Karnataka’s Leadership in India’s AVGC Sector

• Growth of AVGC Industry: Karnataka is at the forefront of India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector.
• Government’s Progressive Policies: Focus on nurturing creativity, innovation, and workforce development.
• GAFX Event Theme “Imagination Next”: Reflects the vision to drive digital entertainment forward with imagination, innovation, and infrastructure.

Global AVGC Market Expansion and India’s Role

• Market Projections: Animation and VFX expected to grow to $282.3 billion, gaming to $314.4 billion by 2026; combined global AVGC-XR market projected to reach $882 billion by FY30.
• India’s Contribution: Currently under 1% of the global market.
• Karnataka’s Unique Position: Strong ecosystem of creative talent, educational institutions, and startups, enabling potential growth.

Strategic Importance of the AVGC Sector for Karnataka

• Economic Impact: Recognized as a driver of economic growth with implications across education, healthcare, advertising, and architecture.
• Pioneering Initiatives: Karnataka has implemented targeted policies to bridge the skills gap and accelerate industry growth.

Karnataka’s Dedicated AVGC Policy and Initiatives

• Comprehensive Framework: Includes financial incentives, skill development programs, infrastructure support, and startup incubation.
• Digital Arts Centres (DAC):
  • Establishment of DACs: Training centers within fine arts institutions across the state.
  • Technology and Training: Equipped with advanced technology, providing training aligned with industry standards.
  • Impact: 27 DACs have trained 648 students; over 150 placed in industry roles.

Nipuna Karnataka Initiative for Workforce Development

• Budget Allocation: Rs 300 crore dedicated to continuous workforce development.
• Target Audience: Supports both fresh graduates and mid-career professionals.
• Focus on Emerging Technologies: Training in Extended Reality (XR), artificial intelligence, and virtual production to build a future-ready talent pool.

Support for AVGC Startups and SMEs

• Centers of Excellence (CoE):
  • Bengaluru CoE: Provides AVGC-XR startups access to advanced tools, mentoring, and global networks.
  • Post-Production Infrastructure: Offers high-end infrastructure to support the audio-visual industry.
• AVGC-XR Park:
  • Innovation Hub: To be equipped with virtual production facilities, common instrumentation spaces, and event venues.
  • Expansion Beyond Bengaluru: Incubation spaces planned for six other cities to extend AVGC innovation.

Global Exposure and Market Access

• Participation in International Trade Fairs: Showcases Karnataka’s AVGC talent at events like Annecy International Film Festival and MIPCOM.
• International Market Access Policy: Financial incentives (up to Rs 5 lakh) for Karnataka-based AVGC companies to gain international exposure and expand market reach.

GAFX Event: A Flagship Initiative for Industry Promotion

• Annual Bengaluru GAFX Event: Key event organized by the Karnataka government to foster industry connections and promote the AVGC-XR sector.
• 2024 Edition Highlights:
  • Theme: “Imagination Next”
  • Speakers: 130 speakers, including 22 international experts from 10 countries.
  • Sessions: 115 sessions covering policy, business, and live competitions.
  • B2B Meetings: To drive business growth and strengthen Karnataka’s role as a global AVGC hub.

Six Key Pillars of Karnataka’s AVGC Vision

1. Skill Development: Continuous, industry-aligned training programs.
2. Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Dedicated spaces and advanced technology to support creative production.
3. Startups & MSME Empowerment: Access to funding, mentorship, and global networks.
4. Global Market Access: Facilitation of international partnerships and exposure.
5. Financial Incentives & Concessions: Tax breaks and subsidies to encourage business growth.
6. Multiplatform AVGC-XR Products: Focus on emerging technologies like AR/VR, gaming, and digital media.

Vision for the Future

• Job Creation: Aims to create 30,000 high-quality jobs in the AVGC sector by 2029.
• Ecosystem Development: The AVGC policy aims to foster creativity, empower talent, and position Karnataka as a global leader in AVGC-XR.

Conclusion: Karnataka’s Path to Global Leadership

• Bridging the Skills Gap: Karnataka’s initiatives focus on building a skilled and job-ready workforce.
• Fostering Innovation and Startups: By supporting startups and SMEs, Karnataka creates an innovation-friendly ecosystem.
• Global Collaboration: International partnerships strengthen Karnataka’s position in the global AVGC market.
• Realizing “Imagination Next”: Karnataka’s progressive policies are bringing the vision of a thriving digital entertainment future to life, establishing the state as a leader in the AVGC sector.