Recent advancements, particularly between 2023 and 2025, showcase a rapid evolution in AI translation capabilities. This includes the rise of generative AI for creating initial draft translations, improved (though still developing) proficiency in handling low-resource languages, and, critically, the integration of AI translation tools into broader enterprise platforms and workflow. According to an EY report, AI adoption in pharma is projected to yield considerable cost savings, ranging from 22-33% in the medium term to as high as 44-67% once peak adoption is reached.
In today’s blog, we explore how AI-powered speech translation is transforming both global pharma communication and day-to-day clinical care, improving multilingual understanding and access at scale.
How AI Speech Translation Works in Pharma
AI speech translation systems integrate several technologies to produce accurate, real-time or near-real-time language translation:
Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) transcribes spoken language into text.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) segments and understands the meaning and context.
Neural Machine Translation (NMT) renders the content into another language, either as text (captions, transcripts) or as synthetic speech (audio-to-audio).
Text-to-Speech (TTS) systems can then vocalize the translated content for live interactions.
These systems are increasingly trained on domain-specific data, such as medical terminology, drug names, or regulatory phrases, to ensure accurate rendering of highly technical speech.
Two Key Use Cases in Pharma and Healthcare
Speech Translation at Pharmaceutical Conferences and Internal Events
Pharmaceutical conferences are now some of the most globalized events in healthcare, drawing participants from across regions and specialties. This creates a growing need for multilingual support, especially when complex topics and terms are discussed without any translation support (such as live captions or transcription).
Where AI Speech Translation Adds Value:
Scientific Conferences: Real-time translated captions help non-native speakers follow complex presentations on oncology, rare diseases, or biopharma R&D.
Global Investigator Meetings: Site teams across countries can access clear, consistent study briefings without costly simultaneous interpretation.
Internal Scientific Forums: Cross-regional teams can collaborate more effectively through translated session recordings and meeting transcripts.
Many of today’s speech translation tools offer:
Live multilingual subtitles during presentations
Custom medical glossaries to preserve terminology accuracy
Multilingual transcripts for reuse in training, CME credits, or regulatory communication
Speech Translation in Doctor-Patient Communication
In clinical settings, language misunderstandings can directly impact safety, adherence, and satisfaction. Patients with limited English proficiency often struggle to understand instructions, ask follow-up questions, or describe symptoms effectively.
AI-powered speech translation tools are now enabling:
Real-Time Audio-to-Audio Translation: A doctor speaks in English or another preferred language; the patient hears a translated version in their own language, and vice versa.
Audio-to-Text Summaries: After a consultation, patients receive written summaries in their preferred language to reinforce key instructions.
Documentation Support: Translated speech can be transcribed and added to the electronic health record, reducing provider burden and legal risk.
These tools are especially helpful in:
Discharge conversations, where understanding is critical for recovery
Pharmacy consultations, where errors in dosage or timing can be dangerous
Telehealth platforms, which may lack access to human interpreters
Study Highlight: A 2022 review in JMIR Medical Informatics found that speech translation apps reduced the need for ad hoc interpreters and improved patient confidence in primary care settings.
Why Speech Translation is Gaining Ground Now
Several converging trends are accelerating the adoption of speech translation in pharma:
Globalization of Research: More multicountry trials and cross-border collaboration
Diversity Mandates: Regulatory and ethical policies to include more diverse patient populations
Telehealth Growth: Virtual care amplifies communication barriers, and AI offers scalable solutions
Healthcare Equity Initiatives: Institutions are under pressure to improve outcomes among limited English proficiency people and underserved populations.
The Future of Pharmaceutical Events
Whether you're organizing a pharma event or improving communication within a clinic, language access should not be optional. AI-powered transcription and translation tools are making it possible to scale multilingual communication while controlling costs and maintaining clinical and context accuracy.
For global pharma conferences, these tools increase inclusion, extend scientific reach, and improve attendee satisfaction.
For patient interactions, they enhance comprehension and reduce misinterpretation risks.
Implementing Translingo’s Translation Services at Your Pharma Event
Ready to break language barriers and make your events more accessible? Here's how to get started with Translingo's professional translation services:
Venue Assessment: We’ll evaluate your venue and suggest the best translation setup, ensuring clear and effective communication across all languages.
Service Packages: Choose from our variety of translation services—from real-time translations during events to post-event transcript processing, available as standalone options or bundled to suit your event’s needs.
Speaker Management: We provide templates for speaker agreements that include content usage permissions, ensuring smooth communication across multilingual platforms.
By incorporating AI translation services into your event strategy, you create a global connection: enhanced attendee experience leads to higher satisfaction, which attracts more diverse audiences, and prestigious international events to your venue.
Translingo offers specialized translation services for event venues and organizers, including real-time translations, post-event multilingual processing, and content strategy consultation. Contact us today to learn how we can help maximize your venue's international reach and engagement through professional translation services.
