FDDI has reached a new milestone in technological advancement and expertise by signing four separate Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the domain of footwear design and development, setting a higher standard of excellence.
Dr. Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, IAS – Managing Director (MD), FDDI signed the MoUs on behalf of FDDI with the prestigious academia namely, Woxsen University, Hyderabad, Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University (TNPESU), Chennai, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai, and Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar.
The MoU were signed at Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi on 10th September 2024 in the presence of Colonel Pankaj Kumar Sinha, Secretary – FDDI, Dr. Madhusudan Pal, Director, CoE - FDDI, besides representatives from academia namely Dr. Adity Saxena, Dean, and Santhosh Kocherlakota, Assistant Dean, Woxsen University, Hyderabad, Dr. Sivakumar R, Dean, VIT, Chennai, Dr. P. Rajnikumar, Head CEB-HPC, TNPESU and Prof. Bauri Raula, Dean, KIIT, Bhubaneswar.
Sharing the details, Dr. Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, IAS – MD, FDDI said, “This groundbreaking initiative, focused on collaborative research, will greatly benefit all stakeholders — including faculty, students, entrepreneurs, and workers in the footwear and leather industry by honing their skills through the joint courses and training programs of these partner universities and institutions, driving growth and innovation in the sector.”
While making a presentation on the event, Dr. Madhusudan Pal, Director, CoE - FDDI emphasized the practical steps taken to ensure that the MoU delivers on its promises, including organizing visits to different FDDI campuses, establishing public-private partnerships (PPP), and creating internship programs. Dr. Pal also highlighted the importance of IPR protection, prototype development, and commercialization of innovative products, reinforcing the commitment to not just academic collaboration, but also driving industry-relevant innovations.
Initially, the MoUs shall be valid for a period of 5 years. It holds the promise of not only nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit, but, also driving significant economic growth and innovation.
