The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai, and WaveX, the startup accelerator program of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, have launched a new media tech incubator. The initiative is designed to nurture and support startups in the rapidly growing AVGC-XR sector, which includes Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality. Applications for the first cohort are open until September 7, 2025.
The incubator will provide a dedicated ecosystem for startups, offering structured mentorship, advanced infrastructure, strategic advisory, and real-world testing opportunities through partnerships with government media units. The program operates in two phases:
- Active Phase: Startups receive intensive support in business modeling, product development, fundraising, and branding. They will also get “sandbox testing” opportunities in various media sectors like OTT, VFX, VR, and gaming.
- Passive Phase: The focus shifts to global showcases through the Waves Bazaar platform, investor engagement, and industry connections.
The first batch will select 15 startups to operate from the IICT campus in Mumbai for a monthly fee of ₹8,500 plus GST. The program will feature masterclasses from global tech leaders at companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. The incubator’s governance will be overseen by WaveX, with quarterly reviews under the mentorship of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The initiative is part of a larger government push to position India as a global leader in the creative economy and the AVGC-XR sector.
Key Highlights:
- New Media Tech Incubator: The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) in Mumbai and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s accelerator, WaveX, have launched a new incubator for startups in the AVGC-XR sector.
- Program Details: The incubator will support 15 startups with a two-phase model, providing mentorship, infrastructure, and real-world testing opportunities. The application deadline for the first cohort is September 7, 2025.
- Cost and Mentorship: The program will have a monthly fee of ₹8,500 + GST. Selected startups will get access to masterclasses from leaders at companies like Google and Microsoft.
- Government Initiative: The incubator is part of a broader government effort to grow India’s creative economy and establish the country as a leader in animation, gaming, visual effects, and extended reality.