India Showcases Cutting-Edge Creative-Tech Innovation and AVGC-XR Capabilities at EFM Innovation Hub 2026

By Pickle February 14, 2026

India’s presence at Berlinale EFM 2026 stands out for its strong blend of storytelling excellence and innovation-led participation. A major highlight is the participation of nine Indian filmmakers, who are actively engaging with international producers, sales agents, distributors, and festival programmers. Their presence reflects India’s growing integration into global co-production networks and the rising international appetite for Indian stories across languages and genres. Through structured market meetings and project discussions, these filmmakers are exploring partnerships that extend beyond traditional film trade, into cross-border collaboration and long-term creative alliances.

Equally significant is the participation of a delegation of four emerging start-ups representing India’s rapidly expanding media-tech and creative-tech sectors. These companies bring forward solutions that intersect storytelling, technology, and digital production, demonstrating how India’s creative economy is increasingly being shaped by innovation. Their presence at EFM signals India’s transition from being seen solely as a major content-producing nation to being recognized as a hub for technological advancement in the global entertainment ecosystem.

The delegation also includes two winners of the Create in India Challenge (CIC), spotlighting breakthrough ideas and young creative entrepreneurs whose work embodies the spirit of innovation-driven storytelling.

Their participation highlights the country’s emphasis on nurturing new talent and providing global exposure to emerging voices. A cultural delegation from Maharashtra is also present, showcasing the state’s commitment to supporting filmmakers through favorable policies, funding options, and an array of resources for film productions, while reinforcing Maharashtra’s position as a major player on the global film map. Delhi’s delegation is here to promote the Delhi International Film Festival, highlight special filming incentives and clearance processes, and showcase the city’s exquisite shooting locations to a global audience.

During interactions at the Pavilion, NFDC management also spoke about India’s upcoming flagship festivals, including the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026, scheduled for June 2026, and the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held annually from 20th to 28th November. These festivals were positioned as key global platforms for cinematic exchange, co-production, and market engagement, inviting greater international participation and collaboration.

Bharat Pavilion unites creative stakeholders

Organized by NFDC, the Bharat Pavilion serves as a dynamic meeting point for the international industry. Throughout the market, the Pavilion is hosting business meetings, co-production discussions, networking interactions, and industry dialogues, while also promoting India as a compelling filming destination and collaborative content partner. It acts as a central space where filmmakers, producers, technology innovators, cultural representatives, and global stakeholders converge to explore partnerships.

A key dimension of India’s participation this year is its presence at the EFM Innovation Hub, where four Indian tech start-ups are presenting cutting-edge tools and platforms that address emerging needs in immersive storytelling, digital production, and media ecosystems. Their engagement highlights India’s growing footprint in the AVGC-XR and creative innovation space, demonstrating how technological entrepreneurship is becoming integral to the future of storytelling. This reflects a broader national focus on supporting start-ups and fostering innovation across the creative industries.

India’s structured and forward-looking participation at EFM 2026 reflects a clear strategic vision to position the country as a global leader not only in content creation but also in creative entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and innovation-driven growth. By bringing together filmmakers, start-ups, cultural institutions, and international industry leaders, the Bharat Pavilion stands as a symbol of India’s expanding engagement with the global film and media landscape. As EFM continues, the Bharat Pavilion remains a vibrant hub of activity, dialogue, and collaboration, strengthening India’s connections with the international film community and reinforcing its role in shaping the future of global entertainment.