AVGC-XR Industry Leaders Applaud Government's Approval for National Centre of Excellence in Mumbai

In a significant move for India’s digital content and creative industries, the Union Cabinet has greenlit the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) dedicated to Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR). This initiative aims to boost India’s creator economy by fostering innovation, expanding job opportunities, and driving economic growth. The decision has been met with widespread enthusiasm from industry leaders, who see it as a major step towards positioning India as a global hub for content creation and a magnet for foreign investment.

The NCoE will enhance India's soft power on the world stage by creating a centralized space for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. By offering cutting-edge tools and resources, the center is expected to raise the bar for Indian content and attract international attention.

Here’s what some of the leading voices in the industry had to say:

Ashish Kulkarni | Chairman, FICCI AVGC-XR Forum, and Founder, Punnaryug Artvision 
"The approval of the NCoE for AVGC-XR is fantastic news. FICCI initiated this idea in 2005, and we’ve been pushing for it ever since. This center will be a game-changer for Indian intellectual property creation, offering a world-class platform for incubation and standard-setting. It will position India as a global destination for AVGC-XR, promoting ‘Design in India’ and ‘Create in India’ for the world."

Biren Ghose | Chairman, CII National Committee for AVGC-XR, and MD, Technicolor Group APAC  
"The NCoE will serve as a central hub for collaboration across education and incubation, especially as the AVGC-XR sector enters an era of cognitive automation. It will offer a platform for harnessing AI, machine learning, and cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize storytelling. This center marks the Indian government’s acknowledgment that industry-led leadership is key to driving global innovation in this space."

Bejoy Arputharaj | Founder, Phantom FX
"The government’s decision to set up the NCoE in Mumbai is a game-changer. It strengthens India’s global position and opens doors for massive innovation and skill development. With the global market poised to hit $800 billion, India is well-positioned to capture a $40 billion share. The center will foster collaboration between startups and industry experts, propelling India to the forefront of digital content creation."

Munjal Shroff | COO & Co-founder, Graphiti Multimedia  
"This is a landmark development for the AVGC-XR industry. The NCoE will not only accelerate skilling efforts but will also be a lighthouse for policy initiatives around startups and project incubation."

Roby John | CEO & Co-founder, SuperGaming
"The NCoE will be a game-changer for startups, offering an incubation hub to foster innovation and nurture early-stage companies. It will transform the gaming industry in India, much like IITs did for engineering and IIMs for management."

Animesh Agarwal | CEO & Co-founder, 8Bit Creatives  
"The NCoE is a commendable initiative, giving young creators access to the latest technology and mentorship. It will foster the development of made-in-India games and content for a global audience, while also equipping professionals with advanced AVGC-XR skills."

Vishal Parekh | COO, CyberPowerPC India 
"The NCoE will provide a crucial platform for individuals to harness the rapidly evolving technology and upskill further. Government support for this industry is key to engaging India’s youth and putting India on the global AVGC-XR map."

Akshat Rathee | Co-founder & MD, Nodwin Gaming 
"The NCoE is a milestone for India’s entertainment sector. It will serve as a training ground for both amateurs and professionals, helping them hone their craft and contribute to the industry’s growth."

Harsho Mohan Chattoraj | Graphic Novelist, AVGC-XR Bengal Member 
"I’m hopeful the NCoE will also benefit the comics industry, helping new studios form and nurturing a new generation of creators."

Anand Bhanushali | Co-founder & MD, philmCGI  
"The NCoE’s establishment in Maharashtra underscores the growing recognition of the industry’s potential. It will foster innovation, talent development, and help position India as a global leader in AVGC and XR technologies."

Alok Sharma | Showrunner, Filmmaker, and Founder, Small Town Boys Studios  
"This is a monumental boost for the AVGC-XR sector. Thanks to the tireless efforts of pioneers like Ashish Kulkarni, this center will unlock vast opportunities for creators across the country."

Parth Chadha | CEO & Co-founder, Stan  
"This initiative marks a turning point for India’s gaming and entertainment industries. By encouraging innovation and skill development, it opens up fresh opportunities for creators and entrepreneurs."

Charuvi Agrawal | Founder, Charuvi Design Labs (CDL) 
"This is an extremely positive step for the AVGC industry. If executed well, the NCoE could build a high-performing talent ecosystem similar to the IITs and IIMs in their respective fields. Having it based in Mumbai is particularly encouraging, given the city’s historical importance to the industry."

With the establishment of the NCoE, India’s AVGC-XR industry is poised for a new era of growth, innovation, and global recognition. This move will undoubtedly propel India to the forefront of the digital content landscape, making it a key player in the global market.