A brand of Aptech, the leading institute in high-end 3D animation, VFX, gaming, digital content creation and multi-media training enables students’ interface with leaders from the rapidly evolving AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics & Extended Reality) sector
Expert advice: Right time to hop on to the bandwagon when sector is poised for exponential growth with government formally recognising it as a key growth engine of the future
The expert speakers at AI Tech Mahotsav Tricity Edition 2026 share industry-relevant insights and emerging trends that are shaping the future of creative careers in media and entertainment
With expert sessions on advancements in film technology and creative careers, MAAC showcases how industry-aligned learning is shaping future-ready professionals
Industry witnessing explosive demand for high-quality digital content across films, gaming, advertising, and emerging immersive platforms
Newest MAAC flagship centre, spread over 3,000+ sq ft, opens in Mohali with latest studio and podcast facilities, further strengthening the network of 130+ centres across the country
With the formal recognition by the Union government of the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector as a key driver of growth in the future, the Creative Economy or Orange Economy, as it has come to be known by, is set to generate a couple of million well-paying job opportunities, as the country prepares to potentially explosively transition from a back office destination to intellectual property (IP) creator.
It’s in this context that the recently concluded Chandigarh tri-city edition of Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity (MAAC) AI Tech Mahotsav 2026, held at Tagore Theatre, assumes significance.
The event brought together students, prospects, and industry experts for a focused day of learning, mentorship, and inspiration aligned with India’s rapidly evolving AVGC-XR sector.
Largely attended by students and aspirants from Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali and nearby hill states Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, it blended discussions, keynote sessions, new launches, and student recognition, targeted at bridging the gap between academic training and industry readiness.
In the presence of Aptech’s top management team, including Sandip Weling, whole-time Director and Chief Business Officer; and Abir Aich, Executive Vice President, New Initiatives & Technologies; and Varun Roy, Business Partner & Centre Director, MAAC Chandigarh & Mohali: leading industry experts Anand Bhanushali, Co-Founder & Managing Director, philmCGI; a representative of Canon India; and Vaibhav Kumaresh, Founder & Creative Director, Vaibhav Studios; held separate sessions.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Anand Bhanushali in his presentation ‘Invisible VFX by philmCGI’ highlighted how invisible visual effects play a crucial role in modern storytelling and how advancements in technology are continuously reshaping creative production workflows.
In another session ‘From Creator to Collaborator: How Big Brands Hire Creative Talent’, one of MAAC’s 16 top notch industry partners Canon India explained how brands today are seeking professionals who can combine creativity with collaboration, strategic thinking, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving content ecosystem.
Vaibhav Kumaresh presented before the audience a real-world perspective on the end-end journey of creating a feature length animated film ‘Return of the Jungle’, from self-funding to theatrical release slated for May 29 this year.
The participants also gained insights into evolving hiring expectations, the importance of building strong portfolios, and the need to develop both creative and technical capabilities to succeed in the industry.
New MAAC Mohali flagship centre
Later interacting with media persons, the Aptech and MAAC leadership team formally announced the opening of MAAC’s newest centre in Mohali equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including chroma and green screen walls for a professional-grade VFX setup, and a dedicated podcast room to empower learners on their creator journeys.
Sandip Weling, whole-time Director and Chief Business Officer, Global Retail Business, Aptech Limited, said: “At MAAC, our focus goes beyond technical training- we aim to nurture creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and industry adaptability among students. MAAC serves as an important coach for learners to gain exposure to evolving technologies, global production standards, and real-world workflows, with such platforms enabling them to network effectively and transition seamlessly into real-world professional environments.”
Adding further, Abir Aich, Executive Vice President, New Initiatives & Technologies, Aptech Ltd, said: “MAAC’S future-ready curriculum equips students with global AVGC-XR skills. We have 16 top notch industry partners, which include leading animation studios, VFX houses, and production companies, to provide industry-aligned training and placement opportunities for students. Through our CareerX and CreatorX programmes, we collaborate with industry knowledge partners for curriculum co-curation and to facilitate real-world project exposure.”
