IIT Madras, FedEx Launch SMART Centre for AI-Driven Logistics

A $5 million IIT Madras–FedEx collaboration aims to reshape global logistics with AI and sustainability at its core.

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), in collaboration with Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), has inaugurated the FedEx SMART Centre (Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research and Technology Centre) on its campus. This innovation hub is set to transform logistics by combining advanced technologies, academic expertise, and industry insights.

The Centre is backed by a five-year, $5 million grant from FedEx, underlining the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable and resilient supply chain solutions.

Focus of the SMART Centre

The initiative aims to integrate:

• Artificial intelligence and digital tools for predictive logistics

• Sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact

• Research-driven innovation to strengthen agility and resilience in supply chains

• Industry-academia collaboration to bridge research and real-world applications

  
  

A First-of-its-Kind Initiative

IIT Madras highlighted that the SMART Centre is among the first dedicated hubs in India focused on AI-driven sustainable logistics. By bringing together cutting-edge research and global industry expertise, the Centre aspires to reshape how supply chains operate worldwide.

This partnership marks a significant step in the future of logistics, combining technological innovation with sustainability to meet the growing challenges of global trade and transportation.