The recently concluded WAVES Summit 2025 in Mumbai marked a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global creative powerhouse. Held from 1st to 4th May, the summit brought together leaders from media, entertainment, gaming, advertising, music, fashion, and technology to reimagine India’s creative exports on the world stage.
“Create in India, Create for the World” – India’s Global Creative Pitch
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the summit highlighted the growing value of the orange economy—India’s creative, cultural, and content-driven industries. His message was clear: India must not only produce for itself but also create content and experiences for global consumption.
This vision recognises India’s immense potential in design, storytelling, and innovation, aiming to make the country a major contributor to global intellectual and creative capital.
Key Highlights Shaping the Future of India’s Creative Sector
1. WAVES Bazaar – India’s First Global Marketplace for Creators
A key initiative launched at the summit, WAVES Bazaar is an online global marketplace where Indian creators can showcase and monetise their work across categories such as film, animation, gaming, music, and fashion. It is set to become a vital platform for cross-border collaborations between Indian talent and international investors, studios, and agencies.
2. WAVES Awards – Celebrating Creative Excellence
The newly introduced WAVES Awards honour exceptional work across a range of creative industries:
Game of the Year
Film of the Year
Advertising Campaign of the Year
Awards for Tech Innovation and Cultural Impact
This initiative underscores India’s increasing global competitiveness in digital storytelling and design-led thinking.
3. ‘Create in India’ Challenges – Spotlight on Emerging Talent
Three talent-focused initiatives were launched to engage both domestic and international audiences:
Wah Ustad – Discovering India’s next generation of classical vocalists
Make the World Wear Khadi – A global campaign design competition to rebrand Khadi as a contemporary, sustainable fabric
Resonate: The EDM Challenge – A global hunt for the next wave of electronic music producers
These campaigns are a fusion of tradition and technology, showcasing how India’s cultural roots can resonate globally.
4. £40 Million Creative Tech Institute to Open in Mumbai
The government announced the creation of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), backed by a ₹400 crore (approx. £40 million) investment. The institute will focus on training, research and innovation in emerging fields like animation, game design, VFX, AR/VR, and AI-led content creation.
The Takeaway: India’s Creative Economy is Ready to Scale
From digital-first storytelling to immersive design and sustainable fashion, the WAVES Summit 2025 showcased how India is ready to lead in sectors where creativity meets commerce. The event established a clear pathway for India’s creative industries to thrive globally—powered by technology, cultural relevance, and institutional support.
Chemco Group’s Perspective
While the spotlight was on creative talent, the success of these industries also depends on robust, innovative infrastructure—including product packaging, logistics, and sustainable material design. At Chemco Group, we see events like WAVES 2025 as opportunities to collaborate, support, and enable this next phase of India’s global growth story.
To learn more about Chemco’s sustainable manufacturing and packaging solutions, visit www.chemcogroup.com.
To learn more about Chemco’s sustainable manufacturing and packaging solutions, visit www.chemcogroup.com