India Launches New WaveX-IICT Media Tech Incubator to Boost AVGC-XR Startups

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), in partnership with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) Mumbai, has unveiled a media technology startup incubator through the WaveX accelerator platform to advance the AVGC-XR (Audio, Visual, Comics, Gaming, Extended Reality) sector.

The new incubator aims to create a dedicated nurturing environment for startups in media and entertainment, helping high-potential ventures with structured mentorship, top-tier infrastructure, strategic advice, and collaboration opportunities with government media units. The initiative seeks to streamline the path for startups to scale and commercialize their solutions efficiently.

The incubator operates in two phases. Phase one offers comprehensive support in business modeling, product development, fundraising, branding, pitching, and media regulation. Startups also get access to real-world sandbox testing in OTT, VFX, VR, gaming, animation, publishing, and post-production.

Phase two spotlights global exposure through WaveX’s Waves Bazaar platform, enhanced industry partnerships, investor connections, and light-touch mentorship. Additional benefits include use of co-working spaces, advanced AV/digital labs, dedicated hosting servers, high-speed internet, cloud credits from AWS and Google, and future access to India AI compute services.

The program will feature masterclasses from tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, as well as bootcamps, policy clinics, and investor networking sessions. Governance rests with WaveX, under the Ministry of I&B’s mentorship and quarterly reviews.

The maiden cohort, comprising 15 startups, will be stationed at IICT’s Mumbai campus at Rs 8,500 plus GST per month. Applications are open until September 7 at wavex.wavesbazaar.com.

Established in July with backing from the Central government, Maharashtra government, and industry groups like FICCI and CII, IICT aims to build India’s creative talent base and solidify the nation’s leadership in immersive and digital content technologies.