Kochi / New Delhi, Oct 28 (FN Bureau) Kerala is committed to being a leader in India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector said state Minister for Law, Industries, and Coir, P. Rajeeve. Stating that AVGC-XR revolution holds immense potential for job creation and economic development,the Minister said “By leveraging our talent and infrastructure, we aim to establish Kerala as a prominent hub of innovation in the AVGC-XR space, offering unmatched opportunities for growth to AVGC-XR startups and established players. The Minister said in recognition of the AVGC-XR sector’s potential, the Kerala government recently approved a state-specific AVGC-XR policy, which includes plans to establish a Centre of Excellence. Rajeeve, recently visited Infopark, Cochin, to explore Kerala’s rapidly evolving Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector.
In a significant initiative to boost this fast-growing industry, Infopark has launched Kerala’s first premium plug-and-play co-working space tailored to AVGC-XR startups and entrepreneurs, firmly establishing Kerala as India’s leading AVGC-XR hub. The AVGC-XR industry in India is poised for remarkable growth, with expectations to create 2.3 million direct jobs by 2032—up from 260,000 today—and a projected rise in revenues from USD 3 billion to USD 26 billion by 2030. Rajeeve’s visit underscores Kerala’s commitment to capturing 5-10 percent of India’s AVGC-XR market, significantly contributing to the state’s economy. Kerala’s robust ecosystem comprises over 100 studios producing world-class AVGC-XR content, aligning with India’s larger network of studios that collaborate on major Hollywood, Bollywood, and global productions. This foundation will enhance Kerala’s position as a global AVGC-XR powerhouse. The state has been working closely with the Society of AVGC-XR Institutions in Kerala (SAIK), a non-profit organization founded in 2020, dedicated to nurturing the AVGC-XR ecosystem in Kerala. SAIK enhances innovation, collaboration, and growth across the animation, VFX, gaming, and XR sectors. As a leading network for AVGC-XR professionals, companies, and enthusiasts, SAIK is instrumental in promoting local talent, creating strategic partnerships, and attracting investment to Kerala’s AVGC-XR landscape. With SAIK’s support, Kerala aims to capture a significant share of the national AVGC-XR market, contributing positively to the state’s economy and generating millions of job opportunities.
During his visit, the Minister met with Susanth Kurunthil, CEO of Infoparks Kerala, Sarath Bhooshan, Secretary of SAIK, and other SAIK executive committee members, including Mukesh Dev, Joint Secretary. Together, they discussed the strategic roadmap for positioning Kerala as a global AVGC-XR powerhouse. This collaboration between the state government, Infopark, and SAIK aims to advance Kerala’s AVGC-XR industry, foster growth, and create a positive impact on the local economy. The global animation market is projected to reach USD 270 billion, with India emerging as a key player due to cost-effectiveness and quality. Kerala’s skilled professionals and competitive production costs give local studios an edge in producing high-quality, culturally rich content, attracting international outsourcing and investment that drive growth and innovation. India’s AVGC-XR industry shows significant growth, with the gaming sector alone contributing USD 3 billion and a user base of 568 million. As demand for immersive experiences rises, Kerala’s AVGC-XR sector is well-positioned to generate new revenue streams and local employment. Expanding applications in AR, VR, and MR across education, healthcare, and entertainment provide additional opportunities. Kerala’s vision is to establish itself as a leader in India’s digital content market, leveraging its workforce and innovation to fuel state and national economic growth.