The animation, visual effects, gaming, comics and extended reality (AVGC-XR) sector is counting on the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE), approved by the cabinet on September 18, to help artistes enhance their skills and creators do more work in India.
The National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) will come up in Mumbai and offer specialised training programmes for both amateurs and professionals. The students will learn cutting-edge AVGC-XR skills and create India-focused IP for global outreach. The centre will also function as an incubation centre, providing resources to nurture startups and early-stage companies in the AVGC-XR sector, the government said.
Animesh Agarwal, CEO and co-founder of esports consulting and a talent agency 8Bit Creatives, said the centre would serve as a platform for young enthusiasts by providing them access to the latest technology, valuable mentorship and guidance to upskill and enter the industry.
The NCoE is modelled after country’s premier institutions such as like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), minister for information & broadcasting, electronics & information technology Ashwini Vaishnaw tweeted.
The centre will provide world-class infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology and specialised skills to build a strong talent pool and generate an estimated 5 lakh jobs, the minister said.
"Just as IITs and NITs were established to advance engineering and technology, and IIMs for management, we believe the NCoE for AVGC-XR will similarly transform the gaming industry in India," said Roby John, CEO and co-founder of SuperGaming. The focus on cutting-edge technology, coupled with the support of the government and industry leaders, will attract significant FDI (foreign direct investment) in the gaming sector, he added.
Students would gain practical experience through industry-driven courses, ensuring they are job-ready on graduation. "You’ll also have access to internships, mentorships for aspiring startups, and a curriculum focused on content creation - for India, for the world," Vaishnaw said.
The gaming industry expects the NCoE to play a crucial role in encouraging Indian game developers and talent to make a mark on the global stage by focusing on the development of intellectual property (IP) for both domestic and international markets.
Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director of NODWIN Gaming, said the centre would help solidify India as a powerhouse of the AVGC-XR industry.
“One of the most promising frontier lies in gaming and XR as it will redefine entertainment and engagement. Gaming is rapidly becoming the most dominant segment, surpassing other AVGC components,” said All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) CEO Roland Landers.
India's gaming sector has a unique chance to deliver globally competitive content and unlock a vast market. The NCoE will act as a beacon for India’s journey into IP creation, helping game developers tap into advanced technology to produce immersive experiences, he said.
The NCoE will be set up as a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act, 2013, with the government partnering industry bodies, including the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
John said an incubation hub, the centre will be a game-changer for startups, nurturing innovation and supporting early-stage companies that could define the next generation of gaming experiences.
"By fostering partnerships between the central and state governments, academia, and industry, the NCoE will create a dynamic ecosystem for research, development, and innovation in immersive technologies. This is where India's next-gen creators will thrive," Vaishnaw said.
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