EFlag Corp is set to host Gen O – Pixels & Play, a four-day international festival celebrating creativity, technology, and youth innovation from March 19–22, 2026 at MMRDA Grounds, BKC.
The event is supported by the Government of Maharashtra, with Maharashtra Tourism as the Title Sponsor, the initiative is part of the “India Maha India” campaign. The festival will bring together creators, innovators, startups, cultural practitioners, and delegates from over 23 countries, positioning Mumbai at the forefront of global discussions around the Orange Economy and the AVGC sector.
The event will be inaugurated by Devendra Fadnavis, alongside Shamburaj Desai and Uday Samant, in the presence of global participants and industry leaders.
Maharashtra continues to strengthen its position as a hub for media, entertainment, and digital content, with Mumbai playing a central role in India’s creative ecosystem. The state is actively promoting animation, visual effects, gaming, and immersive media through policy support, infrastructure, and skill development initiatives.
Gen O – Pixels & Play has been designed as a comprehensive platform for the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics) ecosystem. It will feature immersive media, gaming, digital storytelling, creator-led culture, and emerging technologies.
A key highlight of the festival will be an international esports championship, featuring national teams from 23 countries across six regions, showcasing the growing global significance of competitive gaming.
The initiative aligns with broader national efforts such as the WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit), introduced by the Government of India under the vision of Narendra Modi to position India as a global leader in media and digital industries.
According to industry estimates, India’s AVGC sector could exceed $26 billion by the end of the decade, with a projected demand for nearly two million skilled professionals by 2030.
Over four days, the festival will feature:
- Live cultural performances and artistic showcases
- AVGC-XR innovation and technology demonstrations
- Startup and creator ecosystem engagements
- Artisan showcases celebrating Maharashtra’s heritage
- Youth-focused initiatives exploring careers in creative industries
The event is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors daily, including creators, developers, students, entrepreneurs, and international delegates.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, said, “Maharashtra has always been a centre of creativity, enterprise and cultural influence. As technology reshapes the global creative industries, platforms like Gen O bring together innovation, talent and international collaboration. Mumbai already stands at the heart of India’s media and entertainment ecosystem, and initiatives like this will further strengthen our position as a global hub for the AVGC and digital creative economy while opening new opportunities for young creators and startups.”
Shripad Ashtekar, Founder, EFlag Corp said, “India’s creative and digital sectors are entering a defining decade. The Orange Awards recognise the emerging creators, innovators and entrepreneurs shaping the future of the Orange Economy, and aim to inspire the next generation of talent across India’s creative and technology ecosystem.”
With participation from across the globe, Gen O – Pixels & Play aims to establish Mumbai as a key international destination for creativity, technology, and digital culture, further strengthening Maharashtra’s role in the global creative economy.
