Aptech Ltd, which already has a presence in 40 countries, plans to expand into French-speaking parts of Africa, Columbia and Mexico this year, a senior official said.

Aptech's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mr Ninad Karpe, said, “We will continue on a path of career education. In terms of multimedia animation, we have about 80 per cent market share. Our eventual aim is to be present in the cities of all emerging countries. Overall, we will add 150 centres this fiscal.”

He said most of the expansion will be done on partnership or franchise model.

Without giving the overall investment figures for expansion, Mr Karpe said Aptech would invest about Rs 3.5 crore on content this fiscal.

Meanwhile, Aptech's subsidiary, Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC), the 3D animation and visual effects training institute, announced a partnership with the United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan for the second year.

Set around the sustainable development goals of the Rio+20, the theme for this year is ‘The future we want.' MAAC and UNIC are inviting applications for the ninth 24FPS International Animation Awards.

>aesha.datta@thehindu.co.in