The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting have collaborated with Netflix on Inspiring Innovators – Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Pehchaaan, a skilling initiative focused on storytelling and innovation. The programme has been implemented in partnership with Graphiti Studios and marked its culmination on 14 January at a national-level event.
The initiative has showcased the work of eight Indian start-ups identified by the Office of the PSA for their contribution to social-impact innovation. These start-ups have been featured through eight short animated films created by students from eight universities across India, including the National Institute of Design, Chitkara University and the Satyajit Ray Institute of Film and Television. The voiceovers for the films have been recorded by participants from Voicebox, a skilling initiative by Netflix in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation.
The programme has been designed under the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity and has provided hands-on creative experience to 26 students from different parts of the country. Fifty per cent of the participants have been women, with several students coming from Tier-2 cities. The students have been mentored by experts from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, and Graphiti Studios, and have gained exposure to real-world industry processes.
The initiative has also included an original anthem, which has been performed by students from the Shankar Mahadevan Academy. The culmination event has featured a screening of all eight films, the anthem performance, and addresses by representatives from government and partner organisations.
Dr. L. Murugan, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India said, “Rooted in India’s rich tradition of storytelling, our creators today have the opportunity to take Indian stories to global audiences, supported by the Government’s efforts to strengthen intellectual property frameworks and enable a future-ready creative ecosystem. Guided by the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this is the right time to create in India and create for the world, with content, creativity and culture emerging as key pillars of the Bharat economy. As storytelling enters a new era shaped by creators and emerging technologies, initiatives like Inspiring Innovators highlight how creativity can be applied in service of society. I commend Netflix for its continued commitment to meaningful storytelling in India, and the innovators who exemplify this spirit as we collectively move towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.”
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said, “Inspiring Innovators was designed to highlight innovation with social relevance while also strengthening skills and knowledge pathways. By bringing together start-ups and students through a creative process, and with skilling support enabled through the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity and industry mentorship, the programme reflects a holistic approach to building India’s innovation ecosystem, connecting policy intent with talent development and real-world application.”
Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, said, “India is witnessing remarkable innovation, often driven by social innovators solving everyday challenges through impactful, purpose-led solutions. As Netflix marks a decade in India, Inspiring Innovators stands out as a powerful example of how storytelling can evolve beyond content creation into a meaningful skilling and empowerment platform, reflecting the confidence and professionalism of young talent across the country. This is truly the age of creators and storytelling, and as we enter an era shaped by AI-led narratives, it is vital to embrace newer technologies that will enable growth and progress for the next generation. It is encouraging to see India’s relevant, purpose-driven stories being taken to audiences far and wide.”
Mahima Kaul, Director, Global Affairs, Netflix India, commented, “At Netflix, we are committed to the skilling and upskilling of India’s young and vibrant creative ecosystem. Inspiring Innovators reflects a shared commitment to recognising innovation that delivers real social value. By combining storytelling with hands-on skilling, the initiative brings together government, industry, and young creators to showcase ideas shaping India’s innovation ecosystem in a meaningful and inclusive way.”
