MIB invites proposals for Create in India Challenge Season 2

MUMBAI: The next big creative breakthrough could begin with a single idea and a deadline. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has invited industry bodies, organisations and institutions to submit proposals for Create in India Challenge (CIC) Season 2, the flagship talent and innovation programme leading up to the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2027.

To simplify the selection process, the ministry has launched a unified online portal through which proposals will be submitted and evaluated, with the aim of ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection framework.

CIC Season 2 is designed to encourage creativity, innovation, skill development and talent discovery across India’s media and entertainment ecosystem. The selected challenges will be industry-led and government-supported, combining mentoring, training, upskilling and collaborative learning opportunities for emerging creators.

The ministry said the programme will span a broad range of sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), AVGC-XR, Digital Media, Gaming, E-Sports, Animation, VFX, Comics, Films, Broadcasting, Music, Dance, AR/VR and other emerging media segments.

Interested organisations can submit their proposals through the official portal until July 31, 2026.

To support implementation, the government will provide a one-time grant of up to Rs 1 crore for each selected challenge, subject to technical and financial evaluation, measurable outcomes, grassroots outreach and skill development initiatives.

The ministry plans to roll out more than 50 industry-led challenges under Season 2, placing particular emphasis on high-growth areas such as AI, Digital & Social Media and the AVGC-XR ecosystem.

The programme will culminate at CreatoSphere during WAVES 2027, where winners and selected projects will be showcased before industry leaders, investors and policymakers, offering creators national visibility and potential commercial opportunities.

The expanded programme builds on the success of 33 industry-led challenges conducted during the inaugural season. Through greater industry participation and stronger youth engagement, the ministry aims to deepen India’s creative economy while nurturing globally competitive talent.

The initiative is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Create in India, Create for the World”, positioning India as a growing hub for creative innovation and next-generation media talent.