In a landmark step toward fostering innovation in the creative economy, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative, has announced the launch of seven new WaveX incubation centres dedicated to startups in the Media, Entertainment, and AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) sectors.
This expansion, led by WaveX—the government’s flagship startup accelerator platform under the WAVES initiative—builds upon the success of the existing centre at the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai. It also marks the first nationwide incubation initiative specifically tailored to next-gen media and immersive tech ventures.
Where Are the New Centres?
The newly launched incubation centres are strategically located at key institutions across India:
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) – Delhi, Jammu, Dhenkanal (Odisha), Kottayam (Kerala), Amravati (Maharashtra)
- Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) – Pune
- Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) – Kolkata
These centres will offer uniform, world-class incubation infrastructure, ensuring access to quality facilities and mentorship irrespective of geographic location.
What’s in It for Startups?
Startups selected under the WaveX program will gain access to cutting-edge tools and infrastructure, including:
- High-end production gear like 8K Red Raptor cameras, VR testing labs, LED-based virtual production stages
- Sound & post-production studios, 4K HDR edit suites, Dolby Atmos preview theatres
- Gaming and XR development labs, equipped with high-performance workstations and testing consoles
- Cloud credits, AI compute services, sandbox testing for OTT, VFX, publishing, and more
In addition to physical infrastructure, startups will receive mentorship from global industry leaders, curated bootcamps, policy clinics, and exposure at prestigious global events like VivaTech (Paris) and the Game Developers Conference (USA).
Partnerships and Ecosystem Access
To ensure a comprehensive support system, WaveX is forging partnerships with IITs, T-Hub, and other top incubators. Startups will also have opportunities to collaborate with key media bodies under the Ministry such as:
- Doordarshan
- All India Radio
- Film and Television Institute of India
- Press Information Bureau
- New Media Wing, among others
Select startups may be given priority access to government projects, adding real-world exposure and potential revenue streams early in their journey.
How to Apply
Applications for the first cohort are now open. Each centre will select 15 startups, and the monthly fee is ₹8,500 + GST.
To apply:
- Visit: wavex.wavesbazaar.com
- Select your preferred location and submit your application
Eligibility: Startups in Media-Entertainment and AVGC-XR domains are encouraged to apply.
Why WaveX is a Game-Changer
Unlike traditional incubators that focus only on market-ready products, WaveX nurtures ideas at the “unreal” stage—critical for sectors like gaming, animation, and XR where prototypes are often abstract or early-stage.
WaveX’s two-phase model:
- Active Phase: Intensive support in product development, branding, funding, and media regulations
- Passive Phase: Continued global showcasing and investor engagement
This approach makes WaveX India’s first truly creator-focused accelerator, aiming to transform India into a global hub for immersive content and creative tech.
Conclusion
The launch of these new WaveX incubation centres is a powerful boost for India’s media-tech and creative economy. With world-class infrastructure, deep mentorship, and government support, India’s next generation of storytellers, gamers, and immersive experience creators now have a launchpad like never before.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, a game developer, or building the next XR breakthrough—WaveX is where your unreal becomes real.