Ikonz debuts AI avatar of Sourav Ganguly on HXR device

Ikonz has launched an AI Digital Avatar of former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly on its Holographic Extended Reality (HXR) Device in Kolkata.

The avatar is designed to authentically capture Ganguly's voice, likeness, and mannerisms, following Ikonz's acquisition of exclusive global rights related to his persona.

Ikonz stated that this release marks a new era in digital representation and intellectual property management. The company expects the digital avatar to be used across a wide range of sectors, from sports and entertainment to education and advertising.

Sourav Ganguly commented on the partnership, saying: "I'm excited to see my digital avatar come to life and to explore its potential across sports, entertainment, education, and beyond. Ikonz's commitment to authenticity and respect for my personal brand gives me full confidence in this partnership."

Abinav Varma Kalidindi, Chief Executive Officer of Ikonz, said: "Sourav Ganguly has always been at the forefront of cricketing excellence and innovation. With this digital avatar, we're thrilled to bring his AI Avatar to new audiences and industries around the world. Our team has harnessed cutting-edge AI, motion-capture, and neural-synthesis technologies to ensure the avatar speaks, moves, and emotes exactly as Mr. Ganguly would. We are also in the process of raising a substantial Series A round of USD $20-25 million in the next two to three months to further accelerate our growth and global expansion."

Ikonz outlined that the avatar is intended for numerous applications, including personalised brand endorsements, advertising campaigns, banking and retail experiences, interactive podcasts, hologram and voice experiences, immersive fan engagement activities, metaverse activations, sports coaching tools, and educational productions.

Ikonz clarified that companies and brands wishing to utilise Ganguly's digital avatar must work exclusively through Ikonz, due to the company's proprietary control over key aspects of Ganguly's representation. The company maintains that this approach both protects Ganguly's personal brand and offers new collaboration opportunities across various industries.

Ikonz, based in Hyderabad, develops AI-driven digital avatars and holographic technologies. The firm has received backing from investors, including Village Global, a venture capital group supported by figures such as Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg.

In June 2023, Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan joined Ikonz as a strategic partner, with the intention of developing digital intellectual properties based on his persona. By December 2024, Ikonz launched an AI-powered digital avatar of Bachchan using the HXR device.

The HXR device, employed for Ganguly's digital avatar, combines holography and extended reality to deliver interactive and immersive user experiences designed for both public and private sector applications.