MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday announced the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai, with financial assistance of Rs 400 crore from the Central Government. The institute will be developed in Mumbai’s renowned Film City, Goregaon, and is envisioned to position the city as a global hub for creative technology, on par with the world’s leading creative centers.

Speaking after attending the first session of the World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) Fadnavis stated that the IICT will not be limited to Maharashtra alone but will emerge as a milestone for India’s entire creative technology sector. 

He highlighted that the institute will not just serve as an educational center but will also function as a leading institution driving innovation and progress in creative technology. According to the Chief Minister, this initiative will help elevate India’s standing in the global creative domain, providing much-needed infrastructure and leadership in sectors like digital media, animation, gaming, broadcasting, and entertainment.

Fadnavis also confirmed that Maharashtra has secured the hosting rights for WAVES 2025, a major international summit focused on the media and entertainment industry. Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting Maharashtra’s bid, he announced that the conference will be held at the **Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai** from **May 1 to May 4, 2025**. The first session of WAVES 2025, organized by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, saw participation from ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries.

Highlighting Mumbai's pivotal role in the entertainment industry as the heart of Bollywood, Fadnavis emphasized that the establishment of IICT will further enhance India’s position globally. Drawing a parallel, he remarked that just as Davos holds significant value for the financial sector, the IICT and WAVES 2025 will create a strong global brand for India in the creative technology space.

The WAVES 2025 summit will act as a major platform bringing together professionals from broadcasting, film, animation, gaming, digital media, music, advertising, and social media sectors. The summit is set to launch several key initiatives aimed at fostering growth and innovation in the industry. It will include a dedicated marketplace for investment opportunities, avenues to nurture new innovations and startups, and collaborative spaces to encourage exchange of ideas among industry leaders and innovators. 

Fadnavis expressed confidence that such efforts will significantly enhance investments in India’s media and entertainment sector, promote innovation, and provide international companies with an ideal platform to expand their presence in the country. He reiterated that India is rapidly emerging as a key player in the global digital media and entertainment space, and projects like the IICT and WAVES 2025 will accelerate this trajectory, solidifying India’s leadership in the creative technology sector.