.4% CAGR is projected to reach approximately USD 1.60 billion by 2030.

Regional Insights

• North America (USA) accounted for the largest market share of 38% in 2024, supported by early adoption of PET-based hybrid systems, high oncology imaging volumes, and favorable reimbursement for advanced diagnostics.

• Asia Pacific (APAC) is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 10.4% during 2024–2030, driven by rapid hospital infrastructure expansion, rising cancer incidence, and public investment in imaging modernization.

 

By Technology Combination

• PET/CT held the largest market share of 42% in 2024, reflecting its entrenched role in oncology staging, therapy monitoring, and whole-body metabolic imaging.

• PET/MRI is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 9.6% during 2024–2030, driven by demand for radiation-sparing, high-soft-tissue-contrast imaging in neurology and pediatric oncology.

Estimated 2024 Market Split (Global):

• PET/CT held the largest market share of 42% in 2024, reflecting its entrenched role in oncology staging, therapy monitoring, and whole-body metabolic imaging, with an estimated market value of approximately USD 2.06 billion.

• SPECT/CT accounted for 26% of the global market in 2024, translating to an estimated value of around USD 1.27 billion, supported by its continued use in cardiac and functional imaging applications.

• Ultrasound/MRI represented 18% of the market in 2024, with a corresponding value of approximately USD 0.88 billion, driven by its non-ionizing imaging capability and expanding clinical use.

• Optical/CT held 14% of the global market in 2024, valued at around USD 0.69 billion, supported by niche applications in preclinical research and emerging diagnostic workflows.

 

By Application

• Oncology accounted for the highest market share of 46% in 2024, driven by tumor detection, staging accuracy, and treatment-response assessment.

• Neurology is expected to grow at a strong CAGR during 2024–2030, supported by increasing use of PET/MRI in neurodegenerative and functional brain imaging.

Estimated 2024 Market Split (Global):

• Oncology accounted for the highest market share of 46% in 2024, driven by demand for accurate tumor detection, staging, and treatment-response assessment, with an estimated market value of approximately USD 2.25 billion.

• Cardiology represented 18% of the global market in 2024, translating to a value of around USD 0.88 billion, supported by myocardial perfusion and functional cardiac imaging.

• Neurology held 17% of the market in 2024, valued at approximately USD 0.83 billion, and is expected to grow at a strong CAGR during 2024–2030 due to rising use of PET/MRI in neurodegenerative and functional brain imaging.

• Orthopedics accounted for 10% of the market in 2024, with an estimated value of around USD 0.49 billion, driven by musculoskeletal and joint disorder diagnostics.

• Inflammatory Disorders represented 9% of the global market in 2024, corresponding to approximately USD 0.44 billion, supported by increasing use of molecular imaging in autoimmune and inflammatory disease evaluation.

 

By End User

• Hospitals & Clinics contributed the largest market share of 52% in 2024, reflecting high capital equipment adoption and integrated imaging workflows.

• Diagnostic Centers are anticipated to expand at a robust CAGR over 2024–2030, driven by outpatient imaging growth and referral-based oncology diagnostics.

Estimated 2024 Market Split (Global):

• Hospitals & Clinics contributed the largest market share of 52% in 2024, reflecting high capital equipment adoption and integrated imaging workflows, with an estimated market value of approximately USD 2.55 billion.

• Diagnostic Centers accounted for 28% of the market in 2024, valued at around USD 1.37 billion, and are anticipated to expand at a robust CAGR during 2024–2030 due to outpatient imaging growth and referral-based oncology diagnostics.

• Research Institutions represented 12% of the global market in 2024, translating to an estimated value of approximately USD 0.59 billion, supported by academic and translational imaging research.

• Pharmaceutical Companies held 8% of the market in 2024, valued at around USD 0.39 billion, driven by imaging use in drug development and clinical trials.

 

By Treatment Setting

• Hospitals dominated the market with a 44% share in 2024, supported by high-throughput hybrid scanners and inpatient oncology imaging.

• Telehealth-enabled Imaging Platforms are expected to witness accelerated growth throughout 2024–2030, driven by remote image interpretation, AI-assisted diagnostics, and distributed care models.

