In a much-anticipated gathering of the Animation, Visual Effects, Games & Comics (AVGC) industry, Bengaluru GAFX is slated to take place from January 29 to 31, 2024, at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru. Organized by the Ministry of ITBT, Karnataka, and ABAI, the event aims to foster knowledge exchange and propel the AVGC sector into a new era.

The focal theme of Bengaluru GAFX 2024 is “Augmented Intelligence: Powering AVGC,” bringing together industry leaders, academia, and government officials on a common platform. Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics, Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Govt. of Karnataka, emphasized the state’s commitment to being a global epicenter for AVGC skills development.

Karnataka, recognized for its role in formulating India’s 1st AVGC policy, seeks to solidify its leadership in the rapidly growing sector. Biren Ghose, ABAI President & Country Head Technicolor India said, “The sessions at Bengaluru GAFX 2024 shall celebrate the enormous successes of the past year and identify new vistas of growth and opportunity for the holistic growth & development of AVGC in India. Packed with multiple conference tracks, masterclasses, student competitions, e-Sports competition arena, B2B networking sessions, an exhibition track and much more, Bengaluru GAFX is a must-attend event for anyone involved with imagery, animation and simulation and with the new tech in the audio-visual space has applications in several new areas. Above all ABAI members have helped build an ecosystem taking India’s prowess in storytelling and entertainment to become a recognized “soft power” from India to the world”.

Bengaluru, hosting global giants like Walt Disney Animation, Netflix, and Electronic Arts, has become a hub for creative technology activities. Past editions of Bengaluru GAFX drew over 4,500 attendees and featured renowned speakers from companies such as Epic Games, Rockstar Games, and The Mill.

Aligning strategically with the launch of the Karnataka AVGC-XR Policy 3.0 (2023-28), Bengaluru GAFX aims to shape the future of the industry. The state’s commitment to the talent is evident in its 300 specialized AVGC studios, a workforce exceeding 15,000, and educational initiatives like Digital Art Centers and an AVGC Finishing School.

The visionary AVGC-XR policy seeks to position Karnataka as a global innovation leader, generating 30,000 jobs and promoting sustainability within the AVGC industry. With strategic pillars spanning skill development to global market access, the policy mirrors the core discussions expected at Bengaluru GAFX.

As Bengaluru GAFX 2024 gears up, it promises a stellar lineup of speakers, including industry veterans and thought leaders with multiple prestigious awards. The event is expected to catalyze discussions on the future roadmap of the AVGC sector, making it a pivotal moment for Karnataka and beyond.