FedEx announces $5 mn grant to establish CoE at IITM

Transportation company FedEx Express has collaborated with the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras) to establish the FedX Centre of Excellence for Smart and Sustainable Supply Chains. This collaboration is supported by a five-year grant of $5 million from FedEx Corp-owned subsidiary. The centre aims at using digital intelligence, technological advancements, and talent to drive sustainability.

The CoE is expected to act as a bridge between academia and industry for research and development in digital transformation. The centre will work to deliver models, tools, and frameworks and conduct capacity development programs with specific training modules for shippers, carriers, 3PLs, and MSMEs in logistics. The CoE will conduct research-driven products and encourage ideas from even outside of the IIT Madras ecosystem, along with fostering start-ups in the logistics sector. 

“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,” said V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras.

Notably, FedEx, in March, has announced plans to establish its first Advanced Capability Community (ACC) in Hyderabad. The ACC is part of FedEx’s broader multi-year initiative to acquire talent and further enhance its services. 

Apart from the one planned in Hyderabad, the company plans to set up ACCs in other parts of the world in the coming future. The locations of these ACCs are selected based on business needs and access to skilled and diverse talent pools. Each of these communities will have full-time FedEx team members across different functional areas. They will provide support to the technological and digital requirements of the entire enterprise.