Estimated 2024 Market Split (Global):

• Hospitals dominated the market with a 44% share in 2024, supported by high-throughput hybrid scanners and inpatient oncology imaging, corresponding to an estimated value of approximately USD 2.16 billion.

• Diagnostic Imaging Centers accounted for 31% of the global market in 2024, with a market value of around USD 1.52 billion, driven by increasing outpatient diagnostic volumes.

• Ambulatory Surgical Centers represented 15% of the market in 2024, translating to an estimated value of approximately USD 0.74 billion, supported by perioperative and interventional imaging needs.

• Telehealth Platforms held 10% of the global market in 2024, valued at around USD 0.49 billion, and are expected to witness accelerated growth through 2024–2030 due to remote image interpretation, AI-assisted diagnostics, and distributed care models.

 

Strategic Questions Driving the Next Phase of the Global Multimodal Imaging Market

1. What imaging modalities, hybrid system configurations, and clinical use cases are explicitly included within the Global Multimodal Imaging Market, and which technologies remain out of scope?

2. How does the Global Multimodal Imaging Market differ structurally from standalone imaging markets such as MRI, CT, PET, SPECT, ultrasound, and optical imaging?

3. What is the current and forecasted size of the Global Multimodal Imaging Market, and how is market value distributed across major hybrid technology combinations?

4. How is revenue allocated across PET/CT, PET/MRI, SPECT/CT, ultrasound-based hybrids, and emerging optical or AI-integrated multimodal platforms, and how is this mix expected to evolve?

5. Which clinical application areas (e.g., oncology, neurology, cardiology, orthopedics, inflammatory disorders) account for the largest and fastest-growing revenue pools within multimodal imaging?

6. Which multimodal imaging segments generate disproportionate profitability and margin expansion relative to installed base or scan volume?

7. How does demand differ across early-stage diagnosis, disease staging, treatment planning, and therapy response monitoring, and how does this shape system selection?

8. How are first-line imaging pathways, advanced diagnostic workflows, and precision imaging protocols evolving with increased multimodal system adoption?

9. What role do system utilization rates, scan throughput, software upgrades, and lifecycle service contracts play in long-term revenue growth?

10. How are disease prevalence trends, diagnostic intensity, oncology screening programs, and access to advanced imaging infrastructure shaping global demand?

11. What technical, regulatory, reimbursement, or workflow integration barriers limit adoption of multimodal imaging systems in specific regions or care settings?

12. How do capital budgeting constraints, reimbursement policies, and payer scrutiny influence purchasing decisions for high-cost multimodal imaging platforms?

13. How strong is the current and mid-term innovation pipeline in multimodal imaging, and which emerging technologies (AI fusion, digital detectors, molecular probes) may create new subsegments?

14. To what extent will next-generation multimodal platforms expand overall imaging utilization versus intensify competition within existing hybrid system categories?

15. How are advances in software integration, image fusion algorithms, and AI-assisted interpretation improving diagnostic accuracy and clinical efficiency?

16. How will equipment replacement cycles, technology obsolescence, and platform standardization reshape competitive dynamics across the multimodal imaging landscape?

17. What role will refurbished systems, modular upgrades, and lower-cost hybrid configurations play in price competition and access expansion?

18. How are leading imaging companies aligning their multimodal portfolios, software ecosystems, and service models to defend or grow market share?

19. Which geographic regions are expected to outperform global growth in the Multimodal Imaging Market, and which clinical or technology segments are driving this outperformance?

20. How should manufacturers, healthcare providers, and investors prioritize specific multimodal technologies, applications, and regions to maximize long-term value creation?

 

Segment-Level Insights and Market Structure – Multimodal Imaging Market

The Multimodal Imaging Market is organized around integrated imaging technologies, clinical application domains, end-user environments, and care delivery settings that reflect how hybrid diagnostic systems are deployed across modern healthcare ecosystems. Each segment contributes differently to market value, adoption velocity, and competitive positioning, shaped by diagnostic complexity, capital intensity, and clinical decision-making requirements.

