In an important move toward creating sustainable logistics, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and global logistics company FedEx have teamed up to set up the SMART Centre. This research hub focuses on developing AI-driven and environmentally friendly logistics solutions. Launched in Chennai, the initiative seeks to rethink supply chains through technology and sustainability while also supporting young talent and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.

The SMART Centre is designed as an active space for research in logistics and supply chain management, emphasizing sustainability and technology. By using advanced digital tools, electric vehicles, and autonomous systems, the Centre aims to change how the industry approaches agility, resilience, and environmental care. Since logistics is vital to trade and commerce, this initiative is expected to significantly improve efficiency and lower environmental harm.

The partnership between IIT Madras and FedEx marks a key point in India’s move toward sustainable industrial change. The SMART Centre will focus on innovative research in areas like carbon-neutral operations, autonomous delivery systems, EV infrastructure, predictive analytics, and AI-driven worker safety systems. By combining academic knowledge with industry experience, the Centre aims to tackle pressing logistics challenges and provide solutions that have real-world effects.

A notable aspect of this collaboration is its focus on reaching out to young talent and engaging students. To further its mission, the SMART Centre has partnered with Shaastra, IIT Madras’ major student-run technology festival, to host three national competitions. These contests attracted over 3,000 students from across India, with six FedEx experts serving as judges, offering industry insights to the academic community. These actions not only raise interest in sustainability and logistics but also help create a pool of skilled talent ready to face future challenges.

The Centre also plays a crucial role in supporting research internships and projects between academia and industry. In its first phase, the Centre received more than 1,500 applications for summer internships. From these, 40 standout students were chosen to work on over 25 projects covering four main research areas. These projects were overseen by 20 IIT Madras faculty members and a team of 50 researchers, ensuring that the results were both academically sound and relevant to the industry.

Sharing knowledge is another key part of the SMART Centre’s efforts. So far, it has hosted more than 35 expert sessions, gathering academics, industry professionals, and policymakers to share insights on AI, sustainability, warehouse automation, and logistics. These sessions serve as venues for sharing knowledge, building networks, and encouraging cooperative innovation. The Centre has also backed 17 new faculty proposals focused on cutting-edge topics like AI applications in supply chains, sustainable technologies, and automation systems, showing its commitment to advancing both academic and industrial interests.

According to Prof. Arshinder Kaur, the principal investigator from the Department of Management Studies at IIT Madras, the SMART Centre’s vision is grounded in the belief that future logistics and supply chains must be sustainable, technologically sound, and socially responsible. Highlighting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and digital tools, Prof. Kaur noted that the Centre is set to improve both social and environmental sustainability while increasing visibility and transparency in supply chains. She stated, “We aspire to transform the future of the supply chain and logistics industry by using emerging technologies that make positive changes across environmental and social aspects.”

FedEx, a leader in global logistics innovation, views this partnership as a strategic chance to tap into India’s talent and research environment. By combining its industry know-how with IIT Madras’ academic strengths, the company aims to speed up solutions that tackle the dual challenges of sustainability and efficiency. The Centre is not just meant as a research site but also as a platform for national involvement, aiding India’s shift toward greener, more resilient supply chains.

As global supply chains face greater pressures from climate change, rising demand, and shifting consumer expectations, initiatives like the SMART Centre are increasingly vital. Logistics significantly contributes to carbon emissions worldwide, making the adoption of green technologies and AI-driven optimization essential to lessen environmental effects. By focusing on interdisciplinary research, the SMART Centre aims to produce breakthroughs that allow industries to cut down on carbon emissions while maintaining efficiency.

The establishment of this Centre also signifies India’s growing leadership in sustainability-focused innovation. By promoting collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers, the SMART Centre aims to provide solutions that matter both nationally and globally. Whether designing carbon-neutral logistics networks or enabling AI-driven predictive systems for supply chain resilience, the Centre’s research is expected to influence not only practices in India but also strategies for global logistics transformation.

In summary, the IIT Madras-FedEx partnership highlights the effectiveness of working together to tackle complex global issues. By investing in research, developing young talent, and fostering interdisciplinary innovation, the SMART Centre is set to influence the future of logistics, making it more agile, resilient, and environmentally friendly. As the Centre continues to grow its research and outreach efforts, it provides a model for how academia and industry can jointly create sustainable, technology-driven ecosystems for the future.