Partnership aims to build a vibrant pipeline of storytellers, creators, and Indigenous IP for India’s growing AVGC-XR ecosystem
National, July 23, 2025: In a strategic move to strengthen India’s creative economy, Comic Con India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) to empower emerging talent in comics, animation, visual effects, gaming, extended reality (AVGC-XR), and filmmaking.
The collaboration will provide IICT students with direct industry engagement, mentorship from leading creators and professionals, exposure to the wider pop culture community, and a deeper understanding of the commercial aspects of their craft. Beyond skill-building, the partnership will also contribute to developing a curriculum aligned with real-world industry needs, ensuring students are fully prepared for their professional careers.
“This collaboration is about creating meaningful pathways for IICT students to engage directly with the industry,” said a spokesperson from Comic Con India. “Through this platform, students will gain valuable mentorship, enhance their creative skills, and understand the business of storytelling.”
Ashish Kulkarni, Board Member, IICT, added:
“Our goal is to make India a global hub for creative content creation and build leadership through Indigenous Intellectual Property for AVGC-XR and filmmaking. This partnership aligns with the government’s AVGC-XR vision of building a globally competitive talent pool. Together with Comic Con India, we aim to create a vibrant pipeline of storytellers, creators, publishers, and cultural ambassadors who will take Indian IP to the world using a transmedia ecosystem.”
AVGC-XR: A High-Growth Sector
According to the FX & Beyond: Shaping India’s AVGC Landscape report, India’s AVGC-XR sector currently accounts for nearly 20% of the media and entertainment industry, with revenues projected to grow from US $3.9 billion in 2023 to US $6.8 billion by 2026. The sector is expected to generate 160,000+ new jobs annually, building toward 2 million direct jobs by 2030.
The Comic Con India–IICT partnership reflects a shared commitment to nurturing talent, accelerating IP creation, and building a sustainable workforce in these emerging fields. Specific programs, workshops, and activations under the MoU will be announced in the coming months.