As healthcare systems move toward precision diagnostics and integrated care pathways, segmentation within the multimodal imaging landscape highlights clear differences in utilization patterns, investment priorities, and long-term growth potential.

Technology Combination Insights:

PET/CT

PET/CT represents the most established and widely adopted technology combination within the multimodal imaging market. Its dominance is rooted in its ability to combine metabolic and anatomical imaging in a single workflow, making it a standard of care in oncology diagnostics, staging, and therapy monitoring. From a market perspective, PET/CT benefits from a large installed base, standardized clinical protocols, and broad reimbursement acceptance. While technological improvements continue, growth in this segment is primarily driven by replacement demand and expanding oncology volumes rather than first-time adoption.

PET/MRI

PET/MRI occupies a more specialized, innovation-driven segment focused on high-resolution soft tissue imaging with reduced radiation exposure. Its adoption is concentrated in advanced clinical centers and research-intensive hospitals, particularly for neurological, pediatric, and selected oncologic applications. Commercially, PET/MRI systems represent a premium segment with higher capital cost but growing strategic relevance. As clinical evidence accumulates and workflow efficiencies improve, PET/MRI is expected to gain traction beyond niche use cases.

SPECT/CT

SPECT/CT serves as a cost-effective hybrid imaging option, particularly in cardiology, orthopedics, and bone imaging. This segment benefits from the widespread availability of SPECT infrastructure and relatively lower system costs compared to PET-based modalities. Market contribution is supported by routine clinical utilization and steady demand in community hospitals. However, growth is moderate due to competitive pressure from PET-based technologies in high-complexity diagnostics.

Ultrasound/MRI

Ultrasound/MRI combinations represent an emerging segment focused on real-time guidance and soft tissue visualization without ionizing radiation. Adoption remains selective, largely driven by interventional imaging and specialized clinical workflows. From a market standpoint, this segment is still in an early development phase, with future expansion dependent on workflow integration, clinician training, and procedural standardization.

Optical/CT

Optical/CT systems are positioned at the intersection of diagnostic imaging and research applications. Their use is primarily associated with preclinical research, intraoperative imaging, and experimental diagnostic workflows. While currently representing a smaller share of the overall market, this segment holds long-term potential as optical imaging technologies mature and translational research expands.

 

Application Insights:

Oncology

Oncology is the largest application segment in the multimodal imaging market, reflecting the critical role of hybrid imaging in tumor detection, staging, and treatment response assessment. Multimodal systems support personalized cancer care by enabling functional and anatomical correlation, making them central to modern oncology pathways. Market value in this segment is reinforced by high scan volumes, recurring radiotracer usage, and continuous clinical demand.

Neurology

Neurology represents a rapidly advancing application area, driven by the increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders and the need for functional brain imaging. Multimodal imaging enables superior characterization of neurological conditions by integrating metabolic, structural, and functional data. Although smaller in absolute market size than oncology, neurology contributes disproportionately to innovation-led growth.

Cardiology

In cardiology, multimodal imaging supports myocardial perfusion assessment, viability studies, and structural evaluation. Hybrid systems are increasingly used to improve diagnostic accuracy in complex cardiac cases. Market growth in this segment is supported by aging populations and rising cardiovascular disease burden, although adoption is influenced by reimbursement and procedural complexity.

Orthopedics

Orthopedic applications rely on multimodal imaging for bone metabolism analysis, joint evaluation, and post-surgical assessment. SPECT/CT is particularly relevant in this segment, supporting consistent but comparatively lower-intensity utilization. Market contribution is stable and volume-driven rather than innovation-led.

Inflammatory and Autoimmune Disorders

Imaging of inflammatory conditions represents a developing application area for multimodal systems, particularly in disease activity monitoring and treatment evaluation. As imaging biomarkers become more integrated into clinical research and practice, this segment is expected to expand steadily.

 

End-User Insights:

Hospitals and Integrated Health Systems

Hospitals and large healthcare networks constitute the primary end-user segment for multimodal imaging systems. Their dominance is driven by access to capital budgets, multidisciplinary clinical teams, and high patient throughput. Hospitals also act as early adopters of advanced hybrid technologies, reinforcing their central role in market value generation.

