Govt, Netflix Partner to Launch ‘Inspiring Innovators’ Skilling Initiative Aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision

New Delhi, Jan 2026 : The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, on Tuesday announced a strategic partnership with Netflix to launch Inspiring Innovators – Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Pehchaaan, a unique skilling and storytelling initiative aligned with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The initiative aims to highlight the critical role of innovation, start-ups, and creative storytelling in strengthening India’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem. By combining social-impact innovation with skill development in the creative sector, the programme seeks to bridge the gap between policy intent, emerging talent, and real-world application.

Developed with support from the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity and implemented by Graphiti Studios, Inspiring Innovators showcases the work of eight Indian start-ups identified by the Office of the PSA for their significant contributions to socially relevant innovation. These start-ups operate across diverse sectors and represent solutions addressing real societal challenges.

Their stories are brought to life through eight short animated films created by students from eight universities across the country. Participating institutions include the National Institute of Design (NID), Chitkara University, Satyajit Ray Institute of Film and Television, among others. The films blend creativity with purpose, presenting innovation narratives through a contemporary visual medium.

Adding another layer to the skilling component, the voiceovers for these animated films were recorded by participants of Voicebox, a specialised skilling initiative launched by Netflix in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). This ensured hands-on exposure to professional voice recording and post-production processes.

Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said the initiative was designed to spotlight innovation with strong social relevance while simultaneously strengthening skill and knowledge pathways. He noted that bringing together start-ups, students, industry mentors, and skilling support reflects a holistic approach to building India’s innovation ecosystem.

Mahima Kaul, Director of Global Affairs at Netflix India, said the programme reflects a shared commitment to recognising innovation that delivers tangible social value. By merging storytelling with hands-on skilling, she added, the initiative creates an inclusive platform that brings government, industry, and young creators together.

The programme engaged a cohort of 26 students from diverse regions of India, with women comprising 50 per cent of participants. Several students hailed from Tier-2 cities, underlining the initiative’s inclusive reach. Mentorship was provided by experts from NID Ahmedabad and Graphiti Studios, offering students practical, industry-oriented experience.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L. Murugan said initiatives like Inspiring Innovators demonstrate how creativity and emerging technologies can be harnessed in service of society as storytelling enters a new era.

Team Maverick.