DPIIT and WinZO join forces to boost India's gaming sector

In a groundbreaking move to elevate India’s position in the global gaming industry, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has partnered with WinZO, India’s leading social gaming and interactive entertainment platform. The two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to drive innovation, foster skilled talent, and scale startups, solidifying India’s role in the $300 billion global gaming market.

This first-of-its-kind initiative will cultivate a dynamic ecosystem of over 2,000 startups, innovators, and students. By offering mentorship, industry insights, and global opportunities, the partnership aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, advancing India’s leadership in interactive entertainment and gaming technologies.

A cornerstone of the collaboration is the establishment of a Center of Excellence (CoE) by WinZO, in partnership with DPIIT. The CoE will serve as a launchpad for startups, focusing on talent development, monetization strategies, and creating ‘Made in India’ intellectual property for global markets. It will also address critical challenges such as talent gaps and monetization while attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and promoting local manufacturing of interactive technology products.

According to a USISPF report, India’s interactive entertainment sector is projected to reach $60 billion by 2034, generating over 2 million jobs. The DPIIT-WinZO partnership will unlock this potential through initiatives like hackathons, accelerator programs, and pitch events.

WinZO’s flagship Tech Triumph Program (Bharat Edition) will also be scaled up under this collaboration. This platform has already highlighted Indian gaming talent at global events such as the Game Developers Conference (GDC) and Gamescom LATAM. With DPIIT’s support, the program will identify and mentor India’s top game developers, further enhancing their global impact.

Speaking about the initiative, Shri Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, stated, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in transforming India into a producer and exporter of world-class gaming products. By fostering innovation, promoting entrepreneurship, and empowering startups, we aim to position India as a global leader in interactive technology.”

Dr. Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, Director of Startup India, emphasized the importance of nurturing a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurs. “Through resources, mentorship, and global exposure, we are not just supporting startups but building a robust pipeline of talent and innovation that will establish India as a frontrunner in the global gaming industry,” he said.

The CoE will offer access to WinZO’s $50 million fund for interactive entertainment ventures, mentorship from industry leaders, and direct connections with investors. It will also address the talent gap by equipping professionals with advanced skills in coding, animation, game design, and development.

Saumya Singh Rathore, Co-Founder of WinZO, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “We are honoured to collaborate with DPIIT in creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation and positions Indian gaming products on the global stage. Inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India, this initiative will drive FDI, nurture talent, and create future-ready intellectual property, heralding a new era of interactive entertainment,” she said.

The DPIIT-WinZO partnership sets the stage for India’s emergence as a global hub for gaming and interactive entertainment, paving the way for unprecedented growth and innovation in the industry.