Latest news with #KamiViswanathan
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
FedEx, IIT Madras unveil SMART Centre to build sustainable & AI-driven logistics solutions
Federal Express Corporation, or FedEx has joined hands with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to inaugurate the FedEx SMART Centre (Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research and Technology Centre) in the institution's campus. The FedEx Smart Centre at IIT Madras campus will combine cutting-edge research, advanced digital tools, and industry expertise to reimagine supply chains for agility, resilience, and environmental responsibility. The first-of-its-kind facility is aimed at building sustainable, technology-driven logistics solutions. The FedEx SMART Centre is backed by a five-year USD 5 million grant from FedEx, and will combine cutting-edge research, advanced digital tools, and industry expertise to reimagine supply chains for agility, resilience, and environmental responsibility, a press release informed. Also read: IIT Madras researchers develop agri-waste-based packaging solution to eliminate plastic usage, check details Additionally, the centre will also drive interdisciplinary projects spanning carbon-neutral operations, autonomous delivery systems, EV infrastructure, predictive analytics, and AI-driven worker safety, while also building platforms for capacity development and knowledge sharing, the release added. The inaugural ceremony was attended 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 of IIT Madras, and Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations) at IIT Madras. Speaking at the event, Kami Viswanathan said that the Center is more than just a hub for research - it is a space where technology and talent come together with a shared purpose to shape what's next. Also read: Bihar ties up with IIT Delhi to train engineers in AI-powered bridge design and monitoring She added, 'By combining deep academic insight and global industry expertise, we can build smarter, more sustainable supply chains that create meaningful impact far all stakeholders.' Nitin Navneet Tatiwala highlighted that the FedEx SMART Centre will build AI-powered, data-driven solutions to help businesses compete, scale, and lead in a world that demands both agility and environmental responsibility. Prof. V. Kamakoti, emphasised that the joint efforts taken by IIT Madras and FedEx will not only solve complex problems in logistics and supply chain but also address important human resources related issues and related infrastructure. Prof. Mahalingam, expressed gratitude to FedEx for its support in establishing the FedEx SMART Centre at IIT Madras. He said, 'This collaboration brings together industry expertise and academic innovation to create real-world solutions for sustainable logistics. By fostering cutting-edge research, talent development, and global associations, the Centre is poised to make a transformative impact on the logistics ecosystem.' Also read: IIT Roorkee researchers develop novel drug candidate to restore strength of antibiotics against drug-resistant bacteria Prof. Arshinder Kaur, Project Principal Investigator, Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras, spoke on the need for research in logistics, and said that collaboration is aimed at transforming the future of the supply chain and logistics industry by adopting emerging technologies such as Electrical vehicles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and digital frameworks enhancing social and environmental sustainability and supply chain visibility.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
FedEx, IIT Madras launch SMART Centre for logistics innovation
US-based transportation company FedEx and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras on Tuesday inaugurated the FedEx SMART (supply chain modelling, algorithms, research and technology) Centre on the institute's by a five-year, $5 million (about Rs 44 crore) grant from FedEx, the centre aims to develop sustainable, technology-driven solutions for modern supply chains.'This centre is more than just a hub for research. It's a space 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, FedEx. 'By combining deep academic insight and global industry expertise, we can build smarter, more sustainable supply chains that create meaningful impact for all stakeholders.' Research at the centre will span interdisciplinary projects from carbon-neutral operations, autonomous delivery systems, electric vehicle infrastructure and predictive analytics to artificial intelligence (AI)-driven worker safety, with the goal of building platforms for capacity development and knowledge sharing. IIT Madras director V Kamakoti said, 'Sound and efficient logistics define the economy of a nation; the joint efforts taken by IIT Madras and FedEx will not only solve complex problems in logistics and supply chain but also address important human resources-related issues and related infrastructure.' The centre is positioned as a hub for national engagement and research excellence. It has already seen wide participation, with national competitions drawing more than 3,000 students, internships and research projects involving 40 students selected from more than 1,500 applicants, and at least 35 expert sessions connecting academia and industry. The centre is also supporting 17 new faculty proposals on themes including AI, sustainability and warehouse automation.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
FedEx, IIT Madras launch SMART Centre for logistics innovation
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel US-based transportation company FedEx and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras on Tuesday inaugurated the FedEx SMART (supply chain modelling, algorithms, research and technology) Centre on the institute's by a five-year, $5 million (about Rs 44 crore) grant from FedEx, the centre aims to develop sustainable, technology-driven solutions for modern supply chains.'This centre is more than just a hub for research. It's a space 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, FedEx. 'By combining deep academic insight and global industry expertise, we can build smarter, more sustainable supply chains that create meaningful impact for all stakeholders.'Research at the centre will span interdisciplinary projects from carbon-neutral operations, autonomous delivery systems, electric vehicle infrastructure and predictive analytics to artificial intelligence ( AI )-driven worker safety, with the goal of building platforms for capacity development and knowledge sharing. IIT Madras director V Kamakoti said, 'Sound and efficient logistics define the economy of a nation; the joint efforts taken by IIT Madras and FedEx will not only solve complex problems in logistics and supply chain but also address important human resources-related issues and related infrastructure.'The centre is positioned as a hub for national engagement and research excellence. It has already seen wide participation, with national competitions drawing more than 3,000 students, internships and research projects involving 40 students selected from more than 1,500 applicants, and at least 35 expert sessions connecting academia and industry. The centre is also supporting 17 new faculty proposals on themes including AI, sustainability and warehouse automation.