Diagnostic Imaging Centers

Independent and chain-based diagnostic centers are increasingly adopting multimodal imaging systems to expand service offerings and capture outpatient diagnostic demand. This segment is characterized by strong growth potential, particularly in regions shifting imaging services away from inpatient settings.

Research Institutions

Academic and research institutions utilize multimodal imaging platforms for translational research, clinical trials, and advanced diagnostics. While representing a smaller share of total market revenue, this segment plays a critical role in technology validation and innovation diffusion.

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies

Pharmaceutical companies use multimodal imaging to support drug development, biomarker validation, and clinical trial imaging endpoints. Demand from this segment is closely linked to pipeline activity and research intensity rather than routine clinical use.

 

Segment Evolution Outlook

The Multimodal Imaging Market is transitioning from hardware-centric growth toward an ecosystem defined by software integration, clinical specialization, and service-based revenue streams. Established technology combinations continue to anchor current utilization, while emerging modalities and application areas are shaping future expansion. Together, these segmentation dynamics will define competitive differentiation, investment priorities, and long-term value creation across the multimodal imaging landscape.

 

Table: Key Commercial and Advanced-Stage Multimodal Imaging Platforms

Product / Platform	Company / Commercial Statu	Target / Imaging Mechanism (What it Does)
Biograph Vision™ PET/CT	Siemens Healthineers — Commercial	PET + CT hybrid for metabolic–anatomical fusion imaging; designed for high-resolution PET quantification and broad radiotracer utility.
Biograph mMR™ (Simultaneous PET/MR)	Siemens Healthineers — Commercial	Integrated simultaneous PET + MRI supporting temporally co-registered molecular and MR imaging, particularly valuable for motion-affected organs and multiparametric protocols.
Discovery MI™ Gen 2 PET/CT	GE HealthCare — Commercial	Digital-detector PET/CT with extended field-of-view options, optimized for high sensitivity and quantitative PET/CT imaging workflows.
SIGNA™ PET/MR (incl. QuantWorks / AIR variants)	GE HealthCare — Commercial	Fully integrated PET/MR platform using advanced PET detector technology for simultaneous acquisition, primarily targeting neuro and oncology imaging.
Vereos Digital PET/CT	Philips — Commercial	Fully digital PET/CT system designed to improve PET signal detection, image quality, and quantitative performance in routine clinical use.
Ingenuity TF PET/CT	Philips — Commercial	Time-of-Flight PET/CT platform positioned for whole-body hybrid imaging workflows combining PET and CT in a single system.
Cartesion Prime PET/CT	Canon Medical Systems — Commercial	Digital PET/CT system optimized for routine clinical workflows and quantitative molecular imaging assessment.
uMI Panorama™ PET/CT	United Imaging Healthcare — Commercial	PET/CT platform emphasizing workflow automation, high-resolution reconstruction, and quantitative PET imaging for routine molecular diagnostics.
uPMR 790 PET/MR	United Imaging Healthcare — Commercial (next-gen clinical + research capable)	Simultaneous PET/MRI system designed for integrated anatomical and functional imaging with strong temporal and spatial resolution performance.
NM/CT 870 CZT (SPECT/CT)	GE HealthCare — Commercial	Hybrid SPECT/CT system using CZT detector technology to enable reproducible quantitative nuclear medicine and CT fusion workflows.
Symbia Pro.specta SPECT/CT	Siemens Healthineers — Commercial	Hybrid SPECT/CT platform supporting broad nuclear medicine applications, including oncology, cardiology, neurology, and theranostics-ready workflows.
IVIS SpectrumCT 2 (Optical + microCT)	Revvity (formerly PerkinElmer) — Commercial (research-use system)	Integrated optical imaging (bioluminescence/fluorescence) combined with microCT for functional–anatomical fusion in preclinical research settings.

