How Maya bridges the gap between creativity and technology
Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity (MAAC) is India’s leading training institute for high-end 3D Animation and Visual Effects. Founded in 2001 as a flagship brand of Aptech Ltd., MAAC has trained lakhs of students over the years. It operates more than 130 centres across 65 cities, with alumni placed across all domains of the media and entertainment industry. MAAC is now celebrating 25 years in the education field.
The company recently announced the launch of two new programs –Career X and Creator X. These courses are designed to provide learners with a holistic, future-focused approach to creative education by integrating foundational learning, specialised tracks, and advanced career pathways. This marks the first time an academy has designed a program aligned end-to-end with AVGC industry needs while ensuring that it is delivered by seasoned industry practitioners.
To strengthen this initiative, MAAC has collaborated with 13 knowledge partners spanning post-production houses, studios, gaming companies, and technology firms. These include Cimpress, PhysicsWallah, Godspeed Gaming, Pocket Films, phantomFX, Rocket Science Animation, Cedge Productions, Pixel and Ratio, Resonance Digital LLP, Nilee Games, Mugafi, and Zebu Animation Studios, among others. Canon has also joined as a knowledge partner.
“The creative industry today requires talent that is technically strong, adaptable, and capable of contributing from day one. Career X and Creator X are designed to meet this need by offering students clear learning outcomes, deeper specialisation, and exposure to real-life workflows,” explains Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director and CBO, Global Retail, Aptech.
Creative education
Built in collaboration with technology partners, content platforms, filmmaker communities, and creator networks, the programs equip learners with the skills, tools, and industry exposure required to ideate, produce, publish, and monetise content across formats. The objective of Creator X is to empower young storytellers to become production-ready creators, skilled in short-form video, digital comics, AI-enabled workflows, and multi-platform publishing. The curriculum also strengthens understanding of branding, monetisation, intellectual property rights, and responsible content creation.
Career X learners, on the other hand, follow a structured pathway geared towards industry roles, leading to employment opportunities. Alternatively, learners may choose to enrol in Creator X if they aspire to become entrepreneurs or independent content creators. Together, the new programs represent a significant advancement in MAAC’s commitment to preparing students for the next era of creative and digital-first professions.
“MAAC has always led the shift in creative education in India. With Career X and our new Creator X program, we are building a future-ready ecosystem that prepares students for both the AVGC-XR industry and the fast-emerging Creator Economy,” says Abir Aich, EVP – Content, Academics & Emerging Technologies, Aptech. “Creator X serves as a launchpad for young creators, empowering them with real-world production skills, AI-driven workflows, and opportunities to publish and monetise content.”
The initiative has also drawn strong support from industry partners. “Our shared vision is to create a digital creator eco-system. Canon contributes to this through its cutting-edge technology and products. India is one of our key focus markets,” says Toshiaki Nomura, President & CEO, Canon India.
According to MAAC officials, technology will continue to evolve, and concerns about artificial intelligence replacing jobs are largely misplaced. Students are being encouraged to view AI as an enabler rather than a threat.
“Students today have access to a wealth of information about the industry. They are quick, tech-savvy, and well aware of emerging trends,” says Amit Dua, SVP and National Sales Head – MAAC, Aptech. “There is a huge window of opportunity. We are also seeing a clear shift in mindset. Earlier, almost 90 per cent of students wanted jobs. Today, that figure is closer to 60 per cent, with 40 per cent aspiring to become entrepreneurs or independent creators.”
Aptech’s media and entertainment training brand, MAAC, has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s AVGC-XR workforce for over 25 years, transforming passionate learners into industry-ready professionals.
At MAAC, the academic philosophy for more than two decades has centred on bridging this gap between creativity and technology – a mission that Career X and Creator X seek to carry forward.