Future of creativity dependent on AI as a tool: global experts at Beyond Tomorrow conclave

Kochi / August 11, 2026

Kochi, Aug 11: The future of creativity will depend significantly on how effectively artificial intelligence (AI) is used as a tool to support human creativity, global experts said at Beyond Tomorrow, a conference organised by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) here.

The conference, held at KSUM Digital Hub, explored new possibilities for collaboration between AI and the media sector, with discussions focusing on the changes brought by AI to the creative industries, cinema, publishing and the art.

In his inaugural address, Mr Sanjoy K Roy, Co-Chair, FICCI Tourism and Culture Committee, said artificial intelligence may not be able to replace the idea of creativity, which would remain essential for creating employment opportunities for young people and addressing the challenges posed by AI.

He, however, noted that traditional jobs such as those of accountants and lawyers are among the professions that could face a greater risk of being taken over by AI.

The education system, he said, should move away from rote learning and encourage children to ask questions and think creatively. Questioning helps identify gaps in existing processes and opens the way for innovation, he added.

He also said planning and implementation were becoming more important than policymaking alone, and that AI and technology could be used to simplify administrative processes.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr Jayakrishnan V.M., Managing Director, Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation, said the fascination with AI-generated content could soon wear off among audiences. Original human-created content would regain value and could command a premium over AI-generated content, he noted.

He also urged KSUM to take the initiative to establish a peer learning hub for creative professionals.

KSUM Chief Operating Officer Tom Thomas, EEMA Secretary Hareesh Babu, and Dr Tanya Abraham, Founder of TAOS and KSUM Senior Fellow, also spoke at the inaugural session.

Actor and filmmaker Raveendran made a presentation on the creative possibilities of AI.

Suraj Iyyangar, Director and Practice Leader, Urban Consulting at CRISIL Intelligence, also made a special presentation.

A panel discussion on ‘Creative Industries and AI’ featured Sanjoy K Roy; Asha Batra, Founder Trustee, Indian Cinema Heritage Foundation; and Joe Cyril, Founder and Gallery Director, Muziris Contemporary. Sadhana Rao, Co-founder, Art Links Learning, and member of the FICCI Tourism and Culture Committee, moderated the discussion.

An industry round table meeting was also held as part of the conference.

A session on ‘Cinema and AI’ featured film critic and documentary filmmaker Dr C.S. Venkiteswaran; Firoz Merchant, Co-founder, Phenomenal AI, and Festival Director, India AI Film Awards; Xerxes Ranina, Founder, NeoLegal Associates, Global Legal and IP Consultants; and Asad Lalljee, SVP, Essar Group, CEO of Avid Learning and Curator at Royal Opera House, Mumbai and member of the FICCI Tourism and Culture Committee.

The session on ‘Publishing and Art in the Age of AI’ featured Jayant Mathew, Executive Editor and Director, Malayala Manorama; visual artist and Kerala Lalithakala Akademi Chairperson Murali Cheeroth; Devika M.S., Director – Operations, Mathrubhumi; and Sleeba Paul, AI expert, Docket AI. Dr Tanya Abraham moderated the session.

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