Editorial 2: A chance for India’s creative ecosystem to make waves

Context

WAVES 2025 will serve as a platform for emerging creators and entrepreneurs to launch their ideas and innovations.

Introduction

Despite global trade tariffs and market instability, India stands strong as a resilient economy. By using its young population and tech strengths, India can turn problems into opportunities and emerge as a global Creative Powerhouse. With its rich storytelling culture, the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector seeks to connect creators worldwide through the vision of ‘Create in India, Create for the World.’

India: A Rising Creative Powerhouse

• India has a growing population of young creators in fields like:
  • Film
  • Music
  • Art
  • Technology
• A standout example is Namit Malhotra’s DNEG, which created groundbreaking VFX for Dune 2, winning India its 7th Oscar, showcasing its rising global influence.
• The transition from traditional filmmaking to digital production highlights India’s capability in producing world-class content.

WAVEX: Empowering the Next Generation

M&E Sector Growth Forecast

Global Reach & Inclusion

• WAVES provides a platform for startups to showcase ideas to global investors.
• Focus on diversity and inclusion with support for women-led startups like:
  • Lapwing Studios
  • Vygr Media

Breaking Barriers for Startups

• WAVEX addresses key hurdles:
  • Lack of capital
  • Limited mentorship
  • Restricted global access
• Offers:
  • Financial support
  • Structured ecosystem for scaling
• Having built Biocon from ₹10,000, I understand the power of such transformative platforms.

Art, Science & Culture: The Creative Core

• Supporting institutions like:
  • Museum of Art and Photography (MAP)
  • Science Gallery Bengaluru
• Belief: Art and Science both fuel innovation—artists on canvas, scientists in labs.

India’s Creative Edge

• India’s strength lies in the blend of:
  • Young population
  • Tech capabilities
  • Cultural richness
• This synergy drives practical innovation in the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector.

A Global Vision

• With a storytelling legacy that spans centuries, India is ready to become a global creative leader.
• From classical arts to immersive tech, a new era of innovation is here.
• The motto "Create in India, Create for the World" reflects this bold vision.

WAVES: Where Technology Meets Storytelling

Innovators Driving Change

A vision for the future

• India has a deep legacy of culture and creativity.
• This spirit thrives in our youth, who are shaping the future across film, music, gaming, animation, and digital media.
• Young creators are breaking barriers and transforming creative industries.
• The Indian government supports this talent through initiatives like WAVES, promoting a vibrant M&E startup ecosystem.
• WAVES is more than funding—it's an investment in storytelling, self-expression, and the creative economy.
• From biotech labs to digital studios, creativity is the key to building future industries and identities.

Conclusion

WAVES 2025 is not just a celebration of India’s media and entertainment (M&E) industry; it’s a starting point for the next generation of creators and entrepreneurs who are ready to change how the world experiences entertainment, education, and culture. As a member of the advisory board of WAVES, I feel proud to be part of this exciting journey. The impact of WAVES will go beyond just studios and companies—it will be felt in every story created, every startup that grows, and every new idea that breaks the rules. This is India’s time to lead a global creative revolution. Let’s ‘Create in India, Create for the World’ and show how powerful our imagination truly is.