Commenting on the new Mohali centre, Varun Roy, Business Partner & Centre Director, MAAC Chandigarh & Mohali, said: A specialized institution like MAAC, focusing on skill development that leads to rewarding work opportunities, is precisely what Mohali needs, given the ever-growing demand. We are thrilled to open our newest centre with the confidence that we will help shape the future of exceptional artists.”
Triggers for explosive growth potential
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan ‘Create in India, Create for the world’ positions AVGC-XR as a key growth and export pillar
- AVGC-XR is now a formal industry
- Strategic funding: ₹8,400+ crore Creator Economy Development Fund
- Starup India Seed Fund: ₹945 crore for Creative Tech
- Production incentives: Up to 30% cash rebate on Animation/VFX/Gaming. Bonus 5-10% for foreign co-production
- States’ own AVGC-XR policies: 15+ states to have their own investment and incentives policies in place this year. Leading the charge are states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, which have already announced infrastructure projects like AVGC Parks & Image Towers.
- Target to train 2 million professionals by 2030
- Global Animation, VFX, Gaming -XR market is positioned to surpass $300 billion by 2029, with significant opportunities in new media, interactive AR/VR content, and cross-platform entertainment experiences
- Markets in Asia-Pacific, especially India, China, Japan, and South Korea, are driving much of this growth, with India rapidly emerging as a global creative powerhouse
- Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) established in Mumbai on the lines of IITs & IIMs to build world-class talent and drive innovation in the AVGC-XR sector with key stakeholders being Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of Maharashtra, and leading industry bodies FICCI & CII. It aims to reshape creative education through global partnerships with the likes of Netflix, Meta, Microsoft, NVIDIA, University of York, YouTube, Adobe, Jio Hotstar
- AVGC education infrastructure planned to be further strengthened with the establishment of Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges nationwide, supported by a ₹250 crore budget allocation
The festival will see children’s authors, storytellers, illustrators and cartoonists keeping 1,300-odd Grade I to XII students of the school engaged in a vibrant celebration of stories, art, and imagination.
Said school Director Preeti Bakshi about the initiative, “At St. Kabir, we believe education must continuously expand how children see and interpret the world. By placing art and illustration at the centre of our literature festival, we are encouraging students to engage with stories not just as readers, but as observers, thinkers, and creators.”
On the theme of this year’s Children’s Literature Festival, Deeptha Vivekanand said, “Centred on the theme ‘Art is a Voice,’ this year’s festival places a strong emphasis on illustration and visual storytelling, highlighting the often-overlooked role of art in shaping how children read, interpret, and connect with the world around them.”
Coming back to the re-invented Club House unveiled in the recent media event, the management of FHR described it as a key milestone in the resort’s transformation into a luxury eco-tourism destination in the wilderness.
The all-new club house, managed by Four Seasons Catering, renowned catering service providers offering a wide range of services in catering from weddings to corporate events and other special occasions, features a striking glass structure with a clear roof, private dining spaces, and the elegant outdoor venue ‘Le Jardin’.
Sharing more details General Manager Karan Datta informed that the club house restaurant by itself accommodates 55 covers. It has a licensed bar which serves all premium brands. Just outside, in the corridor is a café. Behind the restaurant there are large lawns at four different levels with the Le Jardin hanger and a gazebo. Collectively these are more than adequate for hosting 300 guests.
Visibly excited over the start of a new journey for FHR, Devinder Sandhu apparently made efforts to paint a new face of the resort. “At a time when the definition of luxury is evolving beyond opulence to immersive and meaningful living, we are pioneering a nature-first approach, where one can experience a lifestyle deeply connected with the land through farm-to-table dining, organic produce and thoughtfully curated outdoor experiences that celebrate wildlife, birdlife and ecological harmony.
