Event Overview

The Creators Zone Digital Summit 2026 was convened in Andhra Pradesh under the theme “From Rural Roots to Digital Reach”. Organized jointly by Bharat Digital Media Federation (Bharat DMF), the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH) and the Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society (APIS), the summit took place at the RTIH campus in Chinakakani. More than 200 participants—including creators, influencers, startup founders, students and other ecosystem stakeholders—attended the two‑day programme.

Key Sessions and Themes

Expert‑led sessions addressed a spectrum of topics relevant to the emerging creator economy: content creation techniques, applications of artificial intelligence, monetisation strategies for creators, intellectual property rights, brand collaboration models and entrepreneurship pathways. The agenda highlighted how digital platforms can extend reach for creators originating from smaller towns and rural communities, thereby unlocking new market opportunities and employment prospects.

Awards and Recognitions

A central feature of the summit was the Creators Zone Excellence Awards 2026, which honoured digital creators for outstanding contributions in content, innovation and community impact. Winners were recognised in front of a gathering of industry leaders, policymakers and media representatives.

Stakeholder Remarks

  • Dr. Ashish Kulkarni, Director of the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), stated that India’s creator economy is becoming a powerful driver of innovation, culture and entrepreneurship, and that platforms such as Creators Zone are essential for nurturing talent and enabling global competition.
  • Viswa, Founder and Chairman of Bharat DMF, emphasized that the creator economy opens new avenues for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment, and that the summit aims to equip creators with knowledge, industry connections and opportunities to build a stronger ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Vipin Unni, Co‑Founder and Vice‑President of Bharat DMF, described creators as the new entrepreneurs of the digital age and highlighted the mission of Bharat DMF and Creators Zone to transform content creation into sustainable careers.
  • Smt. P. Dhatri Reddy, IAS, CEO of both APIS and RTIH, outlined the vision of building platforms that nurture talent, encourage innovation and provide meaningful opportunities for the next generation of creators.
  • Jakkula Srinivas, CEO of Truzon Solar by Suntek, linked sustainability to the creator economy, noting that creators can educate and influence communities toward greener living.
  • Shyam Prasad, Managing Director of Tenali Double Horse, pointed out the integral role of creators in modern marketing, stressing the value of authentic influencer‑driven consumer choices and the potential for creators to build their own digital enterprises.

Strategic Significance

The organisers declared that the summit marks the commencement of a larger, sustained effort to strengthen the creator economy in Andhra Pradesh. By fostering collaboration among creators, startups, brands, institutions and government bodies, the event seeks to create a robust ecosystem that can generate employment, drive digital innovation and position the state as a hub for creator‑centric enterprises.

Guest of Honor List

The summit’s guest of honor panel included Dr. Ashish Kulkarni (IICT Director), Smt. P. Dhatri Reddy IAS (CEO, RTIH), Smt. Krishna Prasanna (Badan I.P.S., Vijayawada Cyber Crime DCP), Shri K. Pratap Shiva Kishore IPS (SP, Eluru District) and Manasa Sharma (Director, Rakasa Movie).

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