The **Create in India Challenge Season 1**, organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting with initiatives like WAVES 2025, has awarded winners from 32 distinct creative challenges across various domains. Over 750 finalists from around 60 countries gathered to celebrate innovation and talent at this significant milestone for India's creative landscape. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw committed to empowering India's creative minds through initiatives such as the Indian Institute of Creative Technology, aiming to provide training in creativity on par with traditional IITS. Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan highlighted the dynamic energy and technological prowess of young creators. The event recognized a surge in participation since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mention of CIC in Mann Ki Baat. This initiative was launched to serve as a global platform for emerging talent, providing opportunities across various media forms from animation to AI-driven content creation.
A prestigious panel including industry figures like Aamir Khan and Anupam Kher presented awards to winners based on their innovative expressions. Recognized categories such as Anime, AI Film Making Competition, and XR Creator Hackathon promoted collaboration with leading industry bodies for the event's full potential. With the participation of over 1,100 international creators from more than 60 countries, this CIC has marked a global success in showcasing vibrant creativity underpinned by technological advancement.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Information Broadcasting: A governmental organization responsible for information and broadcasting policies in India.
Create in India Challenge Season 1: An initiative aiming to provide a global platform for emerging talent, focusing on creativity across various media forms. It recognizes winners with awards, encouraging innovation and talent in the media industry.
WAVES 2025: A significant event that honored winners of the Create in India Challenge Season 1; it celebrated innovation and talent convergence from over 60 countries.
Indian Institute of Creative Technology: An educational institution launched under union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's initiative, aimed to empower Indian creativity with programs focused on technology and innovation.
Nari Shakti: A term that may refer to the strength or power of women highlighted by Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan in relation to content creation in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: The Prime Minister who spoke about Create in India Challenge (CIC) during Mann Ki Baat, leading to increased participation and the growth of challenges from 25 to 32.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Create in India Challenge Season 1: Shaping India’s
Creative Future
WAVES 2025 honours winners of 32 creative
challenges under Create in India Challenge; over
750 finalists from 60+ countries converge to
celebrate innovation and talent
"The journey has just begun, and we are committed
to empowering India's creative minds with initiatives
like the Indian Institute of Creative Technology:"
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
“This platform is a beautiful example of how young
minds are fusing creativity with technology:” MoS Dr.
L. Murugan
Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 8:08PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 2 May 2025
The much-anticipated Create in India Challenge (CIC) Season 1, an initiative that has captured the imagination of
creators across the globe, culminated in a spectacular ceremony at WAVES 2025, marking a significant milestone
for India’s creative landscape. This monumental event honoured the winners of 32 distinct challenges, spanning
every domain of the media and entertainment industry, from animation, gaming, and filmmaking to AI, music, and
digital art.Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the young creators and
visionaries, calling this a historic moment. “For the first time, an award is being given purely for creativity. This
journey has only just begun. With this initiative, you are stepping into a world of new opportunities. We are also
launching the Indian Institute of Creative Technology like an IIT, but for training in creativity, to build a strong
foundation for innovation and expression.”
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, congratulated the participants, highlighting the
dynamic energy and technological prowess of the youth. “Best wishes to all of you. This platform is a beautiful
example of how young minds are fusing creativity with technology. It also reflects the strength of Nari Shakti and
the future of Indian content creation,” he remarked.
Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju, reflected on CIC’s evolution. “When we
began in August, there were 25 challenges across the M&E spectrum. After Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
spoke about CIC in Mann Ki Baat in September, the participation surged. The number of challenges grew to 32.
We received nearly one lakh registration. Today, 750 finalists are here and each of them is a winner,” said Shri
Jaju.
The Create in India Challenge (CIC) was launched to provide a global platform for emerging talent and to
showcase the vibrant creativity of young minds. The challenges spanned a wide range of categories, giving
creators the opportunity to explore and push boundaries across various forms of media. From the Anime
Challenge to the AI Film Making Competition, XR Creator Hackathon, each category encouraged innovative
expression, bringing together creators, technologists, and storytellers from around the world.
CIC has garnered significant attention, both domestically and internationally. With entries pouring in from over 60
countries, including more than 1,100 international participants, CIC has proven to be a global success. The
response underlined the ever-growing demand for opportunities to engage with creative technologies and develop
new forms of media that are both innovative and influential.
The prestigious awards were presented by a stellar lineup of industry legends, including Aamir Khan, Anupam
Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Akkineni Nagarjuna, Vikrant Massey, Prasoon Joshi, and Aroon Purie, alongside other
dignitaries and officials.
The 32 challenges were conducted in collaboration with leading industry bodies, allowing the CIC to reach its full
potential by bringing together a wide array of creative disciplines, technology-driven projects, and future-ready
content.
This initiative served as a launchpad for the next generation of creators who are redefining India’s position in the
global entertainment and technology ecosystem. It stands as a testament to the importance of fostering
homegrown talent and celebrating innovative content creation across various media formats.
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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/Lekshmipriya/Nikhitha/ Darshana | 152(Release ID: 2126318)