WAVES 2025: A Global Gathering for the Media and Entertainment Industry

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is gearing up to host this grand international event WAVES to enhance collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry, which is a unique convergence of the whole media and entertainment (M&E) sector.

As an international summit, WAVES will serve as a connective bridge for the M&E industry in India to interact with the global markets, allowing for the exchange of ideas, technologies, and talents.

WAVES will aid in encouraging progress throughout the industry, development of young talents, and facilitating their cultures to make India a front-runner in the international M&E landscape.

One of the key objectives of WAVES, as stated by I&B Ministry, is to fast-track the growth of a global M&E sector using cutting-edge technologies-from artificial intelligence to AR and VR-and even immersive experience. It wouldn't be complete if some initiatives such as "Create in India Challenge" do not remember the emerging talents as it allows young creative people a platform to showcase their talent without borders to the world.

Over and above this, the initiative looks to help forge effective connections between M&E professionals in India and around the world to further enhance the creative as well as the business side of the industry.

Also, with high-impact features, the edition will encompass an Industry Leaders' Round Table where discussions will be held with regards to world's most important CEOs among respective industries; the Global Media Dialogue will feature where policymakers will deliberate on presently prevailing trends and challenges confronting the industry. But certainly, it will be the Thought Leaders Track where plenary sessions and sector-focused discussions will be led by global specialists.

Honoring India's storytelling tradition, the Bharat Pavilion will focus on the historical advent of print media and the evolution of the audio and visual storytelling processes. The Exhibition will provide a platform for both Indian and global players to showcase innovative technologies and solutions, while the WAVES Bazaar will work as a dedicated marketplace for content acquisition and business collaborations, complemented by an e-bazaar for continued global engagement.

Another main feature is WaveXcelerator, a vibrant platform where promising M&E startups interact with potential investors and mentors through live pitching sessions. CreatoSphere will house immersive zones driven by industry, gaming arenas, masterclasses, and the grand finale of the Create in India Challenge, concluding with the WAVES CIC Awards. Additionally, WAVES Cultural will offer live concerts, classical performances, and fusion events by national and international artists, with the ambition to become a true celebration of artistic talent.

WAVES, in a way, aims to make India a global M&E hub by pouring investments, initiating innovations, and training the future-skilled workforce. The event will be channelized on different key industry sectors, ranging from content creation, financing, and gaming, to animation, music, IP development, technology integration, and the overall development of the creative sector.

By bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and creative professionals from across the globe, WAVES will create new opportunities in media and entertainment. This groundbreaking event will not only enhance India’s global presence but also lay the foundation for future advancements, further cementing its commitment to shaping the future of the M&E sector, the source noted.