WAVES 2025: A Global Gathering of Creativity and Innovation
Overview of WAVES 2025
New Delhi, Dec 31: This year's 'Waves 2025' event attracted participation from over 90 nations, featuring more than 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, over 300 companies, and around 350 startups, culminating in an impressive attendance of nearly 100,000 individuals. The event encompassed various sectors, including broadcasting, infotainment, AVGC-XR, films, and digital media, as reported by the government on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting initiated several significant projects to bolster India's media and entertainment industry this year.
The highlight was the 'WAVES 2025', recognized as the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi characterized WAVES as more than just an event; he referred to it as a 'wave of culture, creativity, and universal connectivity.'
PM Modi reiterated India's vision of 'Create in India, Create for the World,' encouraging global investors and youth to immerse themselves in India's vast creative landscape.
As per the ministry, CreatoSphere emerged as an innovative hub that centers on creators, transforming concepts into experiences across various domains such as film, VFX, VR, animation, gaming, comics, music, broadcasting, and digital media.
This platform united prominent creative talents from India and around the globe, fostering dialogue, partnerships, innovation, and showcasing talent on an international scale.
Additionally, CIC Season-I was recognized as 'India’s largest creative talent movement,' achieving remarkable global outreach.
The inaugural season featured 33 categories, garnered over 100,000 entries from India and more than 60 other countries, and showcased over 750 finalists across eight creative zones at WAVES, establishing itself as India's largest creator-led challenge platform, according to the ministry.
During the event, PM Modi engaged directly with young creators, experienced award-winning innovations, and emphasized India's potential as a global content hub.
The season's conclusion also saw Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw honor over 150 creators at the WAVES Creator Awards, highlighting the government's commitment to nurturing India's creative economy.
Importantly, 'WaveX' aims to support and engage over 200 startups as part of its initiative to enhance the innovation and startup ecosystem. It facilitated more than 30 startups to present their ideas to global industry leaders like Microsoft, Amazon, and Lumikai, while nearly 100 startups showcased their solutions through exhibition booths.
From August to November 2025, 'WAVES Bazaar' conducted an extensive outreach program that spanned 12 major international events across four continents and four significant domestic industry events, generating approximately Rs 4,334 crore in potential business and investment discussions.