Reforestation with indigenous species
Menu – Vana Estate Dining
A few months into its journey the Chhota Banaras management invited your own news portal LifeInChandigarh.com to review the outlet in Sector 8 Madhya Marg where big names like Gopal’s and Sindhi Sweets are already deeply entrenched.
Apart from the popular street foods like Chhana Tawa Bhatura, Chana Kulcha, Aloo Puri, Pav Bhaji, Vada Pav, Batata Vada, Kachori with Aloo Sabzi and Papdi Chaat, Chhota Banaras serves a wide variety of South Indian Specials, including varieties in Ragi, teatime cakes and cookies, hot and cold beverages, home-made ice creams, freshly baked breads, and a complete range of sweets and desserts.
Later interacting with LifeInChandigarh.com, Chef Umesh, who hails from Bihar, shared that “Chhota Banaras is built around the idea that Banaras is not merely a place, but a lived experience. It represents a slower, more mindful way of living where food is prepared with patience and authenticity, and traditions are practiced daily rather than preserved as nostalgia.”
The beverage selection complements the food with nostalgic Indian favourites such as Gulkand Shake, sweet Lassi, Badam Milk and Nimbu Pani along with a fermented option – Mint Kombucha.
“In all other cities we have a sweets shop and bakery. Why we are calling the Panchkula facility as our flagship is because we have added a full-fledged large format vegetarian restaurant for the first time anywhere. Henceforth we have plans to carry forward this restaurant format as we expand in the tricity to Chandigarh, Mohali and beyond.”
On the issue of competition from rivals, Juneja, who was accompanied by his wife Rita Juneja and another director in the company Vinay Sood, said “We are not here to compete with anyone. We have faith in God and our work – the variety and quality of our products, their taste, our facilities and our service.”
Janta Premium, spread over 6000 square feet (ground & basement), has on offer 150+ items in its multi-cuisine dining and more than 300 items in its sweets and bakery sections.
Gujiya (Plain), Gulaab Anjeer Gujiya, Pan Gujia, Long Latta Gujiya, Cranberry Gujiya, Shahi Badam Gujiya, Strawberry Gujiya, Gud Saunf Gujiya, Kaju Gujiya, Mango Gujiya, Coconut Gujiya, Chocolate Gujiya, Khajur Gujiya, Baked Gujiya, Baked Dark Chocolate Gujiya, Chandrakala, Pineapple Gujiya, Samosa Gujiya, Baked White Chocolate Gujiya, Kesar Gujiya, Dry Fruit Gujiya and ‘Fiber24’ sugar free Gujiya.
Having already had a great experience of visiting Back to Source in Sector 17 over the years, your own news portal LifeInChandigarh.com, on an invitation from the Aggarwals, recently visited their Café Well-Being in Sector 22-C Chandigarh, which is located diagonally opposite and across the road from Hotel JW Marriott.
“Refined oils and over-processing have distorted our understanding of food. We use cold-pressed oils, ‘desi khaand’ instead of refined sugar and single-source cow and buffalo milk across our kitchens,” shared Munish, who has a knack for thinking up something new each time he enters the kitchen, as Puja put it.
She showcased some fermented recipes using cabbage, cucumber, cauliflower among other vegetables, crafted by her using lactic acid fermentation, alongside naturally fermented and probiotic-rich beverages like
Fresh salad with a mix of fermented cabbage and carrot, and Nachos with fermented salsas are another attraction.
As in all their cafes, the décor and furniture at Café Well-Being, Sector 22 are minimalistic and sustainable. Here even the walls are painted with natural lime.
Well-stocked merchandise shelves vend a wide range of cookies, biscuits, biscotti, dry snacks, breads, pickles, fermented drinks, cakes, gir & desi cow ghee and cold-pressed oils.
A glimpse of specials on Café Well-Being-Sector 22 Menu