 

Key Recent Developments by Companies in the Multimodal Imaging Market

Siemens Healthineers:

• FDA clearance for Biograph Trinion PET/CT (USA)
  Siemens expanded its PET/CT portfolio with U.S. FDA clearance for Biograph Trinion, positioning it as a high-performance PET/CT platform designed to scale with evolving oncology and molecular imaging workloads—supporting the market’s shift toward higher-throughput, higher-sensitivity hybrid imaging.

• Biograph One PET/MR introduced at RSNA 2024 (Global)
  Siemens introduced Biograph One, a new PET/MR system highlighted around simultaneous functional + anatomical imaging and theranostics-oriented workflows—reinforcing renewed industry interest in PET/MR as precision oncology and therapy-response monitoring expand.

• Biograph Trinion.X platform expansion showcased around RSNA 2025 (Global)
  Siemens extended the Trinion concept with Biograph Trinion.X, emphasizing faster time-of-flight performance and larger axial coverage configurations—an example of how vendors are competing on scan efficiency + quantitative performance for next-gen PET/CT.

GE HealthCare:

• Omni Legend PET/CT cleared via FDA 510(k) pathway (USA)
  GE HealthCare advanced hybrid PET/CT adoption with U.S. FDA clearance documentation for Omni Legend PET/CT, supporting whole-body and organ-specific PET workflows and strengthening competition in premium PET/CT upgrades.

• Flyrcado PET cardiac radiotracer approval to accelerate PET-based cardiology (USA)
  FDA approval of Flyrcado (PET myocardial perfusion imaging) supports broader PET utilization in cardiology versus legacy SPECT pathways—indirectly strengthening the installed-base economics of PET/CT platforms used for multi-service-line imaging (oncology + cardiology).

United Imaging:

• uMI Panorama GS launch at SNMMI 2024 (North America / Global)
  United Imaging launched uMI Panorama GS, emphasizing ultra-fast timing and long axial coverage to push whole-body PET/CT performance—reflecting the market’s push toward “total-body/extended-AFOV” PET/CT for sensitivity, speed, and research-grade quantitation.

• Scaling U.S. delivery footprint for advanced PET/CT systems (USA)
  United Imaging highlighted operational scaling tied to U.S. installations (including a uMI Panorama GS shipped from Houston), signaling intensified competition as vendors localize supply and expand service capability for high-end hybrid imaging deployments.

Spectrum Dynamics:

• VERITON-CT digital SPECT/CT installed at major cancer center (France)
  Spectrum Dynamics announced installation of VERITON-CT 400 at Gustave Roussy, reinforcing momentum for CZT-based, ring-geometry SPECT/CT in oncology/theranostics pathways where quantitative SPECT is increasingly relevant for targeted radionuclide therapies.

Mediso:

• AnyScan TRIO “TheraMAX” SPECT/CT unveiled for theranostics workflows (Europe)
  Mediso introduced its AnyScan TRIO SPECT/CT TheraMAX around EANM 2024, aligning SPECT/CT system design with theranostics needs (isotope flexibility + treatment-response imaging), which is pulling hybrid imaging demand beyond diagnostics into therapy management.

• Theranostic-focused SPECT/CT installed at Heidelberg University Hospital (Germany)
  Mediso reported installation of an AnyScan TRIO-TheraMAX SPECT/CT at Heidelberg, underscoring how flagship academic centers are upgrading SPECT/CT infrastructure to support theranostics-scale imaging demand.

Sirona Medical:

• FDA 510(k) clearance for cloud-native PET/CT visualization + quantification suite (USA)
  Sirona received FDA clearance for its Sirona Advanced Imaging Suite, expanding PET/CT support (including quantitative and fusion-style capabilities) and reflecting a parallel “software modernization” trend: hybrid imaging value increasingly depends on faster reading, standardized quantitation, and scalable upgrades.

Revvity:

• IVIS SpectrumCT 2 strengthens preclinical multimodal imaging (Global, preclinical)
  Revvity advanced preclinical multimodal workflows with IVIS SpectrumCT 2, combining optical imaging with microCT—supporting translational pipelines where multi-contrast, multi-modality readouts are used earlier to de-risk clinical imaging endpoints.

 

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