The city of dreams is all set to host one of the most awaited events for India’s media and entertainment sector as the countdown begins for the maiden edition of WAVES – the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit 2025.

Slated to kick off today at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, the four-day global summit will bring together some of the most influential voices from the creative, technological, and policymaking corners of the media and entertainment industry.

According to a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Mumbai, WAVES 2025 is an initiative by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, and is envisioned as a pioneering platform to showcase India’s vibrant creative economy and spark meaningful collaborations across the globe.

More than just a conclave, WAVES has been designed to strengthen India’s voice on the global stage, highlight the country’s cultural richness, and provide a structured avenue for international dialogue, innovation, and investment within the audio-visual and entertainment ecosystem.

Set in the heart of Mumbai—the entertainment capital of India—the summit will span a wide spectrum of activities: from engaging panel discussions and thought-leader tracks to masterclasses, live pitching sessions, and immersive exhibitions. Key themes of the event are structured under four core pillars: Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), Digital Media & Innovation, and Films. Each segment will host deep dives into relevant industry issues, growth strategies, and future possibilities, with a special focus on how India can lead the next wave of creative innovation globally.

A major highlight is the ‘Create in India Challenge (CIC)’, which has already garnered over 85,000 registrations from both domestic and international participants. The Creatosphere—a dedicated space within WAVES—will serve as a vibrant arena for the CIC finalists to demonstrate their talent and connect with investors, business leaders, and mentors. Meanwhile, the Global Media Dialogue, set for May 2, will bring together international stakeholders, artists, policymakers, and technocrats for a high-level conversation on the ethical and technological future of entertainment and storytelling.

Other standout features include the Bharat Pavilion, themed ‘Kala to Code’, which pays homage to India’s rich artistic legacy and its integration with modern digital storytelling. Visitors can expect immersive zones exploring traditional and futuristic content-making approaches. The WAVES Bazaar will act as a global marketplace for filmmakers and media professionals, featuring 100 films from eight countries in its Viewing Room Library.

Startups in the M&E space will also find their moment through WaveXcelerator, a unique pitching platform that connects emerging innovators with investors and mentors. The Exhibition Pavilion will further display India’s—and the world’s—cutting-edge media tech innovations, while a National Sammelan on Community Radio will explore grassroots engagement through the powerful medium of local broadcasting.

Cultural performances, workshops, and interactive zones will run throughout the summit, reflecting the diversity and dynamism that defines India’s entertainment landscape today. With participation expected from top CEOs, creators, policymakers, investors, and storytellers, WAVES 2025 aims to catalyse the next big leap for India’s creative economy—one rooted in collaboration, innovation, and global leadership.