Netflix and IICT fund 100 AVGC scholarships

The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) and Netflix have announced scholarships for 100 students and working professionals, covering up to 80% of course fees for six programmes in animation, VFX, gaming, and related creative technologies. This initiative is part of the Netflix India Storytelling Initiative, launched after a meeting between PM Modi and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. The scholarships aim to build India's creative talent pipeline in the AVGC-XR sector, with curriculum inputs from Netflix to align with global industry standards. Applications are open to candidates across India, with courses offered at IICT's Mumbai campus. Key signal: Netflix and IICT are offering scholarships to 100 students and working professionals with up to 80% financial support for AVGC courses. For hiring leaders, this signals a strategic investment in India's creative technology workforce, potentially expanding the talent pool for animation, VFX, and gaming roles. As GCCs and product companies increasingly incorporate immersive media and digital content, the availability of skilled AVGC professionals becomes critical. This initiative could also influence hiring strategies, as graduates may bring industry-aligned skills, reducing onboarding time. Additionally, it highlights a growing public-private partnership trend in skill development, which HR leaders should monitor for future talent pipelines. Teksands view: This is a smart move by Netflix to shape the talent supply chain in India's creative tech space. For hiring managers, it's a signal that AVGC skills are becoming more structured and industry-aligned. While the immediate impact is limited to 100 scholarships, the curriculum co-designed with Netflix could set a benchmark for other companies. Expect a gradual increase in candidates with specialized creative tech skills, but don't expect a flood—this is a niche area. Keep an eye on IICT's expansion and similar partnerships to gauge future talent availability.