FDDI Signs MoUs with Leading Universities to Boost Footwear Design, Innovation, and Research

The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has taken a significant step towards advancing footwear design and development in India. At a ceremony held at Udyog Bhawan, FDDI signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with prestigious academic institutions: Tamil Nadu Physical and Sports University, Chennai, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai, Woxsen University, Hyderabad, and Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar.

FDDI Managing Director, Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, emphasized that this collaboration focuses on research, knowledge exchange, and skill development, benefitting all stakeholders in the footwear and leather industry. The MoUs aim to foster joint courses, training programs, and innovative projects across FDDI’s campuses in cities such as Noida, Rohtak, and Hyderabad.

Dr. Jarangal highlighted that the partnerships are expected to enhance FDDI's research and development capabilities while helping the Indian footwear and leather sectors meet international quality standards. He stressed the need to turn these MoUs into actionable projects, ultimately boosting the industry’s growth.

Director of the Centre of Excellence, Dr. Madhusudan Pal, outlined the practical steps to ensure these MoUs are effective, such as establishing public-private partnerships, organizing internships, and focusing on intellectual property protection and commercialization of innovative products.

The event concluded with the official signing of the MoUs, marking a shared commitment to driving research, innovation, and educational excellence in India's footwear industry.