The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai formalized a historic nationwide collaboration at GAFX 2026 in Bangalore by signing a multi-association Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at accelerating India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) ecosystem.
Hosted by ABAI (Association of Bangalore Animation Industry), GAFX 2026 provided the platform for this strategic initiative. ABAI initiated the movement by signing the MOU with IICT in the presence of Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, IT and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka and Dr. M. C. Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka and encouraging national and state-level AVGC-XR associations to unite efforts to strengthen India’s creative technology landscape.
The agreement with associations of 10 states including Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Telangana, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra outlines a collaborative framework focused on education and skilling, incubation and start-up support, research and innovation, and enhanced institutional visibility. Key objectives include developing industry-aligned curricula and certification programs, mentoring emerging start-ups, advancing immersive and creative technology research, and co-hosting events and industry showcases to elevate India’s global presence in AVGC-XR.
Speaking at the event, CEO Dr. Vishwas Deoskar emphasized the importance of unified action across states and industry bodies. “India’s AVGC-XR sector has immense potential to become a global powerhouse. Through structured collaboration in education, research, and incubation, we are building a sustainable pipeline of talent and innovation,” he said.
The MoU signing was attended by Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, CEO, IICT; Dr. Ashish Kulkarni, Founding Director, IICT; Biren Ghose, President, ABAI Karnataka; Siva Kumar Kasetty, Technical Director, ASIFA India; Ankur Bhasin, Secretary, MEAI India; Anand Jha representing MIDCCA Maharashtra; Mike Reddy, TVAGA Telangana; Saarth Bhooshan, SAIK Kerala; Rudra Bala Balaji, President, APVAGA Andhra Pradesh; S. Bejoy Arputharaj, President, VEGAS Tamil Nadu; Arpit Dubey, Co-Chairman, MP-AVGC-XR Madhya Pradesh; Riya Arora, Director, PAM EX (Punjab); and Shweta Verma, Head of Marketing, IICT, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing collaboration, innovation, and skill development across states.
This multi-state partnership marks a significant step in aligning academia with industry needs to build a future-ready workforce, support start-ups, and drive innovation—positioning India as a global creator of original IP and immersive digital experiences.