India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector is on the cusp of revolutionary growth. With global hits like Baahubali and RRR, Indian cinema has showcased its potential for integrating animation and visual effects to tell compelling stories rooted in the nation’s rich cultural heritage. As a result, India is now the second-largest fanbase for anime globally, and it is projected that the country will contribute around 60% of future global growth in anime interest. A key government initiative in this sector is the recent approval by the Union Cabinet for establishing the National Centre of Excellence for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) in Mumbai. This decision is a pivotal move towards positioning India as a global hub for AVGC talent and innovation.
Background: Vision and Planning
The establishment of the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) is aligned with India’s broader vision of becoming a world leader in the digital entertainment space. The proposal for this initiative stems from the Union Budget 2022-23, which highlighted the need for an AVGC task force to address the rapid growth in this sector. The NCoE will be set up as a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act, 2013, and will operate in partnership with leading industry bodies such as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Modeled after prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), the center—provisionally named the Indian Institute for Immersive Creators (IIIC)—aims to revolutionize the AVGC sector by fostering talent, innovation, and a thriving ecosystem for immersive technologies.
The Importance of AVGC in India
India’s AVGC sector is growing at an impressive pace, bolstered by rising demand for digital content, visual effects, and gaming. According to the FICCI-EY Report 2023, India’s animation industry alone is projected to grow at a rate of 25%, reaching a valuation of ₹46 billion by the end of 2023. With one of the fastest-growing internet user bases and some of the world’s lowest data rates, India has become fertile ground for the expansion of AVGC technologies.
The integration of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), and 3D animation has paved the way for immersive experiences in various sectors beyond entertainment, such as education, healthcare, and real estate. The NCoE is positioned to not only capitalize on these technologies but also to drive the creation of Indian intellectual property (IP), blending India’s rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge digital innovations.
Objectives of the NCoE (IIIC)
The primary objective of the NCoE is to develop a world-class talent pool in India capable of catering to both domestic and global entertainment markets. Below are the key goals that the NCoE aims to achieve:
- Creation of Indian IP: Leveraging India’s cultural heritage to create original and engaging content for both domestic and global audiences.
- Industry-Led Initiative: Collaboration between government, industry leaders, and academic institutions to ensure a comprehensive approach to skill development and technological advancement.
- Education and Skilling: A focus on integrated education and training in AVGC, ensuring that students and professionals acquire cutting-edge skills through hands-on experience.
- Innovation and Startups: Fostering innovation by setting up a dedicated research fund to promote the startup ecosystem in the AVGC sector.
- Employment Opportunities: With an estimated creation of 500,000 jobs, the NCoE aims to provide direct pathways into the AVGC workforce.
- Hub-and-Spoke Model: The NCoE will act as the central hub, with regional centers acting as spokes. This model ensures comprehensive coverage and the development of AVGC expertise across the country.
Why the NCoE Matters: A Look at the Benefits
The approval of the NCoE is a significant milestone not just for the AVGC sector but for India’s overall media and entertainment landscape. Below are some key takeaways on why the NCoE holds immense importance for India’s future:
- Explosive Growth in the AVGC Sector: Films like The Lion King and Avatar have demonstrated the immense potential of animation and immersive technology. The NCoE aims to ensure that India is at the forefront of this global trend by providing top-tier training, infrastructure, and resources to aspiring creators and innovators.
- Immersive Technologies at the Forefront: The world of AR, VR, and MR is becoming increasingly relevant, not just in gaming but across various industries. The NCoE will focus on providing students and professionals with the skills necessary to succeed in these technologies, making it a critical center for technological innovation.
- Job Creation: One of the most impactful outcomes of the NCoE is the generation of approximately 500,000 jobs in the AVGC sector. This will help position India as a leader in the global creative economy while boosting domestic employment in a fast-growing industry.
- Hands-On Learning and Industry-Driven Courses: The NCoE will offer specialized, practical training in immersive technologies, ensuring that students are job-ready when they graduate. The collaboration with industry leaders also guarantees that the curriculum will be aligned with real-world industry needs, further enhancing employment prospects for graduates.
- Fostering Collaboration for Innovation: By promoting collaboration between central and state governments, academic institutions, and the AVGC industry, the NCoE will create a dynamic environment for research and innovation. This will lead to the development of homegrown technologies and content that can compete on the world stage.
Conclusion: India’s Rising Star in the AVGC World
The Union Cabinet’s approval of the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC marks a transformative moment for India’s media and entertainment industry. This initiative will significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth, positioning it as a global leader in AVGC. By focusing on skill development, employment generation, technological innovation, and the creation of Indian intellectual property, the NCoE will ensure that India is at the forefront of the AVGC revolution.
As India continues to evolve into a digital superpower, the NCoE will act as a critical catalyst for the nation’s creative economy, unlocking new avenues for growth, jobs, and innovation in the years to come. The future of Indian animation, visual effects, gaming, and immersive technology is bright, and the NCoE will play a central role in shaping this exciting new chapter in India’s digital entertainment journey.
