Mumbai: The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with YouTube to launch collaborative initiatives aimed at advancing skill development, industry knowledge sharing, and capacity building across India’s rapidly expanding creative and AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) sectors. The MoU was formalized at the annual YouTube Impact Summit in New Delhi.
The partnership is designed to equip students, creators, and professionals with practical skills, digital tools, and emerging technologies shaping the future of the creative economy. Under the agreement, IICT and YouTube will focus on three key pillars: skill development and knowledge exchange, AI ecosystem building for creators and students, and the democratization of creative learning through digital platforms.
As part of the collaboration, YouTube will support IICT in conducting webinars, expert-led workshops, and capacity-building programs aimed at strengthening industry–academia linkages. A major highlight of the partnership is the establishment of Create with AI, a new funding commitment that will support creative projects leveraging artificial intelligence, alongside AI skilling initiatives to empower students and creative professionals.
Additionally, IICT will launch and expand its official YouTube channel to deliver educational content, thought leadership, and training modules to audiences across India and beyond.
Vishwas Deoskar, CEO of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, said, “The collaboration between IICT and YouTube aligns with IICT’s mission to build a globally competitive creative ecosystem in India. By integrating academic, industry, and technological expertise, this partnership will help strengthen India’s position in the global creative economy.”
Gunjan Soni, Managing Director – India, YouTube, added, “India is home to some of the most diverse and innovative storytellers. We’re excited to work together with IICT to equip the next generation of creators and artists with skills in AI and visual effects, helping them push creative boundaries. And, we’re thrilled that IICT will bring its courses to YouTube, making that world-class education accessible to millions more across the country.”
Established in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, IICT serves as a national center of excellence for the AVGC-XR sector. The institute offers advanced, industry-led training, research, and innovation programs to support India’s vision of developing a skilled, future-ready creative workforce. IICT has launched 18 courses and commenced its first batch in September this year.
