Tournament organiser Skyesports and the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating the integration of esports into India’s academic and professional landscape.
According to a report by Storyboard 18, the agreement was signed at the Annual General Meeting of the Indian Digital Gaming Society (IDGS), an event hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The MoU signing aligned with the society’s rebrand to the Indian Digital Gaming & Esports Society (IDGES), a shift reported to underscore a sharper focus on esports.
The collaboration, as reported, is designed to strengthen academic-industry linkages, create pathways for student engagement, and position India as a hub for global-standard esports talent, research, and innovation.
The partnership will focus on six specific areas: the co-development of esports curriculum and training; student engagement through internships and live projects; joint events like tournaments and hackathons; research and policy advocacy; infrastructure support for esports facilities; and incubation support for start-ups.
Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO of Skyesports, was quoted: “At Skyesports, our mission has always been to create opportunities — from grassroots tournaments that gave aspiring players their first stage, to working with governments on inclusive policies for esports. This collaboration with IICT, signed at the IDGS AGM as India sharpens its focus on esports, is the next step in that journey.”
Dr. Vishhwas Deosskar, CEO of IICT, stated: “At IICT, we believe the future of education lies in aligning academia with emerging industries. This collaboration with Skyesports allows us to integrate esports into our curriculum, giving students hands-on exposure, research opportunities, and pathways to global careers.”
The MoU will be effective for one year, with provisions for extension based on mutual agreement.
