Indian Institute of Creative Technology in Mumbai

Mumbai is preparing to launch the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) within the Film City of Goregaon, following a substantial investment of ₹400 crore from the central government. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed this initiative during the opening session of the World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit 2025 (WAVES 2025) held at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan in New Delhi on Sunday. This institute aims to emulate the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and is poised to establish Mumbai as a worldwide centre for creative technology.

IICT as a Hub for Creative Innovation

Fadnavis remarked that the IICT is designed to function as a premier institution for innovation in the creative technology sector. He commented that this initiative will extend beyond the borders of Maharashtra and will mark a significant achievement for India’s creative technology realm. The IICT is envisioned not merely as an educational establishment, but as a vital institution propelling innovation within the creative technology landscape, ultimately elevating India’s reputation on the global stage in this area.

Focus Areas of the IICT

The Indian Institute of Creative Technology will prioritise various creative domains, such as film production, digital content creation, visual effects (VFX), animation, audio-visual storytelling, media innovation, and Web 3.0 technology. The Maharashtra government has earmarked land within Film City in Goregaon specifically for the establishment of this institute.

Global Platform for India’s Creative Sector

Fadnavis emphasised that the institute will act as a global platform for India’s creative industries. He compared its significance to that of Davos for the financial sector, asserting that the IICT will create an international brand for the creative technology domain.

WAVES 2025 Initiative

The announcement coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Maharashtra government regarding the WAVES 2025 initiative. Maharashtra has secured the rights to host this summit, which is scheduled to take place from 1 to 4 May 2025 at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai.

Expectations from WAVES 2025

WAVES 2025 is anticipated to draw participants from over 100 countries, providing a significant platform for professionals involved in broadcasting, film, animation, gaming, digital media, music, advertising, and social media. The summit will introduce three key initiatives: WAVES Bazaar, a venue for investment prospects; WAVES Accelerator, a centre for nurturing new innovations; and Creatosphere, a collaborative environment for sharing ideas.

Maharashtra’s Contribution to the Global Creative Economy

Fadnavis expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for awarding Maharashtra the rights to host WAVES 2025. He highlighted that Mumbai, known as a pivotal hub for Bollywood and the entertainment sector, will further solidify its role in the global creative economy through the development of the IICT and the WAVES 2025 summit.