IIT Madras and FedEx Launch Centre for Sustainable, AI-Driven Logistics

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New Delhi | August 19, 2025 – In a landmark initiative to transform the future of logistics, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and FedEx have jointly inaugurated the FedEx SMART Centre (Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research and Technology Centre) on the IIT-M campus.

Backed by a five-year, $5 million grant from FedEx, the first-of-its-kind innovation hub aims to reimagine global supply chains by integrating advanced research, cutting-edge digital tools, and deep industry expertise. The Centre’s focus is on building supply chains that are not only agile and resilient but also environmentally responsible.

A Hub for Sustainable Innovation

The FedEx SMART Centre will drive interdisciplinary projects in areas such as:

• Carbon-neutral operations

• Autonomous delivery systems

• Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure

• Predictive analytics

• AI-driven worker safety

• Warehouse automation and logistics capacity development

“This Centre is more than just a hub for research. It’s 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 (MEISA), FedEx.

Echoing this vision, Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, Vice President, Marketing, Customer Experience, and Air Network, FedEx (MEISA), added:
“Logistics today is about building smart, resilient systems that can adapt in real time while minimizing their environmental impact. At the FedEx SMART Centre, we’re co-developing AI-powered, data-driven solutions that will help businesses scale and thrive sustainably.”

National Engagement and Impact

The SMART Centre is already making a pan-India impact through:

• Talent Outreach: Partnering with Shaastra to host three national competitions, drawing over 3,000 students with FedEx experts as judges.

• Internships & Research: Selecting 40 students from 1,500+ applications to work on 25+ projects across four focus areas, under the guidance of 20 IIT-M faculty and a 50-member research team.

• Knowledge Sharing: Hosting 35+ expert sessions and supporting 17 new faculty proposals in AI, sustainability, and logistics automation.

Highlighting the broader significance of the initiative, Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said:
“Sound and efficient logistics are the backbone of a strong economy. This partnership between IIT Madras and FedEx will not only address complex supply chain challenges but also foster talent development and infrastructure advancement for India.”

Looking Ahead

The FedEx SMART Centre positions itself as a catalyst for India’s next wave of sustainable logistics innovation, combining academia, industry, and technology to tackle global challenges. With a focus on AI-driven solutions, green mobility, and resilient systems, the Centre promises to deliver long-term value for businesses, communities, and the planet.