The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 kicks off today at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The four-day global summit, hosted by the Government of India, brings together leading figures from the fields of media, technology, and entertainment, highlighting the country’s growing stature in the global creative economy.
The summit will be inaugurated by PM Modi at around 10:30 a.m. at the Jio World Centre.
The event has attracted more than 100,000 registrations, including over 1,100 international participants. It features a diverse lineup of speakers and attendees, ranging from film icons such as Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to tech leaders like Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai. The summit is aimed at fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, as well as strengthening India’s position as a global hub for content creation and digital innovation.
WAVES 2025 is structured around four core pillars: Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), Digital Media & Innovation, and Films. Each segment covers a broad spectrum of the M&E sector, from traditional broadcasting to emerging technologies like generative AI, virtual reality, and the metaverse.
A major highlight of the summit is the “Create in India Challenge,” which has seen over 85,000 participants, including 1,100 international entries. Following a rigorous selection process, 750 finalists will present their work at the Creatosphere—a dedicated space for showcasing creative talent. The Creatosphere also features masterclasses, workshops, a gaming arena, and the Grand Finale of the Create in India Challenge, concluding with the WAVES CIC Awards.
The Global Media Dialogue, scheduled for May 2, will bring together policymakers, media professionals, and industry stakeholders for discussions on international cooperation, innovation, and ethical practices in media. Alongside, the Thought Leaders Track will host plenary and breakout sessions with global CEOs and experts sharing insights and exploring strategic collaborations.
The summit also includes the WaveXcelerator, a platform connecting startups with investors and mentors through live pitch sessions. It aims to support and scale innovation within India’s startup ecosystem in the M&E space.
The WAVES Bazaar serves as a marketplace for media professionals, offering opportunities for collaboration and content exchange. A Viewing Room Library will screen 100 films from eight countries including India, Sri Lanka, the USA, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Germany, Mauritius, and the UAE.
Celebrating India’s cultural heritage, the Bharat Pavilion presents four immersive storytelling zones — Shruti, Kriti, Drishti, and Creator’s Leap — under the theme “Kala to Code.” These zones reflect India’s evolution from traditional arts to digital creativity and its global cultural outreach.
Other key components of the summit include the Exhibition Pavilion, showcasing technological innovations in M&E, and the National Sammelan on Community Radio, focusing on empowering local voices and strengthening community engagement through radio.
WAVES 2025 also features a cultural segment with Indian and international performances, underscoring the role of media and entertainment in promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
