The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and the Government of Maharashtra are fast-tracking the development of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT), a premier institute modeled after IITs and IIMs, set to be established at Film City in Goregaon, Mumbai. In a related development aimed at aligning academia with industry needs, Vice Chancellors from various Maharashtra universities recently met with key stakeholders from the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector.
The discussions between university heads and AVGC-XR professionals focused on formulating relevant academic structures, understanding industry expectations, and charting pathways for talent development within the burgeoning creative technology space. The IICT is envisioned as a world-class hub for education and innovation, aiming to produce skilled professionals for the rapidly expanding digital content and immersive media industry.
The central government has already sanctioned ₹391 crore for the IICT project, underscoring its importance in the national strategy to cultivate talent in this high-growth sector. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the MIB and the Maharashtra government has already been signed, reinforcing their joint commitment to establishing the IICT as a globally competitive institution.
Sridhar Muppidi, Chairperson of the Game Developer Association of India (GDAI), noted that the Vice Chancellors were keen to understand the evolving video game industry from the IICT’s perspective, including talent needs and existing educational gaps. He highlighted the encouraging alignment between the universities’ interests and the industry’s concerns, with a focus shifting towards foundational learning and short-term skill-based programs to meet immediate industry demands.
This concerted effort between the government, academia, and industry signifies a strong push to develop a robust ecosystem for the AVGC-XR sector in Maharashtra and position India as a leading global center for the creative economy.
Key Highlights:
- The MIB and Maharashtra are expediting the development of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai.
- University Vice Chancellors met with AVGC-XR industry stakeholders to discuss curriculum and talent development.
- The IICT aims to be a premier institute for Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality.
- This initiative reflects a collaborative effort to boost the AVGC-XR sector in India.