The Kerala government has taken a decisive step towards making the state the AVGC-XR hub by submitting the draft AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics) policy recently. I am pleased to inform that Toonz Media Group worked closely with the concerned government authorities to bring out this draft report, which is now in public domain for feedback. Kerala has now solid plans to achieve the inception and expansion of 250 AVGC-XR companies, including MNCs; the creation of 50,000 new jobs in the AVGC-XR industry, and the incubation of 150 AVGC-XR startups in Kerala by 2029!

It is a proud moment for all of us at Toonz as the policy document recognises the pioneering contribution by Toonz in Kerala’s AVGC-XR sector. I am also honoured to be one of the members of the Kerala AVGC-XR task force representing the industry side. Our aim is to make the proposed policy a well-defined and transformational framework to equip the state to be capable of claiming at least 10 per cent of the export of AVGC-XR-based products and services from the country. nvestors will get a Single Window Clearance within 15 days of submission of the application.

The policy document leaves no stone unturned to facilitate the AVGC-XR companies to set their base in Kerala. Be it leasing space to the companies under the facilities owned by the Government of Kerala for a 40% subsidy on rentals or the single window clearance for the investors, the government is emulating the investor-friendly policies to make Kerala the AVGC-XR hub of India. I am also pleased to see the vision of the authorities to establish Centre of Excellence, which will serve as the anchor of talent development, innovation, and R&D.

I am optimistic that the policy framework will usher in a revolution in Kerala’s AVGC-XR sector by enhancing the global competitiveness of the domestic industry, providing support for skill development, infrastructure, and international collaboration, leading to increased investments and job creation. Advantages of such an initiative extend beyond economic considerations, encompassing cultural, educational, and technological dimensions as well. As governments increasingly recognize the strategic importance of the AVGC sector, a well-crafted policy document becomes a crucial instrument for fostering a thriving and sustainable creative ecosystem.