WAVES 2025 CreatoSphere puts India’s creative economy on global map with over 1 lakh participants

With the motto "Create in India, Create for the World", India is set to spotlight its creative firepower at World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 with the CreatoSphere initiative—a global celebration of imagination, innovation, and ingenuity across the audio-visual and entertainment ecosystem.

Organised under the flagship WAVES, the Create in India Challenge (CIC) has culminated into a creative movement, registering over 1.01 lakh participants from more than 60 countries, with 750 global finalists set to present their work over four days at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai.

This year’s Create in India Challenge saw over 1,100 international entries and representation from all 28 Indian states and 8 union territories, signalling India's ascent as a global creative hub. From indie developers to immersive storytellers and experimental musicians, the breadth of participation reflects the country’s vision to become the “studio of the world.” The initiative is rooted in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family—echoing through this initiative's commitment to connecting creators across borders and cultures.

CreatoSphere is a curated innovation arena within WAVES 2025 where creators across animation, gaming, AI, XR, music, comics, VFX, film, and digital media converge to transform ideas into immersive experiences. The platform brings together delegates, creators, and industry leaders to foster dialogue, forge partnerships, and honour creative excellence through masterclasses, showcases, and the WAVES Creator Awards—a red-carpet gala spotlighting next-gen creators and musical talent.

Nine experiential zones, including Virtual Lok, Film Fiesta, Game On, Comic Kona, and Music Mania, will serve as the staging ground for this global celebration of India’s media and entertainment (M&E) sector, one of the fastest growing in the world with a projected CAGR of 10.5% through 2030.

With the M&E sector valued at over ₹2.3 lakh crore and rising demand for immersive content, WAVES 2025 and CreatoSphere place India at the forefront of global cultural innovation. As India courts investments in AVGC-XR, gaming, animation, and film production, initiatives like CIC and WAVES mark a shift from “Make in India” to “Create in India”—an evolution from manufacturing prowess to intellectual and cultural exports.