MICA Launches India's First School of Applied Creativity to Foster Future Skills

MICA has launched the School of Applied Creativity, a pioneering institution aimed at equipping students with essential future skills at the intersection of creativity and technology. Set to begin in July 2026, the school will offer two flagship programs, including Crafting Creative Communications and a PGP in Media, Content & Entertainment. With a curriculum inspired by leading global institutions and mentorship from industry experts like Shekhar Kapur, MICA aims to position itself as a leader in AI-integrated creative education. The initiative addresses the growing demand for AI-trained professionals while fostering human imagination and cultural intelligence.

By Sourabh Singh Jul 17, 2025, 16:47 IST

MICA's Innovative Initiative in Education

In a groundbreaking move that merges creativity, technology, and education, MICA (Mudra Institute of Communications), located in Ahmedabad, has introduced the School of Applied Creativity. This institution aims to equip students with essential future skills at the intersection of imagination, storytelling, media, and artificial intelligence.

The school will provide two primary residential programs, welcoming students from around the world to its Ahmedabad campus.

These programs will feature a curriculum rich in studio-based and production-oriented learning, drawing inspiration from renowned institutions such as Central Saint Martins in the UK, Nottingham Trent University, and the University of Southern California (USC), with leading creative professionals serving as faculty.

Set to commence in July 2026, the initial phase will accommodate between 80 to 100 students.

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Shekhar Kapur will serve as the chief mentor for the institute. Additionally, online masterclasses will soon be available, allowing students from across India and beyond to participate.

The School of Applied Creativity will feature two flagship residential programs:

Crafting Creative Communications (CCC): A one-year program focused on applied creativity.

PGP in Media, Content & Entertainment: A two-year immersive program designed for future content leaders.

Admission process: Candidates will need to take the written test, MICAT.

The launch was revealed during a conference attended by notable figures such as Tina Ambani (Chairperson, MICA Foundation), Jaya Deshmukh (Director & CEO, MICA), and Ramkumar Ramamoorthy (Former CMD, Cognizant India and current Partner, Catalincs).

Tina Ambani emphasized MICA's commitment to staying ahead of trends, stating, “From its inception, MICA has recognized the vital link between marketing, communication, and culture. We embraced digital innovation early on and integrated design thinking into business education long before it became mainstream. Today, we continue this legacy by acknowledging imagination as the key asset for the future, empowering individuals to become creative leaders in the Age of Imagination.”

Ramamoorthy announced the establishment of the MICA AI Advisory Board, comprising a diverse group of experts from companies like Amazon Artificial General Intelligence, Salesforce, and Google Deepmind.

Dr. Githa Heggde, MICA Dean, elaborated on the board's role, stating, “These experts will guide our journey, ensuring MICA nurtures creative leadership in this imaginative era. The advisory board will initially serve for three years, acting as a strategic partner to the Director and CEO of MICA and the Executive Leadership Team.”

Jaya Deshmukh remarked, “The vision of the school is rooted in the understanding that while AI will democratize knowledge, the future's value will stem from human imagination, creativity, and cultural intelligence. As AI transforms industries, there is a growing demand for AI-trained professionals in India. The new school at MICA addresses this gap by merging creativity with technology, establishing applied creativity as a vital skill. With the School of Applied Creativity, MICA is not just responding to the global call for educational reform but also positioning India as a leader in AI-integrated creative education.”

The conference also featured an engaging fireside chat titled 'Beyond Data: Why Imagination Will Define the Next Economy,' moderated by MICA alumna Malika Rodrigues. The discussion included insights from Aparna Kumar, Former CIO of State Bank of India and HSBC, Shekhar Kapur, Oscar-nominated filmmaker and AI philosopher, and Suraja Kishore, ex-CEO of BBDO, highlighting the importance of creativity as a strategic tool for societal and economic advancement.