17th Graduation Showcase 2025 of ICAT College of Design & Media, Chennai
Celebrating Creativity: Highlights of ICAT's 17th Graduate Showcase 2025
The ICAT College of Design and Media was established in the year 2003, with a vision to provide quality education in creative streams. Over the years, ICAT College has emerged as one of the best design colleges in the region, offering specialized programs in design and media across multiple campuses. Along with its practical learning and industry-aligned curriculum, ICAT College also hosts one of the most significant annual events - the Graduate Showcase, allowing students to showcase their skills to use in real-world scenarios.
The 17th Graduate Showcase
The Graduate Showcase is a hallmark event at ICAT College, as it not only highlights students' creativity and technical skills but also serves as a bridge between academia and industry, facilitating networking and potential career prospects. This annual event has been a tradition for over 17 years, consistently serving as a platform for emerging talent to step confidently into the creative industry.
Inauguration and Insights
The showcase started with an inauguration by CEO Mr. Kumar, Dean Ms. Lakshmi Kumar, the inaugural chief guest Professor L. Jawahar Nesan, convener of the High-Level Committee for State Education Policy, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Mr. Jacki, art director of films such as Viduthalai and Paruthiveeran. Following the inauguration, the chief guests shared their thoughts. Jacki, the art director, appreciated the visionary foundation of ICAT College, expressed admiration for how it was established when computer education was limited to basic software, and wished for its continued growth and success.
The founder and CEO, Mr. Kumar, delivered an inspiring speech with simple words: "Follow your passion. Accept your talent. Start your career." He highlighted ICAT's journey, shaping over 75,000 children and 9,000 graduates into creators. Emphasizing their motto, "Creating the Creators," initiating a new tagline soon, CR for creators, to mark ICAT's 20th year and its commitment to nurturing future talent.
Student Project Works
The event's highlight was the student project exhibition, featuring innovative works like the stunning digital rendition of the traditional Tanjore Doll, Avant-Garde fashion collection, Mechanics Trail game prototype, Butterfly - a full-length student-made feature film, and more. Among the highlights was a cultural revival project featuring Rashtrapati Award-winning artisan Sreenivasan, whose traditional craft from Tammampatti was digitally reimagined by students using 3D modeling, motion graphics, and design, a proud moment shared on stage by the artisan himself. The showcased works reflect ICAT College as the best design college, and the projects were viewed by the chief guests, the public, and representatives from various companies, opening up possible opportunities.
Guest Talks and Cultural Spotlights
The evening session brought energy with special guests Ms. Bandana Narula, CEO of Bandana Narula; Ms. Rhea Goyal, Founder of Illuminate Communication; and filmmaker Dhinakaran Sivalingam. Highlights included the trailer launch of Butterfly, a lively fashion show, and vibrant music and fusion dance performances showcasing student talent.
"Most academies focus on a business-oriented approach, but they always prioritized supporting students, even those who faced repeated rejections", said filmmaker Dhinakaran Sivalingam, who began his journey at Image Creative Education as a staff member. He recalled creating short films and appreciated the institution's continued commitment to supporting talent, noting that its graduates now contribute to major films like Kaala, where the VFX supervisor is an Image alumnus.
Awards and Placements
The celebration concluded on a high note, with the Multimedia department proudly taking home the Best Department of the Year award. Each department also received recognition for Best Stall for the spirit of healthy competition. This year saw a strong placement season across departments, with students receiving packages up to Rs.10 lakh. Click to explore ICAT's Top placements.
ICAT College continues to build its reputation as the best design college in guiding future creators as they begin their professional journeys, and the 17th Graduate Showcase reinforced ICAT's role as a pioneer in creative education, celebrating talent, innovation, and cultural heritage.
