The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) on 12 February 2026 organised a high-level stakeholder consultation workshop at the National Media Centre, New Delhi, to operationalise the establishment of Content Creation Labs through the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges across the country. The initiative, a key pillar of the Government’s ‘Orange Economy’ vision, aims to position India as a global hub for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) by building a strong, future-ready talent pipeline.
The workshop brought together senior officials from NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, members of IICT’s governing and academic bodies, representatives from States, industry associations, and academia, reflecting a whole-of-government and whole-of-ecosystem approach to creative talent development.
IICT to Anchor the National Creative Talent Pipeline
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, said that the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT)—approved by the Union Cabinet last year and now operational at the NFDC campus—will serve as the anchor institution for this nationwide initiative.
He noted that the proposed Content Creation Labs will function as a key talent pipeline for IICT, nurturing students from school and college levels and preparing them for advanced training and industry roles in the AVGC sector. Shri Jaju added that detailed consultations have already been held on the design and layout of the labs, the hardware and software infrastructure required, and the possibility of maintaining a common national framework while allowing for flexible, context-specific implementation by States and institutions.
Building World-Class Creative Infrastructure in Education
The proposed labs are envisioned as advanced creative studios that will provide students with hands-on exposure to professional production pipelines using industry-standard tools and technologies. The objective is to move beyond theoretical learning and embed practical, skills-oriented training within the formal education system.
Discussions during the workshop focused on aligning lab activities with the National Education Policy (NEP) to ensure that students receive both foundational exposure at early stages and specialised training in creative and digital domains as they progress.
Focus on Mentorship, IP Creation and Industry Alignment
Participants emphasised the need to integrate mentorship programmes involving industry professionals and to encourage original intellectual property (IP) creation within these labs. This, it was noted, would not only enhance students’ global employability but also foster a culture of creative entrepreneurship in India’s rapidly expanding AVGC ecosystem.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of close coordination between national missions and State education departments to ensure smooth rollout, scalability, and effective utilisation of the labs across the country.
Bridging Academia and Industry for the Orange Economy
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to bridge the gap between academic instruction and industry requirements. The Content Creation Labs are expected to nurture creative thinking, problem-solving, and digital skills from an early age, preparing students for emerging jobs in the technology-driven creative economy.
By embedding creativity, technology, and industry relevance into the education ecosystem, the initiative seeks to empower Indian youth to take a leading role in the global AVGC and creative industries, strengthening India’s position in the Orange Economy.
Conclusion: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s workshop marks a significant step toward building a national, scalable framework for creative talent development in the AVGC sector. With IICT as the anchor and Content Creation Labs planned across 15,000 schools and 500 colleges, the initiative promises to create a strong pipeline of skilled, industry-ready creators. It reflects the Government’s strategic push to align education, skill development, and industry needs and to position India as a global powerhouse in the creative and digital content economy.
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Source: PIB
