WAVES 2025: A Golden Opportunity for India to Become a Global Content Hub!

The World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, a landmark event in the global audio-visual and entertainment sector, is now just two weeks away. Taking place from May 1 to May 4, 2025, at the Jio Convention Centre, BKC in Mumbai, this grand summit will be a golden opportunity for India to gain global recognition as a “Content Superpower.”

According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, India has taken a lead in the creative economy, and as always, Mumbai is ready to lead the way. WAVES 2025 is not just a summit but a transformational moment that will boost India’s creative strength, global investment, and strategic policy changes. Experts from various sectors expect India to seize this opportunity to make its mark on the global content space.

WAVES 2025: Why is this summit special?

The Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry in India is rapidly developing and is a key contributor to employment generation. Over the past decade, India has made record-breaking progress in OTT, animation, gaming, VFX, film, music, and digital media. According to the FICCI-EY report, the Indian M&E industry crossed a valuation of $28 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $34 billion by 2025.

In this context, WAVES 2025 is not merely a discussion platform but a bridge that will connect India’s creative industry with global investment, collaboration, and innovation.

India – On the path to becoming a creative superpower

India currently produces more than 2,000 films annually in over 20 regional languages. The demand for Indian content on OTT platforms is growing not just domestically but also in the US, Europe, the Middle East, and South Asian countries. Capitalizing on this demand, India stepping forward to become a “Content Export Hub” is the need of the hour. WAVES 2025 will be a decisive step in that direction. This summit will not just be a forum for dialogue but a core for action-oriented policymaking that will define the future path of India’s M&E sector.

WAVES to be held annually like Oscars, Cannes, and World Economic Forum in Davos

The WAVES summit is being organized with the cooperation of the central and state governments. It will be given a permanent secretariat structure and will be held annually. Just like the Oscars, Cannes, or the World Economic Forum in Davos, WAVES too will be organized every year at an international standard. A dedicated team will work throughout the year for this purpose.

Over 100 countries to participate in WAVES summit

This is the age of evolving technology, and Maharashtra is being emphasized as the leader in this new and changing tech landscape. A platform will be provided to the creative economy in the audio-visual and entertainment sector. More than 100 countries are expected to participate in the WAVES summit in Mumbai. This event will be far grander than the previously held G20 summit.

Key Features and Highlights of WAVES Summit:

• Focus on ‘Create in India’: Following ‘Make in India’, the new idea of ‘Create in India’ will be promoted globally through the WAVES summit.
• Platform for creative talent: Content in regional Indian languages, as well as upcoming creators and artists in animation and gaming, will get a chance to showcase their work on a global platform.
• Global collaboration and partnerships: Opportunities will open for partnerships with global companies like Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, and Sony Pictures.
• Convergence of technology and innovation: In-depth discussions on cutting-edge technologies like AI, virtual production, and interactive content.
• Strategic policy dialogues: A chance for direct interaction among policymakers, investors, artists, technocrats, and entrepreneurs.
• Create in India Challenge – A unique initiative celebrating the talent of emerging global creators. WAVES 2025 in Mumbai is ready as a premier platform to showcase such talent.
• WAVEX 2025 – This initiative will be a milestone, offering media-tech startups a stage to present their innovations to leading industry stalwarts and celebrity angel investors, paving a new direction for India’s M&E ecosystem.
• WAVES Market – A unique global marketplace that connects producers, investors, and businesses in film, gaming, music, advertising, and XR, offering new revenue opportunities for industry professionals.
• Masterclasses and interactive sessions – A rare opportunity to learn from industry veterans and global leaders, gaining insight into the future of media, entertainment, and technology.