WAVES 2025 to spotlight India as the next global hub for media and entertainment

India is set to host one of the most ambitious gatherings in the global media and entertainment space with the launch of WAVES 2025 — the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit. The four-day event, backed by the Government of India, will be held from May 1 to May 4 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex.

WAVES 2025 aims to position India as a key hub for content creation, innovation, and investment in the M&E sector. The summit brings together a wide range of stakeholders — from global executives and tech leaders to Bollywood stars and early-stage startups. From panels with key Bollywood and regional cinema stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, and SS Rajamouli to keynotes by Nvidia VP Richard Kerris and Meta’s Instagram head Adam Mosseri, WAVES brings together a cross-section of industry legends and tech leaders shaping the future of media and entertainment.

The summit will explore the future of content creation and distribution, the impact of AI and immersive technologies such as AR, VR, XR and the metaverse, as well as the evolution of gaming and digital experiences. Sectors covered include film, animation, VFX, gaming, broadcasting, digital media, advertising, music, radio, and comics.

In addition to conference sessions and panel discussions, WAVES will feature a tech and content exhibition, cultural performances, and several investor-focused initiatives. One key attraction is the WAVES Bazaar — a global digital marketplace to connect Indian creators with international buyers and investors. Another is WAVEX, a startup pitching platform for young ventures in the AVGC-XR and M&E space.

Workshops and masterclasses will focus on practical skills for emerging creators, while the ‘Create in India Challenge’ will spotlight fresh talent in content innovation.

The initiative marks a strategic push by India to boost its soft power and creative economy on the global stage, with a clear emphasis on future-ready technologies and collaboration.

Catch the latest updates from WAVES only at Fortune India.