Nickelodeon India has launched its first local animation production with Indian animation, gaming and live-action company DQE.

Nick India, which is a part of Viacom 18, will team with DQE to produce Keymon Ache, an animated series for children comprised of 26 half-hour episodes. As a part of the deal, Nickelodeon has provided content for the upcoming series, while DQE is executing the production for global distribution and licensing. Nick India will have rights to the property in the region of South Asia including India, while DQE will hold exclusive rights for the rest of the world.

DQE, Nickelodeon and Viacom18 will together finance the series, which is based on the everyday life of a nine-year old boy and his set of magical toy friends. Targeted at kids aged five and up, the series is expected to be completed by the middle of 2011.

Keymon Ache is also rolling out on multiple distribution platforms, including audio visual, home video, merchandising, sub-licensing, publishing and mobile.

DQE has worked on several shows for Nickelodeon International in the past, including Tak & the Power of Juju and Penguins of Madagascar.