India, with the world’s second-largest anime fan base, is set to play a crucial role in global anime growth, projected to contribute 60 per cent to rising interest in the genre.
To support this growing industry, the government has announced the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector in Mumbai, which is expected to create 500,000 jobs.
The Indian animation industry is currently valued at ₹46 billion and is growing at a remarkable rate of 25 per cent, according to a FICCI-EY report.
The NCoE aims to enhance the creators’ economy, driving economic growth and employment opportunities in this dynamic sector.
Established as a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act, 2013, the NCoE will partner with industry bodies, including the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The centre aims to revolutionise the AVGC sector, fostering innovation in immersive technologies and modelled after prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
“The growth of India’s animation sector is driven by increasing demand for films, visual effects, gaming animation, and mobile content, creating exciting opportunities for skilled animators,” said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The NCoE will focus on creating Indian intellectual property and leveraging cultural heritage, while providing world-class infrastructure, advanced technology, and specialised training to develop a strong talent pool.
Students will benefit from industry-driven courses that ensure they are job-ready upon graduation.
The ministry noted that collaborations among central and state governments, academia, and the industry, the NCoE will cultivate a dynamic ecosystem for research, development, and innovation in immersive technologies, positioning India’s next-generation creators for success.