The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai has formalised a nationwide collaboration by signing a multi-association memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) ecosystem at GAFX 2026 held in Bengaluru.

According to a press release, the strategic initiative was hosted by the Association of Bangalore Animation Industry (ABAI), which initiated the movement by signing the MoU with IICT in the presence of Priyank Kharge, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, IT and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka, and M. C. Sudhakar, Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka. The initiative aims to encourage national and state-level AVGC-XR associations to collaborate and strengthen India’s creative technology landscape.

The agreement brings together associations from 10 States, including Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, outlining a collaborative framework focused on education and skilling, incubation and start-up support, research and innovation, and enhanced institutional visibility.

The partnership seeks to develop industry-aligned curricula and certification programmes, mentor emerging start-ups, advance immersive and creative technology research, and co-host industry events and showcases to enhance India’s global standing in the AVGC-XR sector.

Speaking at the event, IICT CEO Dr. Vishwas Deoskar highlighted the importance of unified efforts across states and industry bodies, stating that India’s AVGC-XR sector has immense potential to become a global powerhouse. He noted that structured collaboration in education, research and incubation would help build a sustainable pipeline of talent and innovation for the country.

The MoU signing ceremony witnessed participation from key industry leaders and stakeholders, including Dr. Ashish Kulkarni, Founding Director, IICT; Biren Ghose, President, ABAI Karnataka; Siva Kumar Kasetty, Technical Director, ASIFA India; Ankur Bhasin, Secretary, MEAI India; Anand Jha representing MIDCCA Maharashtra; Mike Reddy, TVAGA Telangana; Saarth Bhooshan, SAIK Kerala; Rudra Bala Balaji, President, APVAGA Andhra Pradesh; S. Bejoy Arputharaj, President, VEGAS Tamil Nadu; Arpit Dubey, Co-Chairman, MP-AVGC-XR Madhya Pradesh; Riya Arora, Director, PAM EX Punjab; and Shweta Verma, Head of Marketing, IICT. Their presence reflected a shared commitment to advancing collaboration, innovation and skill development across states.