DPIIT and WinZO Collaborate to Foster Growth for 2,000+ Startups in India’s Gaming Sector

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | November 27, 2024 | News

DPIIT WinZO

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WinZO, a leading social gaming and interactive entertainment platform, to support India’s growing gaming industry. This partnership will focus on fostering a strong ecosystem for startups, innovators, and students, offering mentorship, industry insights, and access to global opportunities.

The collaboration is aligned with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and aims to prepare India to play a more prominent role in the global gaming and interactive entertainment market, projected to reach $300 billion globally.

Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv Singh, said, “The MoU will address talent gaps by equipping professionals with skills in coding, animation, game design, and development. It also aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the gaming sector. This partnership is a practical step towards supporting startups, promoting skill development, and building an ecosystem that supports sustainable growth in the gaming sector.”

A recent US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) report estimates India’s interactive entertainment sector will grow to $60 billion by 2034, creating over 2 million jobs. To support this growth, the DPIIT-WinZO partnership will organize hackathons, workshops, and accelerator programs, helping startups and professionals advance their capabilities and compete on a global scale.

Key Components of the Initiative

- Center of Excellence (CoE): WinZO, in collaboration with DPIIT, will establish a Center of Excellence to assist startups and entrepreneurs in addressing key challenges such as monetization, workforce development, and creating Indian intellectual property for global markets.

- Upskilling and Training: The collaboration will focus on developing a skilled workforce, ready to meet industry demands and global standards.

- Expanding the Tech Triumph Program: WinZO’s existing program will now scale with DPIIT’s support to identify and mentor game developers, providing them with opportunities to showcase their work at international forums like the Game Developers Conference (GDC) and Gamescom LATAM.

WinZO’s Co-founder and CEO, Paavan Nanda, commented, “We look forward to working closely with DPIIT to develop the necessary infrastructure and resources to empower India’s gaming community.”

The MoU, spanning two years, will enable collaborative efforts to build an inclusive gaming ecosystem, supporting innovation, job creation, and the development of globally competitive products.