Indian Institute of Creative Technology to Transform Mumbai into a Global Creative Hub
Maharashtra will establish the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai’s Film City with ₹400 crore in central funding, as announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The institute aims to be a premier center for creative technology, similar to IIT Bombay in technical education. Additionally, Mumbai will host the first-ever World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) from May 1 to 4 at the Jio Convention Centre in BKC. The summit will introduce three key initiatives: WAVES Bazaar, an investment marketplace; WAVES Accelerator, a hub for innovation; and Creatosphere, a collaborative space for idea exchange.
WAVES 2025 is expected to boost investment, promote technological advancements, and provide international companies with opportunities to expand in India. IICT will support various creative industries, including film, animation, gaming, digital media, music, advertising, and social media. Fadnavis emphasized that the institute would help position India as a global leader in creative technology while strengthening Mumbai’s role as a world-class creative hub. Maharashtra, already a key player in India’s creative economy with institutions like Film City and FTII Pune, will further cement its status through this initiative. With over 100 countries expected to participate in WAVES 2025, the event will facilitate discussions on emerging technologies, policies, and investment opportunities, fostering collaboration between Indian and global media professionals.
Indian Institute of Creative Technology to Transform Mumbai into a Global Creative Hub
In a significant stride toward reinforcing India’s leadership in creative industries, Maharashtra has announced two landmark initiatives: the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai and the hosting of the inaugural World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025). These projects aim to position Mumbai as a global nexus for innovation, technology, and media, reflecting the state’s commitment to nurturing creative talent and fostering international partnerships.
Indian Institute of Creative Technology: A Catalyst for Innovation
Modeled after the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the IICT will emerge as a pioneering institution dedicated to advancing creative technology. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed that the institute will be situated within Mumbai’s iconic Film City in Goregaon, a strategic location synonymous with India’s cinematic heritage. Backed by a ₹400 crore investment from the central government, the IICT is envisioned not merely as an educational hub but as a dynamic center for research, innovation, and industry collaboration.
Fadnavis emphasized that the IICT will transcend traditional academic frameworks by integrating cutting-edge technology with creative disciplines such as filmmaking, animation, gaming, and digital media. Drawing parallels to IIT Bombay’s transformative role in technical education, he highlighted the institute’s potential to propel India to the forefront of the global creative economy. By fostering cross-disciplinary synergy, the IICT aims to produce skilled professionals capable of driving advancements in sectors such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and immersive storytelling.
WAVES 2025: A Global Confluence for Media and Entertainment
Complementing the IICT’s vision, Maharashtra will host the first edition of the World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) from May 1 to 4 at Mumbai’s Jio Convention Centre in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). Organized by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the summit has garnered international attention, with ambassadors and high commissioners participating in its inaugural planning meeting in Delhi.
WAVES 2025 will introduce three flagship initiatives:
- WAVES Bazaar: A marketplace designed to attract investments and facilitate partnerships in media and entertainment.
- WAVES Accelerator: A platform to nurture startups and innovators in creative technology.
- Creatosphere: A collaborative space for global stakeholders to exchange ideas and co-create content.
The summit aims to serve as a catalyst for economic growth by bridging gaps between investors, creators, and technologists. It will cater to professionals across film, broadcasting, music, advertising, gaming, and social media, offering insights into emerging trends such as generative AI, blockchain in content distribution, and sustainable production practices.
Strategic Vision and Global Outreach
During a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Fadnavis expressed gratitude for the central government’s support, underscoring Maharashtra’s readiness to leverage its existing infrastructure. The state already boasts renowned institutions like Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari (Film City) and the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, which have long fueled India’s creative economy.
Fadnavis envisions Mumbai evolving into a creative counterpart to Davos, the Swiss town renowned for its economic forums. By hosting WAVES 2025—expected to draw participants from over 100 countries—the city will showcase its capacity to drive global dialogues on policy, technology, and investment. The event will also highlight Maharashtra’s prowess in animation, VFX, and digital content production, sectors that contribute significantly to India’s $30 billion media and entertainment industry.
Economic and Cultural Implications
The establishment of IICT and WAVES 2025 aligns with Maharashtra’s broader strategy to harness the synergies between creativity and technology. As streaming platforms and digital content consumption surge globally, these initiatives will empower local talent to compete on the world stage while attracting foreign collaborations. The IICT’s curriculum is expected to emphasize hands-on learning, industry internships, and partnerships with global studios, ensuring graduates are equipped to tackle contemporary challenges.
Moreover, WAVES 2025’s focus on investment and innovation is poised to unlock new opportunities in regional cinema, OTT platforms, and indie gaming. By addressing critical areas such as intellectual property rights and content localization, the summit aims to create a conducive ecosystem for both domestic and international players.
Conclusion
Maharashtra’s dual initiatives mark a transformative phase for India’s creative landscape. The IICT and WAVES 2025 symbolize a forward-thinking approach to education, technology, and global engagement, positioning Mumbai as a beacon of innovation. As the state capitalizes on its cinematic legacy and technological potential, these efforts are set to redefine India’s role in shaping the future of entertainment—a future where creativity and technology converge to inspire the world.
With robust government backing, strategic partnerships, and a focus on inclusivity, Maharashtra is poised to script a new chapter in the annals of global creative excellence.
