New Delhi: The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with Netflix, marked the culmination of Inspiring Innovators – Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Pehchaaan, a skilling initiative aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Developed under the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity and implemented in partnership with Graphiti Studios, the programme brings together India’s innovation and creative ecosystems to spotlight socially relevant innovation through storytelling and hands-on skilling.
The initiative features eight short animated films highlighting the work of eight Indian start-ups identified by the Office of the PSA for their contributions to social-impact innovation. These films were created by students from eight universities across the country, including the National Institute of Design, Chitkara University and the Satyajit Ray Institute of Film and Television, among others. The voiceovers were recorded by participants from Voicebox, a Netflix-led skilling initiative in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).
Designed as a storytelling-and-skilling-led programme, Inspiring Innovators provided hands-on creative exposure to 26 students from diverse regions of India, with women comprising 50 per cent of the cohort and several participants coming from Tier-2 cities. Students were mentored by experts from the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, and Graphiti Studios, offering them real-world industry experience. Adding a cultural dimension to the initiative, the original anthem for the programme was performed by students from the Shankar Mahadevan Academy.
Speaking at the event, Dr. L. Murugan, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India said, “Rooted in India’s rich tradition of storytelling, our creators today have the opportunity to take Indian stories to global audiences, supported by the Government’s efforts to strengthen intellectual property frameworks and enable a future-ready creative ecosystem. Guided by the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this is the right time to create in India and create for the world, with content, creativity and culture emerging as key pillars of the Bharat economy. As storytelling enters a new era shaped by creators and emerging technologies, initiatives like Inspiring Innovators highlight how creativity can be applied in service of society. I commend Netflix for its continued commitment to meaningful storytelling in India, and the innovators who exemplify this spirit as we collectively move towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.”
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said, “Inspiring Innovators was designed to highlight innovation with social relevance while also strengthening skills and knowledge pathways. By bringing together start-ups and students through a creative process, and with skilling support enabled through the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity and industry mentorship, the programme reflects a holistic approach to building India’s innovation ecosystem, connecting policy intent with talent development and real-world application.”
Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, added, “India is witnessing remarkable innovation, often driven by social innovators solving everyday challenges through impactful, purpose-led solutions. As Netflix marks a decade in India, Inspiring Innovators stands out as a powerful example of how storytelling can evolve beyond content creation into a meaningful skilling and empowerment platform, reflecting the confidence and professionalism of young talent across the country. This is truly the age of creators and storytelling, and as we enter an era shaped by AI-led narratives, it is vital to embrace newer technologies that will enable growth and progress for the next generation. It is encouraging to see India’s relevant, purpose-driven stories being taken to audiences far and wide.”
Mahima Kaul, Director, Global Affairs, Netflix India, commented, “At Netflix, we are committed to the skilling and upskilling of India’s young and vibrant creative ecosystem. Inspiring Innovators reflects a shared commitment to recognising innovation that delivers real social value. By combining storytelling with hands-on skilling, the initiative brings together government, industry, and young creators to showcase ideas shaping India’s innovation ecosystem in a meaningful and inclusive way.”
The culmination ceremony featured a screening of all eight films, a live anthem performance by students of the Shankar Mahadevan Academy, and addresses by senior representatives from government and partner organisations. Inspiring Innovators – Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Pehchaaan reinforces the role of storytelling, skilling and start-ups in strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem. The eight films are available for viewing on Netflix India’s YouTube channel.
