National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR)
Context:
The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR), modelled after institutions like the IITs and IIMs.
About NCoE
- The aim is to strengthen India’s animation ecosystem and position the country as a global content hub, enhancing its soft power and attracting foreign investments in the media and entertainment sector.
- The NCoE will be set up in Mumbai as a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act, 2013.
- Industry bodies such as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will partner with the government to establish the Institute of Immersive Creators (IIIC).
Importance
- The AVGC-XR sector will play a crucial role across various domains of media and entertainment, such as filmmaking, OTT platforms, gaming, advertising, as well as in social sectors like healthcare and education.
- With rapid technological advancements, increasing internet penetration, and low-cost data, the global AVGC-XR industry is poised for significant growth.
- The NCoE will offer specialised training and learning programs for both beginners and professionals, providing the latest skills in AVGC-XR technologies.
- It will also focus on research and development, bringing together experts from fields such as computer science, engineering, design, and art to foster breakthroughs in AVGC-XR.
- Additionally, the centre will prioritise the creation of intellectual property (IP) rooted in India’s rich historical and cultural heritage, both for domestic and global audiences.
- As an incubation centre, the NCoE will support startups and early-stage companies, acting as both an academic and industry accelerator.
- This initiative aligns with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) vision, with the NCoE set to become a driving force for the growth of the AVGC-XR industry in the country.
India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) Industry
This is experiencing significant growth and is poised to become a major player in the global market.
Market Growth: The AVGC sector in India is projected to grow at an impressive rate of 14-16% over the next decade. Currently valued at approximately $3 billion, it is expected to reach around $26 billion by 2030.
Employment Opportunities: The AVGC industry currently employs about 260,000 individuals and is anticipated to create an additional 2.3 million jobs by 2032.
Global Positioning: Despite its growth, India’s share in the global AVGC market is relatively small—around 0.5%—with aspirations to capture 5% (approximately $40 billion) by 2025.