WAVES Corner to Host 51 Startups Showcasing AI Innovations

At the India AI Impact Expo 2026 underway at Bharat Mandapam, a major showcase of artificial intelligence innovations is drawing attention as 51 startups from India’s AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality) and media tech sectors present their latest AI-driven technologies at the WAVES Creators Corner. The exhibition, powered by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, runs from February 16 to 20, 2026, and highlights the rapidly growing role of AI in creative industries.

The participating startups are showing a wide variety of tools and platforms that leverage AI to transform content creation and audience engagement across multiple media formats. Among the innovations on display are zero-touch autonomous newsrooms, multilingual dubbing systems with AI sign language avatars, interactive storytelling platforms, AI podcast studios, voice cloning technologies, and even conversational humanoid robots designed for entertainment and user interaction.

This year’s pavilion also includes curated panels, masterclasses, and thematic sessions that explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping media and entertainment workflows. A standout feature is a masterclass by acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, focusing on AI-powered storytelling and the evolving relationship between technology and cinematic narrative. The pavilion’s programming further delves into responsible AI frameworks, gaming innovation, content monetisation, and multilingual voice technologies.

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In addition to startup showcases and expert sessions, the ministry has partnered with Adobe to present Kathavatar, a curated series of AI-enabled short films inspired by Indian folklore. These films — including Language of Birds, Migoi, Uttarayan, The Barber’s Secret, and Yappasauras — are being screened at the summit’s AI Theatre, spotlighting how generative AI can be used creatively within cultural and narrative contexts.

Support from WaveX, a platform under the WAVES initiative, has played a central role in enabling startups to participate in the showcase, providing them with access to national platforms, industry networks, investors, and global audiences. Organisers say this exposure is critical to strengthening India’s creative-tech ecosystem and positioning domestic innovators on the international stage.

Officials and industry observers have described the WAVES Creators Corner as a vital conduit for connecting emerging technologies with broader market opportunities. By spotlighting India’s creative AI innovations alongside high-level dialogue and collaborative initiatives, the expo aims to underscore the country’s ambition to lead in both technological development and cultural expression through artificial intelligence.a

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