MAAC concludes its AI Tech Mahotsav 2026 showcasing insights from industry stalwarts, powering the next-gen of India’s creative talent pipelines

With expert sessions on advancements in film technology and creative careers, MAAC showcased how industry-aligned learning is shaping future-ready professionals 
Chandigarh, May 5, 2026: MAAC (Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity), a premier institute and pioneer in high-end 3D animation, VFX, gaming, digital content creation, and multimedia training, and a brand of Aptech Limited, has successfully concluded the tri-city edition of its MAAC AI Tech Mahotsav 2026 held  at Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh. The event brought together numerous students, prospects, and industry experts for a focused day of learning, mentorship, and inspiration aligned with India’s rapidly evolving AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) and content creation sectors.
The tech Mahotsav builds on the MAAC’s strong 25+ years legacy of engaging and training aspiring creators and creative professionals. The expert speakers at AI Tech Mahotsav 2026 shared industry-relevant insights and emerging trends that are shaping the future of creative careers in media and entertainment. The format blended discussions, keynote sessions, new launches, and student recognition to bridge the gap between academic training and industry readiness. It was attended by 800+ students from Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali and regions from nearby states like Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director and Chief Business Officer, Aptech Limited, and Abir Aich, Executive Vice President, New Initiatives & Technologies also graced the occasion alongside a range of other chief guests.
After the AI Tech Mahotsav 2026 Mr. Sandip Weling, Abir Aich, and Varun Roy, Business Partner & Centre Director, MAAC Chandigarh & Mohali addressed a press conference where they shared details about the concept of MAAC - AI Tech Mahautsav and made an announcement about the unveiling of MAAC's newest centre in Mohali.
Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director and Chief Business Officer, Global Retail Business, Aptech Limited, said: "The AVGC sector is witnessing strong growth, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality digital content across films, gaming, advertising, and emerging immersive platforms. At MAAC, our focus goes beyond technical training- we aim to nurture creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and industry adaptability among students. MAAC serves as an important coach for learners to gain exposure to evolving technologies, global production standards, and real-world workflows, with such platforms enabling them to network effectively and transition seamlessly into real-world professional environments."
MAAC, currently present across 130+ centres, has also expanded its presence in the state of Punjab on the sidelines of the AI Tech Mahotsav 2026. It has opened its newest centre in Mohali, with state-of-the-art facilities including chroma and green screen walls for a professional-grade VFX setup, and a dedicated podcast room to empower our learners on their creator journeys. The new centre is spread across 3,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 500 learners on a recurring basis.
"Today’s creative landscape requires more than just technical skill; it demands creators who can think like strategic collaborators. Driving and being part of this first-of-its-kind MAAC AI Tech Mahotsav allowed us to engage directly with the future workforce and share how creative brands view the intersection of technology and artistry. A specialized institution like MAAC, focusing on skill development that leads to employment opportunities, is precisely what Mohali needs, given the ever-growing demand. We are thrilled to open our newest centre and witness the growth of exceptional artists whom we will train and support from MAAC Mohali," shared Varun Roy, Business Partner & Centre Director, MAAC Chandigarh & Mohali.
Furthermore, the agenda for the AI Tech Mahotsav 2026 featured three key industry sessions along with a felicitation ceremony celebrating student success stories. The first session was led by Anand Bhanushali, Co-Founder & Managing Director, philmCGI, who presented ‘Invisible VFX by philmCGI’. Drawing from his extensive experience, he highlighted how invisible visual effects play a crucial role in modern storytelling and how advancements in technology are continuously reshaping creative production workflows.
The second session was from Canon India ‘From Creator to Collaborator: How Big Brands Hire Creative Talent’, that explored how brands today are seeking professionals who can combine creativity with collaboration, strategic thinking, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving content ecosystem.
The third session was from Vaibhav Kumaresh, Founder & Creative Director, Vaibhav Studios offering audiences a real world perspective on the end-end journey of creating a feature length animated film-Return of the Jungle, from self-funding to theatrical release on May 29, 2026.
The participants gained valuable insights into evolving hiring expectations, the importance of building strong portfolios, and the need to develop both creative and technical capabilities to succeed in the industry.