New Delhi

In a major boost to India’s creative and digital economy, HKI Media has partnered with the Chief Minister Yuva Udyami Yojana (CM YUVA Mission) to establish 500 AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality) media studios across Uttar Pradesh.

The initiative aims to empower young entrepreneurs and creators by integrating government-backed financial support with industry-led infrastructure and a technology-driven talent ecosystem. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the curtain-raiser event of the CM Yuva Invincible Bharat 5.0 Yatra in Lucknow.

The Chief Minister Yuva Udyami Yojana is designed to promote self-employment by offering collateral-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh with flexible repayment options. The scheme focuses on linking Uttar Pradesh’s youth with future-ready industries, with AVGC-XR identified as a key growth sector.

Under the collaboration, HKI Media will facilitate the establishment of 500 professional AVGC-XR studios across the state. The support will include brand association, end-to-end studio setup guidance, structured operational processes, and marketing and business development assistance.

Several leading organisations signed MoUs at the event to support the CM Yuva Mission, including HKI Media, PC Jewellers, Paytm, Drone Planet, DeHaat and Philips Education, reflecting growing industry confidence in the initiative.

The studios will be supported by GigMedia, a digital platform enabling talent discovery, hiring and project access. Through the GigMedia app, studio owners will gain access to verified creative professionals, real client projects, a trained workforce and a transparent hiring ecosystem.

As part of the mission, the Invincible Bharat 5.0 – Uttar Pradesh Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Yatra will be launched in January for 90 days, covering 25 districts across the state to identify beneficiaries and ensure effective on-ground implementation.

The initiative positions AVGC-XR studios as sustainable businesses rather than job placements. With government-supported loans, assured work opportunities through GigMedia and HKI Media’s industry expertise, the programme aims to create long-term entrepreneurial growth while contributing to India’s rapidly expanding media and creative economy.