Khaleej Times
16-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
GCC logistics sector set to shine amid e-commerce growth
The logistics industry is set for a significant transformation in 2025, driven by key global shifts in digital commerce, advancements in last-mile delivery solutions, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. With global trade projected to grow by 3 per cent in 2025 , logistics remains a critical enabler of international commerce. E-commerce continues to accelerate, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where the sector is expected to grow from $39 billion in 2023 to $50 billion in 2025 . 'This surge, fueled by a tech-savvy population and increasing smartphone adoption, is reshaping customer expectations for faster delivery, seamless returns, and greater convenience,' Kami Viswanathan, President of FedEx Middle East, Indian Sub-continent and Africa, told Khaleej Times in an interview. To enhance the delivery experience, FedEx has integrated WhatsApp notifications into its FedEx® Delivery Manager e-commerce solution. 'Additionally, with more consumers shopping online, our Picture Proof of Delivery feature enhances transparency by confirming that their package has been delivered to their doorstep, especially when they are not home to receive it,' she added. The Middle East is home to some of the fastest-growing economies globally, with the UAE serving as a vital logistics hub connecting East and West. The logistics sector is a key driver of economic diversification and facilitating cross-border trade, supporting national initiatives like the UAE's Operation 300 billion, which aims to increase the industrial sector's GDP contribution from Dh133 billion ($36 billion) to Dh300 billion ($82 billion) by 2031 . 'FedEx actively supports Dubai's D33 economic agenda, which is to double the size of the Emirate's economy by 2033 . A key milestone is our long-term investment of approximately Dh1.3 billion ($350 million) through infrastructure and technological advancements in our state-of-the-art Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa hub at Dubai World Central (DWC) Airport. Today, the facility serves as the main regional hub, with 69 weekly FedEx flights connecting the UAE directly with major markets, including the US, Belgium, France, India, Hong Kong, Italy, South Africa, Kenya, China, and Singapore. By enhancing efficiency and accelerating shipment processing through this hub, FedEx plays a vital role in seamless global trade facilitation,' Viswanathan said. As part of its global workforce development initiative, FedEx has invested $100 million in the world's first FedEx Advanced Capability Community (ACC) in the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa region. 'In addition to boosting employment opportunities, it also contributes to the development of new capabilities and meeting the technological requirements of FedEx operations worldwide. Additionally, we also empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with 90 per cent of our global supply contracts awarded to small businesses. Through these efforts, FedEx supports approximately 400,000 jobs worldwide, contributing to job creation and economic resilience,' Viswanathan said. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the UAE's economy, contributing over 63.5 per cent to the country's non-oil GDP . 'As trade evolves, SMEs need more than just logistics – they require strategic support to scale internationally. At FedEx, we act as trusted advisors, connecting SMEs to a world of possibilities through our global network, tailored services, and digital solutions,' Viswanathan said. In addition, FedEx is actively engaging SMEs across the region through its cluster programme, that helps SMEs across various sectors navigate international trade and expand their reach. Recent clusters included e-commerce businesses in the Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone and SMEs based in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), Jebel Ali Industrial Zone, and Dubai Investments Park (DIP). FedEx is also investing significantly in automation, building one of the world's smartest networks in the industry. The FedEx hub at DWC features automated sort systems, handling up to 9,000 packages per hour, enhancing accuracy and speed in package processing and distribution. On the sustainability front, customers can access estimates of their carbon footprint on the FedEx® Sustainability Insights tool. 'Additionally, the EVs incorporated in our UAE fleet have zero-tailpipe emissions and, on a full charge, have a delivery capacity of 280 kilometers operational range. By integrating logistics with AI and digital intelligence, we are building smarter, more resilient supply chains,' Viswanathan said.
