US-based transportation company FedEx and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras on Tuesday inaugurated the FedEx SMART (supply chain modelling, algorithms, research and technology) Centre on the institute’s campus.
Backed by a five-year, $5 million (about Rs 44 crore) grant from FedEx, the centre aims to develop sustainable, technology-driven solutions for modern supply chains.
“This centre is more than just a hub for research. It’s a space where technology and talent come together with a shared purpose to shape what’s next,” said Kami Viswanathan, president, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa, FedEx. “By combining deep academic insight and global industry expertise, we can build smarter, more sustainable supply chains that create meaningful impact for all stakeholders.”
Research at the centre will span interdisciplinary projects from carbon-neutral operations, autonomous delivery systems, electric vehicle infrastructure and predictive analytics to artificial intelligence ( AI)-driven worker safety, with the goal of building platforms for capacity development and knowledge sharing.
IIT Madras director V Kamakoti said, “Sound and efficient logistics define the economy of a nation; the joint efforts taken by IIT Madras and FedEx will not only solve complex problems in logistics and supply chain but also address important human resources-related issues and related infrastructure.”
The centre is positioned as a hub for national engagement and research excellence. It has already seen wide participation, with national competitions drawing more than 3,000 students, internships and research projects involving 40 students selected from more than 1,500 applicants, and at least 35 expert sessions connecting academia and industry. The centre is also supporting 17 new faculty proposals on themes including AI, sustainability and warehouse automation.
Backed by a five-year, $5 million (about Rs 44 crore) grant from FedEx, the centre aims to develop sustainable, technology-driven solutions for modern supply chains.
“This centre is more than just a hub for research. It’s a space where technology and talent come together with a shared purpose to shape what’s next,” said Kami Viswanathan, president, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa, FedEx. “By combining deep academic insight and global industry expertise, we can build smarter, more sustainable supply chains that create meaningful impact for all stakeholders.”
Research at the centre will span interdisciplinary projects from carbon-neutral operations, autonomous delivery systems, electric vehicle infrastructure and predictive analytics to artificial intelligence ( AI)-driven worker safety, with the goal of building platforms for capacity development and knowledge sharing.
IIT Madras director V Kamakoti said, “Sound and efficient logistics define the economy of a nation; the joint efforts taken by IIT Madras and FedEx will not only solve complex problems in logistics and supply chain but also address important human resources-related issues and related infrastructure.”
The centre is positioned as a hub for national engagement and research excellence. It has already seen wide participation, with national competitions drawing more than 3,000 students, internships and research projects involving 40 students selected from more than 1,500 applicants, and at least 35 expert sessions connecting academia and industry. The centre is also supporting 17 new faculty proposals on themes including AI, sustainability and warehouse automation.
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