WAVES 2025: India Launches Global Platform for Media and Entertainment Industry

India is set to position itself as a global leader in the media and entertainment sector with the launch of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES)

India is set to position itself as a global leader in the media and entertainment sector with the launch of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES)

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India is set to position itself as a global leader in the media and entertainment sector with the launch of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), scheduled to take place from May 1 to 4, 2025, in Mumbai. Organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the event aims to bring together creators, industry professionals, and policymakers on a unified platform to showcase talent, foster collaboration, and explore the future of entertainment.

Inspired by global events like the World Economic Forum in Davos and the Cannes Film Festival, WAVES aspires to become a flagship event in the global entertainment calendar. The summit will focus on nurturing creative talent through 31 "Create in India" challenges, which have already shortlisted over 400 creators across fields such as gaming, music, comics, animation, visual effects, and broadcasting.

These participants are undergoing mentoring and training under the ‘WAVES Accelerator’ initiative, which aims to connect them with industry leaders for guidance and possible funding support. The goal is to help these creators transform their ideas into market-ready products, while also protecting their intellectual property rights. More than 725 creators are expected to be showcased at the summit.

A key component of the event will be the Global Media Dialogue, an initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs. 
Representatives from over 150 countries have been invited to explore opportunities for international cooperation and industry exchange. Ambassadors and high commissioners are expected to attend a pre-summit meeting on April 13 to discuss participation.

WAVES 2025 will also feature roundtable discussions, the Bharat Pavilion, country-specific exhibitions, and sessions under the Thought Leaders Track. Industry investors and companies will participate in the WAVES Bazaar and WaveXcelerator programs to connect with emerging startups and small creative businesses.

The summit is expected to conclude with a declaration outlining a roadmap for global collaboration in media and entertainment, possibly paving the way for a World Entertainment Forum in the future.