The much-anticipated Bengaluru GAFX 2025 Conference began today at The Lalit Ashok in Bengaluru, running from February 27th to March 1st, 2025. Organized by the Department of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T, Government of Karnataka, in collaboration with ABAI, this event underscores Bengaluru’s leadership as a global hub for AVGC-XR and India’s growing prominence in immersive media and entertainment.
The opening ceremony saw notable dignitaries, including Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka, alongside influential industry figures and policymakers shaping the future of immersive storytelling. Special guest, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, also attended the event.
Prominent attendees included Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson of Biocon; Shri Rizwan Arshad, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly; Shri Sharath Bachegowda, MLA & Chairman of KEONICS; and several international consuls and industry leaders. The event focused on the theme “Future of Immersion: EXPERIENCE. EXPLORE. DISRUPT.”, highlighting the latest advancements in immersive technologies, including virtual and augmented reality, real-time rendering, and more.
Shri Priyank Kharge highlighted Karnataka’s role in shaping India’s digital landscape, emphasizing the state’s leadership in the gaming and animation sectors. He also spoke on India’s gaming market, projecting growth to $3.8 billion by the end of 2024, and outlined the vision for Karnataka to host a national e-sports festival this year.
Dr Ekroop Caur, Secretary of the Department of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T, Government of Karnataka, emphasized the state’s position as a leader in AVGC-XR with over 300 studios and a growing number of professionals. She highlighted Karnataka’s pioneering efforts in establishing AVGC-XR policies and initiatives, including the launch of India’s first AVGC-XR Park and the creation of an AVGC-XR fund to support startups.
Biren Ghose, Chairman of Bengaluru GAFX and President of ABAI, spoke passionately about the transformative power of immersive storytelling, likening disruption in the industry to the forces of nature that lead to new creations. He noted Bengaluru’s central role in driving this change and its vision to expand the global reach of India’s entertainment industry.
Bengaluru GAFX 2025 will feature a special collaboration reveal, with cine star Rana Daggubati unveiling a partnership between Zebu Animation and Tinkle, which will bring India’s iconic comics to life through animation. This unique collaboration is expected to highlight the growing intersection between traditional Indian storytelling and modern animation technology. Additionally, the event will host the India Pavilion, marking the first-ever showcase of AVGC talent from various states, aiming to foster regional co-production and collaboration across the country.
The esports segment at Bengaluru GAFX 2025 will be a major highlight, with India’s top four esports teams battling it out in the highly anticipated Counter-Strike 2 grand finale. This exciting competition will bring high-energy gaming action to the forefront, engaging esports fans and enthusiasts. The event will also include Investor Connect, offering over 25 leading investors the opportunity to meet with 50 AVGC-XR startups. These interactions will provide exclusive funding and mentorship opportunities, paving the way for the growth of the industry.
Bengaluru GAFX 2025 will put a spotlight on Indian comics with discussions featuring key players like Tinkle, Amar Chitra Katha, and Raj Comics. These conversations will explore the future of Indian comics, their potential to create original intellectual properties, and their expanding influence in the media industry. Additionally, experts from major tech companies such as Deloitte, Autodesk, and Nvidia will dive into the convergence of AI and AVGC-XR, focusing on AI’s role in content creation and immersive media experiences, furthering the event’s exploration of cutting-edge technologies.
The Innovation Zone will showcase groundbreaking work from AVGC startups based at Karnataka’s Centre of Excellence, offering attendees a glimpse into the future of the industry. To strengthen international partnerships, Karnataka will also launch Global Innovation Alliances, bringing together countries like France, Australia, the UK, and others to foster cross-border collaborations in AVGC-XR. This global focus is designed to enhance the state’s leadership in immersive media while driving innovation on a worldwide scale. With more than 20,000 attendees expected, Bengaluru GAFX 2025 promises to push India’s influence in the global AVGC-XR space, showcasing disruptive innovations, world-class speakers, and immersive experiences.
