HIVE 3.0: IIT Mandi with TIH to host global conclave on multimodal AI and human-centered tech

IIT Mandi is going to host the third edition of its international AI conclave HIVE 3.0 from March 30 to April 1, 2026, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, and startups to explore emerging trends in human-centered artificial intelligence and collaborative intelligence.

Organized in collaboration with its Technology Innovation Hub, the event is expected to draw more than 500 participants, including over 100 startups, 100 exhibits, and 50 speakers.

The conclave will focus on the growing importance of multimodal AI, which integrates inputs such as speech, vision, gestures, and sensor data to better reflect real-world interactions.

Unlike traditional AI systems that process text, audio, or images separately, multimodal systems aim to combine these inputs for more effective decision-making.

The discussions at HIVE 3.0 will examine how such technologies can be applied across sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, mobility, and education.

The event will be inaugurated by Padma Bhushan awardee Kris Gopalakrishnan as chief guest.

It will also feature participation from global companies such as Amazon, Dolby, Bosch, Microsoft, Hitachi, HP, Honeywell, and Collins Aerospace, along with researchers from institutions including Stanford University, the University of Regensburg, the University of Genoa, CNRS France, IITs, and IISc Bengaluru.

With global interest in multimodal AI increasing, the conclave will highlight how combining multiple data streams can improve the way machines understand and respond to complex environments.

Experts view this approach as a key step toward advancing artificial intelligence systems that more closely mirror human cognition.

“By investing in multimodal AI research, the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at IIT Mandi, we are laying the foundation for fluidic humanoid robots (human-like robots) that would redefine human relationships with machines," said Somjit Amrit, CEO, Technology Innovation Hub, IIT Mandi.

The conclave will also address issues such as responsible AI and the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry, positioning HIVE 3.0 as a platform for shaping the next phase of AI development.