The Karnataka government, in collaboration with the Association of Bangalore Animation Industry (ABAI) and Startup Karnataka, revealed the 7th edition of Bengaluru GAFX 2026, which is recognized as Asia’s largest annual conference and exhibition focusing on animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, XR, and immersive content. Scheduled to take place from February 27 to March 1 at Hotel Lalit Ashok in Bengaluru, the event aims to unite creators, studios, technologists, investors, and industry leaders from the global media and entertainment sector.
During the curtain raiser event, state Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science and Technology Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized the significant role Bengaluru GAFX has played in fostering India’s AVGC sector over the past decade. He highlighted the event’s role in bringing together talent, technology, policy, and global opportunities on a unified platform.
Dr. Manjula N., the Electronics, IT, BT and Science and Technology Secretary, expressed that Bengaluru GAFX mirrors Karnataka’s enduring commitment to developing a future-ready AVGC ecosystem across all value chain aspects. Through initiatives like the AVGC-XR Policy and the Centre of Excellence, Karnataka aims to translate policy objectives into tangible industry outcomes and global collaborations.
Biren Ghose, President of ABAI, stated that Bengaluru GAFX, in collaboration with the Government of Karnataka, has reshaped the global perception of India’s creative talent. He emphasized that ‘Evolution Reloaded’ signifies the belief that the future of storytelling will be shaped by individuals who can leverage new intelligence, including AI. GAFX stands as the platform where this future narrative unfolds.
Karnataka stands at the forefront of India’s ‘Orange Economy’, where creativity, culture, and advanced technology intersect. With a rich talent pool in digital content, gaming, VFX, XR, AI, and real-time technologies in Bengaluru, the state contributes significantly to the country’s media and entertainment industry, housing over 300 AVGC-XR studios and a workforce of approximately 15,000 professionals, supported by a robust freelance and gig ecosystem.
