The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Indian Institute of Bombay (IIT Bombay) have entered into a collaboration with FedEx Express (FedEx), a transportation company. Together, they claim to establish the ‘FedEx Centre of Excellence (CoE) for smart and sustainable supply chains. This initiative, supported by a five-year grant from FedEx to both the institutes, aims to promote sustainability through the integration of digital intelligence, technological advancements, talent development and collaborative efforts, according to an official release.

The CoE will serve as a vital link between industry and academia, specifically in the logistics sector, with a primary focus on environmental and social sustainability achieved through research and development in digital transformation, the release mentioned.

The CoE will actively pursue grand challenges and research-driven projects, encouraging innovative ideas from beyond the IIT Madras ecosystem. In addition to providing financial support for these initiatives, the CoE will also nurture start-ups in the logistics sector. Moreover, it aims to establish strong collaborations between industry and academia, solidifying its role as a catalyst for impactful advancements in the logistics domain, as per the release.

“In collaboration with FedEx, we are committed to establishing a hub where technology and talent converge to drive sustainable logistics. With a specialised focus on operations research and network planning, we aim to spearhead developments that optimise efficiency, enhance strategic planning and contribute to the broader landscape of sustainable logistics advancements,” V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said.

Focused on aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal #13 (Climate Action), this CoE will strive to deliver models, tools and frameworks addressing environmental sustainability. Additionally, it will conduct capacity development programs with tailored training modules for shippers, carriers, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the logistics sector.