KarToonz 2026 was successfully held with the active participation of almost 120 students, aspiring creators, and industry enthusiasts, who were eager to learn about the opportunities in the quickly developing AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) industry.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. B. Ashok, IAS, who spoke in his inauguration speech about the huge potential of Indian creative industries and inspired students to choose innovation, digital creativity, and new technologies as their future career paths.
As a part of a career-oriented learning session, KarToonz 2026 held three industry talks for the participants. Arun Sasi introduced participants to the fundamentals of animation and visual storytelling, Ajay Kumar Srinivasan explored the expanding world of gaming, esports, and future career opportunities in the AVGC-XR ecosystem, while Meghana Tirumalasetty shared valuable perspectives on creativity, industry expectations, and building successful careers in the digital content space.
A defining highlight of KarToonz 2026 was the introduction of Kerala’s Human-First Digital Twin, an AI-powered digital companion designed to enhance teaching and learning by supporting academicians and learning specialists. Developed through a collaboration between Praxis USA and Risaya Academy, the Digital Twin demonstrated how intelligent, real-time technology can transform education, making KarToonz a landmark event that showcased the future of AI-driven learning and innovation in Kerala.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive discussions, career guidance sessions, and real-world industry insights that showcased how animation, game development, VFX, AI, and immersive technologies are shaping the future of the creative economy. The sessions encouraged students to think beyond conventional career paths and discover opportunities within India’s rapidly growing Orange Economy.
With inspiring keynote sessions, hands-on demonstrations, meaningful networking, and enthusiastic participation, KarToonz 2026 successfully fulfilled its vision of connecting aspiring creators with industry experts.