Mumbai: The Government of Maharashtra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JioBLAST to explore long-term collaboration in gaming, esports, digital innovation, youth engagement, skill development and the state’s digital economy.
According to an official statement, the non-binding MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the state government and JioBLAST to support the growth of Maharashtra’s gaming and esports ecosystem through industry engagement, innovation, knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives.
As the first initiative under the partnership, India Rising: Road to EWC will be organised in Mumbai, culminating on July 4. The event is intended to connect Indian players, gaming creators and communities with the global esports ecosystem through a series of competitions and community activities.
The agreement identifies six broad areas for future collaboration, including strengthening the gaming and esports ecosystem, promoting innovation and the digital economy, youth engagement and skill development, collaboration with startups and academic institutions, industry events and knowledge exchange, and facilitating investment opportunities in the sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. P. Anbalagan, Principal Secretary, Industries, Government of Maharashtra, said the state views gaming, esports and digital entertainment as emerging sectors capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship and youth engagement. He said the collaboration aims to create an enabling environment through industry participation, skill development and ecosystem-building initiatives, with India Rising marking the beginning of that effort.
Charlie Cowdrey, Chief Executive Officer of JioBLAST, said India has one of the world’s largest gaming communities and that Maharashtra possesses the talent, infrastructure and entrepreneurial ecosystem to play a significant role in the sector’s future growth. He said the partnership seeks to create long-term opportunities across gaming, esports, technology and youth development.
The India Rising: Road to EWC event will feature the Chess LAN Final, where Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi will face Dutch Grandmaster Benjamin Bok for a place in the final stage of the 2026 Esports World Cup Chess competition. The programme will also include competitions in VALORANT and MOBA Legends: 5v5!, creator showcases, community activities and live entertainment.
The government clarified that the MoU is non-binding and serves as a framework for exploring future collaboration. Any specific projects, investments or initiatives arising from the partnership will require separate approvals and agreements.
