The Union Cabinet has given the green light to establish the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) in Mumbai.
This new institution is designed to position India as a leading global hub for high-quality content in the media and entertainment sectors. Modelled on the lines of prestigious institutions like IITs and IIMs, the NCoE will function as a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act 2013 and will work closely with industry bodies such as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the crucial role of the AVGC-XR sector in media and entertainment, noting its impact on filmmaking, OTT platforms, gaming, and even health and education. He emphasized that with the rapid advancement of technology, increasing internet access, and low data costs, the demand for AVGC-XR content is set to surge. The NCoE will aim to meet this demand by offering specialized training programs for amateurs and professionals, promoting research and development, and bringing together experts from computer science, engineering, design, and art.
The establishment of the NCoE is expected to bolster India’s position in the global AVGC-XR market significantly, attract foreign investments, and contribute to the country's growth in the media and entertainment sectors.