An Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) will be established in Goregaon, Mumbai, on the lines of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), with the central government allocating Rs400 crore for the project, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit 2025, titled ‘Waves 2025’, held at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan in New Delhi, Fadnavis highlighted the significance of this initiative in positioning India’s media and entertainment sector on a global platform.
Maharashtra has been granted the opportunity to host Waves 2025, an achievement the chief minister described as a matter of pride for the state. The grand conference will be held from May 1 to 4 at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai. The inaugural session of the summit was organised by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, with ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries in attendance.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Maharashtra government for the ‘Waves 2025’ initiative.
Fadnavis, addressing the media, reiterated that the establishment of IICT in Mumbai aims to transform the city into a global creative hub. He stated that the central government’s financial aid of Rs400 crore will facilitate the development of this institution. He added that this project is not limited to Maharashtra but will be a milestone for India’s creative technology sector.
“This project will not be limited to Maharashtra but will become a milestone for India’s creative technology sector. IICT will not just be an educational institution but a leading center driving innovation in the creative technology industry. It will elevate India to the global stage in this domain,” the Chief Minister added.
IICT will not be confined to film production but will encompass digital content, visual effects (VFX), animation, audio-visual storytelling, media innovation, and Web 3.0 technology, Fadnavis said. Similar to IIT Bombay, IICT will be a premier centre for creative technology in India. The Maharashtra government has designated land within Film City in Goregaon for the institute.
“With the establishment of this new institute, India’s creative sector will gain a world-class platform. Just as Davos is a crucial venue for economic affairs, this platform will emerge as a global brand for creative technology,” Fadnavis said.
The ‘Waves 2025’ summit will provide a major platform for professionals from broadcasting, film, animation, gaming, digital media, music, advertising, social media platforms, and emerging technologies. Special initiatives such as ‘Waves Bazaar’, ‘WaveAccelerator’, and ‘Creatosphere’ will be launched to foster investment opportunities and promote innovation.
The event, in which over 100 countries are expected to participate, is anticipated to boost investment in the media and entertainment sector, encourage new ideas, and provide international companies with a gateway to the Indian market.
