Will the TN Government's AVGC-XR Centre of Excellence Transform Chennai into a Digital Media Hub?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tamil Nadu government launches the Viyan AVGC-XR Centre of Excellence in Chennai.
- Focus on animation, gaming, and extended reality.
- Initial phase to provide co-working spaces and specialized labs.
- Future expansion includes a 100,000 sq.ft campus.
- Decentralization efforts to establish regional hubs in multiple cities.
Chennai, Nov 13 (NationPress) In an impressive stride towards bolstering its digital media and emerging technology landscape, the Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has unveiled plans to establish the Viyan AVGC-XR Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Chennai.
Envisioned as a pioneering initiative to position the state as a frontrunner in animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality, this project is being driven by the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT).
Recently, ELCOT issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) to seek partnerships with industry players, academic institutions, and technology collaborators for the facility's development, operation, and long-term management.
Under the guidance of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the Tamil Nadu government aims to cultivate a world-class environment that fosters innovation, supports content creation, and equips young talent with future-ready skills in the rapidly evolving AVGC-XR sector.
Initially, the Centre of Excellence will operate from a rented space of approximately 12,000 to 15,000 sq.ft in Chennai, featuring co-working and private studio units for startups and MSMEs, along with specialized labs dedicated to performance capture, 2D and 3D art, audio and foley services, and XR testing.
The hardware rental labs will provide creators access to high-end production equipment, while screening rooms and community spaces are expected to be hubs for collaboration, workshops, and networking.
The second phase of the project will significantly expand with a 100,000 sq.ft purpose-built campus designed to accommodate around 500 professionals.
This enhanced facility will feature advanced studios for quality assurance, XR development, and digital prototyping, crafting an integrated ecosystem for creators, developers, and entrepreneurs.
To decentralize opportunities beyond the capital, the third phase of the initiative envisions regional “spokes” in Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Salem, and Tirunelveli.
These centers will provide access to training, infrastructure, and production resources for startups and small enterprises operating outside Chennai, thereby fostering a more inclusive innovation landscape statewide.
Industry partners are anticipated to guide the selection of hardware, software, and production tools, ensuring the center aligns with global standards.
They will also assist in the facility’s daily operations and help shape its long-term strategic direction.
The forthcoming AVGC-XR policy, expected to be introduced soon, is aimed at enhancing education and skills, improving infrastructure, reforming the business landscape, and providing targeted incentives.
In combination, the Centre of Excellence and the new policy are set to create an enabling ecosystem that solidifies Tamil Nadu’s status as a leading hub for digital media technologies in India.
aal/rad