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Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1:01 pm

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1:01 pm

India’s Creative Economy Poised to Make a Global Impact

WAVES
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Amid global trade uncertainties and market instability, India emerges as a beacon of resilience, turning adversity into a catalyst for growth. With a combination of demographic strength and technological expertise, India is ready to position itself as a global hub for creative innovation under the inspiring vision of “Create in India, Create for the World.”

A Growing Global Presence

India’s creative industries—spanning film, music, art, and technology—are gaining recognition worldwide. A shining example is DNEG, the Indian-founded visual effects studio, whose groundbreaking work on the Oscar-winning Dune 2 has placed Indian creativity firmly on the global map. This achievement marks the nation’s seventh Oscar triumph and reflects its transition from traditional cinema to high-end digital content production.

CG

To accelerate this momentum, the Government of India is preparing to host the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) in Mumbai. As part of this initiative, the WAVES Xcelerator (WAVEX) program will nurture young entrepreneurs by providing critical mentorship, funding access, and international exposure.

Projections indicate that India’s Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector will expand from ₹2,422 billion in 2023 to ₹3,067 billion by 2027, driven by innovation in gaming, AI, and virtual experiences. By creating a platform where startups can connect directly with global investors, WAVES is set to bridge long-standing gaps in funding and visibility.

Importantly, WAVES champions inclusivity by promoting women-led startups such as Lapwing Studios and Vygr Media, highlighting the sector’s commitment to diversity.

Building a Thriving Creative Startup Ecosystem

WAVEX offers more than just financial aid—it is building a nurturing environment where startups can grow sustainably and scale internationally. By addressing the hurdles young entrepreneurs face, the initiative is designed to transform India’s creative ambitions into reality.

India’s strength lies in blending its artistic heritage with technological advancement. This unique synergy fuels innovations that are reshaping not just entertainment, but also education, marketing, and digital communication.

With centuries of storytelling woven into its cultural fabric, India has a distinct advantage in emerging as a leader in global creative industries. The movement from classical art forms to immersive technologies exemplifies this new era of innovation.

WAVES: Empowering New-Age Creators

At the heart of WAVES lies a vision to harness the fusion of technology and creativity. WAVEX will support startups venturing into fields like animation, AI, AR/VR, gaming, and the metaverse, helping them scale their ideas globally.

With more than 4,500 sellers and 5,900 buyers registered for the WAVES Bazaar, the summit is set to be a landmark event, connecting Indian startups with the international market.

Emerging companies such as Erucanavis Technologies (specializing in AI-driven advertising), Amaze Studios (pioneering animation storytelling), and InscapeXR (innovating in immersive education) demonstrate the enormous potential of India’s creative entrepreneurs. These ventures underline India’s capacity to lead the next wave of global entertainment and educational innovation.

Investing in the Future of Creativity

India’s youthful energy is the driving force behind its growing influence in the creative world. Today’s young creators are reshaping traditional genres and building entirely new ones across media, gaming, animation, and digital arts.

Through government-backed initiatives like WAVES, India is laying the foundation for a globally competitive and dynamic startup ecosystem in the creative industries. It’s not just about investing in businesses—it’s about nurturing stories, expressions, and cultural identities that will shape the industries of tomorrow.

Creativity—whether manifested in scientific labs or digital studios—will be the currency of the future, fueling innovation and defining global identities. WAVES 2025 symbolizes a platform where imagination meets opportunity, preparing the next generation to lead the world in entertainment, education, and culture.

As an advisor to WAVES, there is a firm belief that the true impact of this initiative will be felt not just in commercial success, but in every story that challenges the norm and every startup that dares to innovate.

India’s time to lead a global creative revolution has arrived. Through initiatives like WAVES, the country stands ready to show the world the endless possibilities born from imagination, innovation, and inspiration.


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