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Bengaluru GAFX 2026: Asia's Largest AVGC-XR Conference Set for February

The Karnataka government has announced the 7th edition of Bengaluru GAFX 2026, set to be Asia's largest annual conference for animation, visual effects, gaming, and immersive content. The event, themed 'Evolution Reloaded', will be held from February 27 to March 1 at Hotel Lalit Ashok in Bengaluru. State Minister Priyank Kharge stated the conference aims to position Karnataka as a global hub for creative technology and next-generation storytelling. The initiative is backed by Karnataka's AVGC-XR Policy and reflects the state's significant contribution to India's media and entertainment industry.

Key Points: Bengaluru GAFX 2026: Asia's Top AVGC-XR Conference Announced

  • Asia's largest AVGC-XR conference
  • Focus on tech-creativity convergence
  • Part of Karnataka's AVGC-XR Policy push
  • Aims to boost global partnerships & industry growth
2 min read

Karnataka govt announces Bengaluru GAFX 2026, Asia's largest conference on animation, visual effects

Karnataka govt announces Bengaluru GAFX 2026, Asia's largest animation, VFX, gaming & XR conference from Feb 27-Mar 1.

"GAFX embodies our ambition to position Karnataka as a global hub for creative technology - Priyank Kharge"

Bengaluru, Feb 2

The Karnataka government, in association with the Association of Bangalore Animation Industry and Startup Karnataka, on Monday announced the 7th edition of Bengaluru GAFX 2026, Asia's largest annual conference and exhibition for animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, XR, and immersive and interactive content.

Scheduled to be held from February 27 to March 1 at Hotel Lalit Ashok in Bengaluru, the event will bring together creators, studios, technologists, investors, and industry leaders from across the global media and entertainment ecosystem.

In his remarks at the curtain raiser event, state Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science and Technology Minister Priyank Kharge said: "For over a decade, Bengaluru GAFX has been a key catalyst for India's AVGC sector-bringing together talent, technology, policy and global opportunity on a single platform."

"'Evolution Reloaded' reflects Karnataka's belief that the next phase of AVGC growth will be driven by the convergence of deep technology and human creativity. GAFX embodies our ambition to position Karnataka as a global hub for creative technology and next-generation storytelling," he added.

Electronics, IT, BT and Science and Technology Secretary Dr Manjula N. said: "Bengaluru GAFX reflects Karnataka's long-term commitment to building a future-ready AVGC ecosystem across the entire value chain-from skilling and infrastructure to startups and global market access. Through focused initiatives such as the AVGC-XR Policy and the Centre of Excellence, we are translating policy intent into measurable industry impact and global partnerships."

ABAI President Biren Ghose said: "Bengaluru GAFX, in partnership with the Government of Karnataka, has reshaped how the world values India's creative talent. 'Evolution Reloaded' is our declaration that the future of storytelling belongs to humans who can command new intelligence, including AI. GAFX is where that future takes shape."

Karnataka is at the forefront of India's 'Orange Economy', where creativity, culture and cutting-edge technology converge. Backed by Bengaluru's deep talent pool in digital content, gaming, VFX, XR, AI and real-time technologies, the state contributes close to 20 per cent of the country's media and entertainment industry, with 300-plus AVGC-XR studios and a workforce of around 15,000 professionals, supported by a strong freelance and gig ecosystem, he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone working in a small animation studio here, this kind of government support is crucial. The AVGC-XR Policy and Centre of Excellence mentioned are steps in the right direction. Hope it translates to more stable projects and better pay for artists on the ground.
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Rohit P
Great initiative, but I hope they also focus on improving basic infrastructure. Bengaluru's traffic and logistics during such mega-events are a nightmare. The vision is global, but the execution needs local fixes first.
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Sarah B
Working in the gaming industry here, it's exciting to see Karnataka leading the charge. "Evolution Reloaded" focusing on AI and human creativity is spot on. This will attract serious international investment and collaboration.
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Vikram M
Proud moment for Karnataka and India! Our talent is world-class, and platforms like GAFX give them the global stage they deserve. From Chhota Bheem to Oscar-winning VFX, the journey continues. Jai Hind!
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Karthik V
Hope this isn't just another talk shop. The article says 15,000 professionals, but the demand is for ten times that. Need concrete outcomes: more industry-academia partnerships, standardized courses across states, and easier funding for startups.
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Ananya R

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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