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In a major boost to India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector, the country’s first dedicated institute for creative technologies will be established in Mumbai, the hub of India’s entertainment industry.
The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) will serve as a National Centre of Excellence, similar to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), but focused exclusively on the growing AVGC-XR sector.
Government Approves ₹391.15 Crore for IICT
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Centre has approved ₹391.15 crore as one-time support to establish the IICT.
This move aligns with India's rapid growth in the AVGC-XR industry, which is home to:
Over 4,000 studios producing high-quality content
100+ studios creating AVGC-XR content for Hollywood & Bollywood
A thriving gaming and visual effects sector
IICT Mumbai: A Hub for Innovation & Talent Development
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted that the IICT will be:
Established at Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari (Film City), Goregaon, Mumbai
A centre for education, skilling, research, and industry collaboration
A key player in leveraging India’s cultural heritage for intellectual property creation
“IICT will not just be an educational institute, but a leading centre driving innovation in the creative technology industry,” Fadnavis said.
The announcement was made during an interaction with foreign envoys as part of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), scheduled to be held in Mumbai from May 1-4.
Industry & Government Collaboration in IICT’s Development
The IICT has been incorporated as a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act, ensuring a public-private partnership model:
- 52% industry stake (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry & Confederation of Indian Industry)
- 34% Central government stake
- 14% Maharashtra state government stake
This model ensures strong industry participation, making IICT an innovation-driven institute.
Future Plans: Regional Centres Across India
The IICT Mumbai will serve as the hub institute, with regional centres planned across India in the future. This expansion aims to:
Develop a strong talent pipeline for the AVGC-XR industry
Bridge the skill gap in animation, VFX, and gaming
Foster Indian-origin intellectual property (IP) creation
With the global AVGC industry growing rapidly, India is set to become a major player in the sector, and the establishment of IICT is a significant step in that direction.
