Is WAVES 2025 Empowering India's Creative and Digital Workforce?

Synopsis
The launch of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) marks a pivotal moment for India's creative sector. With partnerships from major tech firms and a focus on cutting-edge training, IICT is poised to transform the digital landscape and empower the next generation of creators and technologists.
Key Takeaways
- IICT launched to empower digital workforce
- Collaborations with leading tech companies
- State-of-the-art facilities for training
- Expansion plans with a new campus
- Focus on innovation and R&D
Mumbai, May 1 (NationPress) In a significant initiative to uplift the creative and digital workforce of the nation, the Government of India has inaugurated the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) during the ongoing WAVES event in Mumbai.
This development represents a substantial advancement for India's creative and digital media sectors, as announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting. The institute is envisioned to serve as a national hub for the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) industry and has already begun its operations.
Major technology companies such as NVIDIA, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Star India, and Adobe have partnered with IICT for collaborative course offerings. Established by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in strategic collaboration with FICCI and CII, the institute aims to become a National Centre of Excellence akin to esteemed institutions like IIT and IIM.
The initial phase of IICT is situated at the NFDC Building on Pedder Road, Mumbai, and features cutting-edge facilities, including Gaming Labs, Animation Labs, Edit and Sound Suites, Virtual Production Setups, Immersive Studios, a Preview Theatre, and various smart classrooms.
Ashwini Vaishnaw also disclosed that the second phase will include the construction of a dedicated 10-acre campus at Film City, Goregaon, further enhancing the institute's capabilities and outreach. The government plans to establish regional centres across India to decentralize access and nurture creative ecosystems nationwide in the coming years.
The institute is set to prioritize training, incubation, innovation, R&D, and policy development, providing countless opportunities for young creators, technologists, and entrepreneurs. This groundbreaking initiative underscores the government's steadfast commitment to enhancing India's soft power and creative economy on a global scale.