Inauguration of IICT’s First Campus in Mumbai

India’s creative sector received a major boost with the inauguration of the first campus of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai. This initiative aims to elevate India’s presence in the global AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comic & Extended Reality) ecosystem by nurturing industry-ready talent through world-class training and collaborations. The launch aligns with the government’s broader vision to enhance India’s digital and creative economy while integrating emerging technologies into skill development.

Background

The Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) was conceptualized to meet the rising demand for skilled professionals in creative tech domains. The AVGC-XR sector in India is growing rapidly, with increasing global demand for content creation and immersive experiences. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Maharashtra government, initiated the establishment of IICT under a public-private partnership framework.

Significance

The IICT marks a pivotal moment in the institutionalization of creative technology education in India. The campus was inaugurated by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the NFDC Complex, Mumbai. The institute will serve as a launchpad for aspiring professionals in animation, gaming, VFX, and XR, helping India emerge as a global leader in digital creativity and production. This will also support employment generation in tech-driven creative industries.

Objectives

• To provide advanced, industry-relevant training in animation, gaming, VFX, post-production, and XR.
• To collaborate with global tech giants like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple to ensure training quality and global competitiveness.
• To serve as a centre of excellence for AVGC-XR, supporting not just students but also working professionals and trainers.
• To fuel the growth of India’s creative economy and position India as a digital content powerhouse.

Key Features

• The first batch will train 300 students along with industry professionals and trainers.
• A second IICT campus is underway at Film City, Maharashtra, designed to integrate with the natural environment.
• 17 industry-aligned courses were launched to cater to the evolving needs of the creative tech sector.
• The campus launch included the release of WAVES 2025 Outcome Reports, and the unveiling of the IICT logo.
• An MoU was exchanged between Prasar Bharati and the Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation to establish a media and film innovation hub.