Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), an express transportation company, and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have inaugurated the FedEx SMART Centre (Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research and Technology Centre) on the institute’s campus.
The first-of-its-kind innovation hub, as per IIT-M, will focus on developing sustainable, technology-driven logistics solutions. Backed by a five-year, $5 million grant from FedEx, the Centre will integrate cutting-edge research, advanced digital tools, and industry expertise to reimagine supply chains for greater agility, resilience, and environmental responsibility.
The inauguration was led by Kami Viswanathan, President, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa (MEISA), FedEx, along with Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, Vice President, Marketing, Customer Experience, and Air Network, MEISA, FedEx, Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, and Prof Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras.
“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. “By combining deep academic insight and global industry expertise, we can build smarter, more sustainable supply chains that deliver meaningful impact for all stakeholders.”
Echoing the vision, Nitin Navneet Tatiwala added: Logistics today is about smart, resilient systems that adapt in real time and tread lighter on the planet. At the FedEx SMART Centre, we’re co-developing AI-powered, data-driven solutions to help businesses compete, scale, and lead in a world that demands both agility and sustainability.”
National Engagement & Impact
The SMART Centre has already begun driving pan-India impact through:
Talent Outreach: Partnering with Shaastra to host three national competitions, drawing 3,000+ students and engaging FedEx experts as judges.
Internships & Research: From 1,500+ applications, 40 top students worked on 25+ projects under four focus areas, mentored by 20 IIT Madras faculty and a 50-member research team.
Knowledge Sharing: Organising 35+ expert sessions and supporting 17 new faculty proposals on AI, sustainability, and warehouse automation.
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Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, highlighted the initiative’s broader value: “Sound and efficient logistics define a nation’s economy. The joint efforts by IIT Madras and FedEx will not only address complex supply chain challenges but also advance human resource development and infrastructure.”
The Centre will foster interdisciplinary research in carbon-neutral operations, autonomous delivery, EV infrastructure, predictive analytics, AI-driven worker safety, and logistics capacity development.
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