India’s creative economy reached a new milestone yesterday as the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) marked the culmination of ‘Inspiring Innovators – Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Pehchaan.’ This unique skilling initiative, developed in collaboration with the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity and Graphiti Studios, resulted in the production of eight high-quality short animated films that spotlight socially impactful Indian startups.

Addressing the event in New Delhi, Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, emphasized that India is at a pivotal junction where storytelling and culture have become essential pillars of the national economy. Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Create in India, Create for the World,’ Murugan highlighted how these initiatives empower local creators to take “purpose-driven stories” to global audiences.

The initiative utilized the Manthan platform of the PSA’s office to identify eight startups focused on social innovation. These stories were then brought to life by a cohort of 26 students from eight premier universities, including the National Institute of Design (NID), Chitkara University, and the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute.

The featured innovations cover a diverse range of critical sectors:

• NeoMotion: Customized mobility solutions for independent living.
• Blind Vision Foundation: AI-powered smart glasses for the visually impaired.
• Innaumation (HCG): Affordable voice prosthesis for throat cancer survivors.
• Innogle: Underwater technologies for marine safety and ocean security.
• CultYvate: AI-driven irrigation for climate-resilient agriculture.
• WeVOIS Labs: Tech-enabled waste management and circular economy.
• Greengine Technologies: Carbon capture solutions using microalgae.
• LCB Fertilizers: Bio-nano fertilizers derived from waste.

The project was designed with a heavy focus on inclusion, with 50% women participants and significant representation from tier-2 cities. These students were mentored by experts from NID Ahmedabad and Graphiti Studios, gaining hands-on exposure to industry-standard animation and production workflows.

Adding a professional touch, the voiceovers were recorded by participants from Voicebox, another Netflix-led skilling initiative in partnership with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). MIB Secretary Sanjay Jaju noted that Netflix has successfully adapted to the Indian market, delivering “clean entertainment” and narratives that resonate with the country’s evolving sensibilities.

The eight animated films are now available for public viewing on the Netflix India YouTube channel, serving as a testament to the synergy between policy intent and young creative talent.

Key Highlights:

• Strategic Collaboration: The Indian Government and Netflix culminated the ‘Inspiring Innovators’ initiative, training 26 students to produce animated shorts on social startups.
• Social Impact Focus: The eight films feature local innovations in AI, health-tech, sustainable farming, and marine safety, all identified via the PSA’s Manthan platform.
• Inclusivity & Skilling: The program achieved 50% female participation and involved students from tier-2 cities, providing them mentorship from NID and Graphiti Studios.
• Global Vision: The initiative aligns with the ‘Create in India’ mission, using storytelling to bridge the gap between technical innovation and global audiences.