Government of India launches 'Create in India Challenge' to empower creative talents like gaming, anime etc

The Government of India has recently unveiled the inaugural Create in India Challenge, a dynamic initiative designed to promote and elevate the nation’s creative industries. This announcement marks a significant step towards fostering innovation and talent within India’s animation, gaming, music, and other creative sectors.

The first season of the Create in India Challenge is set to culminate at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), which will be held from November 20-24, 2024, in Goa. This initiative features 25 competitions that will encompass a wide array of creative fields, offering a platform for Indian artists and creators to showcase their talents on both national and international stages.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) is playing a key role in supporting this challenge, ensuring that the finalists receive ample opportunities to present their work at WAVES. Furthermore, some winners will be given the chance to showcase their talents at prestigious international events.

For instance, the winner of the Animation Filmmaking competition will have the opportunity to present their work at the renowned Annecy Animation Film Festival in France. Similarly, the winner of the anime contest will be able to display their creations at Japan’s largest anime event, although the specific event has yet to be disclosed.

Anime challenge – Key factor of the challenge

One of the standout segments of this initiative is the Anime Challenge, which is set to revolutionize the Indian anime and manga industry. This challenge is divided into three categories: manga, webtoon, and anime, providing a comprehensive platform for creators to gain recognition, showcase their talent, and connect with industry professionals.

Organized by the Media and Entertainment Association of India, the Anime Challenge will be conducted in multiple stages across 11 cities, covering both state and national levels. Another exciting component of the Create in India Challenge is the Game Jam, a nationwide competition focused on video game creation.

What is the process of the competition?

Organized by the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC), the Game Jam will take place in two parts. The first part will be a virtual game jam spanning six zones across India, where participants will compete over 48 hours. The top ten finalists from each zone will then move on to an in-person round.

The winners of the Game Jam will secure a place in the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)'s IMAGE CoE cohort, offering them further opportunities for growth and development. The Create in India Challenge goes beyond anime and gaming, also including competitions in filmmaking, radio, music, AI, comics, and more.

This wide range of competitions ensures that creators from various creative domains have the opportunity to shine and make their mark on both the national and international stages. As this initiative unfolds, it is set to become a cornerstone in India’s creative landscape, driving innovation and providing a global platform for the country’s talented creators.