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.
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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
