New Delhi, Nov 12: Startups operating in India’s film, media and emerging entertainment technology sectors have just one more day to secure an opportunity to showcase their innovations on an international platform, as registration for the WaveX Startup Pavilion at WAVES Bazaar closes on November 13, 2026.
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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a final call to eligible startups to complete their applications and book exhibition pods ahead of the deadline. The pavilion will be organised alongside the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, offering emerging businesses an opportunity to present their technologies and connect with key players in the global media and entertainment industry.
Through its flagship startup accelerator initiative, WaveX, the Ministry is inviting startups registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to participate. Eligible applicants must be working in film, media or allied technology segments, particularly Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR).
Global exposure and business opportunities for startups
The WaveX Startup Pavilion is designed to provide a platform for innovative startups to demonstrate their products, technologies and solutions at WAVES Bazaar, which is expected to serve as a major networking destination during the festival.
Participation will offer startups opportunities to interact with domestic and international filmmakers, production houses, studios, investors and other industry stakeholders. These engagements could help emerging ventures explore business partnerships, investment opportunities, industry collaborations and access to wider markets.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between emerging technology-driven enterprises and established players in the rapidly evolving media and entertainment sector.
Who can apply and how to register?
Registration is exclusively open to DPIIT-recognised startups operating in film, media and allied technology sectors. Applications will be assessed and shortlisted by a selection committee constituted by WaveX.
Interested startups must complete their registration and book exhibition pods through the official portal, wavex.wavesbazaar.com, by November 13, 2026. With the deadline approaching, eligible ventures have been encouraged to complete the application process without delay.
IFFI Goa 2026: Dates to remember
The 57th International Film Festival of India will take place in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2026. The WAVES Bazaar startup showcase, featuring the WaveX Startup Pavilion, will run from November 20 to 24.
WaveX: Driving innovation in India’s media and entertainment sector
WaveX is the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s dedicated startup accelerator programme, aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation and technological advancement across India’s Media and Entertainment and AVGC-XR ecosystem.
The initiative seeks to create opportunities for technology-led startups to develop solutions, access industry networks and contribute to the growth of India’s creative economy.
Meanwhile, IFFI remains one of Asia’s prominent international film festivals, bringing together filmmakers, cinema professionals and enthusiasts from India and abroad. Alongside celebrating cinematic excellence, the festival provides an important platform for creative exchange and international collaboration.
With the WaveX Startup Pavilion, the 2026 edition is also set to offer emerging media technology ventures an opportunity to move beyond innovation and explore real-world industry connections.