In a historic step to strengthen India’s growing creator economy, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has introduced a $1 billion fund to aid digital creators, influencers, and content-driven businesses. MIB Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the move at a press conference during the WAVES 2025 Summit.
The fund, which will be rolled out through a public-private partnership model, aims to provide financial assistance, technological support, and training to content creators, enabling them to compete in the global digital landscape.
“This initiative will empower our dynamic creators with access to capital and the latest technologies, enhancing their productivity and reach,” said Vaishnaw.
Establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT)
In addition to the funding announcement, the Union Cabinet has approved the launch of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), modeled after IITs and IIMs. This institution will offer world-class education and facilities in creative technologies, media production, animation, gaming, and content creation.
The first IICT campus will be set up in Mumbai with an initial allocation of ₹391 crore. The government envisions IICT as a center of excellence that will nurture India’s creative talent and help the country become a global content hub.
WAVES 2025: India’s Mega Creative Economy Summit
The step comes on the heels of WAVES 2025, a high-profile convention where the Indian government launched an effort to salute and highlight India’s creative economy. The conference, to be held on May 1 to May 4, 2025, in Mumbai, will bring together industry majors, policymakers, and creatives to explore the direction of India’s media, entertainment, and digital economy.
India’s Vision for the Creator Economy
As part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the initiative seeks to elevate Indian content creators on the global stage, providing structured platforms, financial backing, and skill-building opportunities.
The government has also highlighted its ‘Create in India’ Challenge, which encourages innovation and creative entrepreneurship.
With over 140 crore Indians representing the country’s collective creative potential, Vaishnaw emphasized that every Indian will serve as a brand ambassador for WAVES 2025, signaling India’s growing dominance in digital content creation.
What’s Next?
The detailed framework for fund allocation and operational guidelines for IICT will be released soon. Meanwhile, industry leaders and stakeholders anticipate a significant boost in India’s digital economy, with new opportunities for startups, content creators, and tech-driven media enterprises.
