IB, IEIC, and WinZO Launch the Tech Triumph Season 3

NEW DELHI:
The Tech Triumph Program (TTP), has been launched by the Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC) in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) & WinZO Games as part of the Create in India Challenge Season – 1. In the run-up to the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), this Challenge will identify, recognize, and showcase India’s gaming talent for the first time at the international platform of WAVES.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during his 114th of the Mann Ki Baat address, motivated the content creator economy of India to participate in these challenges. During the same address and 115th Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister emphasised the rapidly changing nature of jobs and the growing opportunities in creative sectors such as gaming. During his Independence Day Speech, he also called upon India’s gaming talent to produce games in India for the global gaming audience. This direction given by the PM forms the basis of the TTP. The global gaming market is currently a staggering USD 300 bn opportunity and as per recent reports, India could become USD 60 bn gaming market by 2034 from USD 3.1 bn currently. TTP initiative aims to create new-age opportunities by propelling India’s gaming industry to capture a greater share of the global gaming market by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and export-ready technology and IP. Select game developers and tech innovators will showcase their talents at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025 in San Francisco from March 17th to 21st, and later at WAVES in India.

The TTP empowers India’s gaming startups through investment, mentorship, and global exposure. Selected participants will receive an opportunity to showcase their games to a global audience and network with the best global gaming talent and investors through fully sponsored event access, exhibition space, airfare, and a platform to present their work internationally. This season, the competition is open to gaming studios, developers, and esports organizations working across PC, mobile, and console platforms, as well as startups in payments, security, engagement, monetization, and other gaming support solutions. The challenge is open to domestic as well as international participants and the application dates have been extended to February 20, 2025. Selected students from diverse backgrounds will also gain access to mentorship and funding to turn innovative ideas into impactful projects.

The selection process involves three key stages. The participants are invited to submit their entries for initial evaluation. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to a final evaluation round, where they will present their concepts to a panel of experts. The winners will then receive guidance from a team of mentors to prepare for their international showcases, ensuring their concepts are well-represented on the global stage.

Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of MIB, said, “The Tech Triumph Programme (TTP) is a part of India’s movement to propel the country’s gaming and tech innovations onto the world stage. WAVES and TTP share a common mission: to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth within India’s AVGC-XR ecosystem. The TTP, part of Create in India Challenges Season 1, is expected to provide emerging startups with vital resources and a global stage to accelerate their growth. Through such programs, we intend to elevate India’s gaming industry to new heights and provide opportunities to the creative potential of our youth.”

Abhishek Malhotra, Advisor of IEIC, said, “The program exemplifies India’s growing strength in the gaming ecosystem, and it has become a powerful platform to nurture talent and elevate it to global standards. This program is not only about showcasing India’s capabilities but also about preparing our innovators with the insights, connections, and opportunities they need to compete internationally. Season 3 is set to be our most impactful edition of TTP yet, as we’ve expanded resources for participants, including funding, enhanced mentorship and tools, to empower them to innovate and bring real value to the global gaming ecosystem.”

Paavan Nanda, Co-founder of WinZO, said, “The TTP stands at the intersection of innovation and ambition. Our vision at WinZO is to see Indian gaming startups compete and win on a global scale, and this program embodies that goal. We are committed to nurturing local talent by providing them with opportunities to access funding, cutting-edge resources, and global platforms, allowing them to transform their ideas into successful ventures. As India progresses toward becoming a leader in digital gaming, this program reflects the ‘Create in India for the World’ philosophy, setting the foundation for an industry that’s both resilient and globally impactful. We are proud to collaborate with IEIC and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to make this vision a reality and take India’s digital ecosystem to new heights through initiatives such as WAVES.”

In past editions TTP the winners have showcased their games at prestigious events like GDC 2024, Gamescom in Germany and Brazil, and the Brazil Gaming Show, with guidance from distinguished leaders across industry and government. Past editions have seen distinguished industry and government leaders, including former Secretary to the Government of India Rohit Kumar Singh, Ambassador to Brazil Suresh K Reddy, Info Edge co-founder Sanjeev Bhikchandani, and Kalaari Capital Managing Director Rajesh Raju, serve as judges and mentors, offering invaluable expertise to participants. With the third season of the TTP, India’s gaming ecosystem is set to make a lasting impact on the international stage, advancing the nation’s ambitions for a dynamic and globally recognized ‘Made in India’ tech industry.

This initiative aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global powerhouse in gaming technology and intellectual property, bolstered by the growth of India’s AVGC and XR sectors, which now contribute significantly to the economy. According to a FICCI-EY report, digital and online gaming grew the most within the Indian media sector.