Mumbai, 2nd September 2025 : UPL University of Sustainable Technology (“UPL University”), an
initiative by UPL Group, and
the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development (OICSD), based at Somerville
College, University of Oxford, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) to advance knowledge exchange in sustainable food systems and climate
change. This partnership extends the existing collaboration, creating a
platform for training and knowledge sharing between students and academics.
Under this partnership, a select group of faculty
members from UPL University will travel to Oxford each year for a special
training focused on curriculum development and research-based learning,
beginning in the summer of 2026. In parallel, experts from the Oxford India
Centre for Sustainable Development will contribute to UPL University’s academic
programme by delivering an extra-curricular seminar series to deepen students’
learning about key global priorities. Topics include Artificial Intelligence,
Sustainable Development, Climate Action, and Technology Innovation. For the
upcoming academic year, two in-person and two online lectures are planned
exclusively for UPL University students.
Commenting on the partnership, Jai Shroff,
Chairman & Group CEO of UPL Ltd., said, “At UPL, we believe
knowledge sharing and collaboration are essential to solving the world’s most
pressing sustainability challenges. This partnership between UPL University and
the OICSD creates a powerful platform for learning and innovation, empowering
the next generation of students and faculty in India to contribute to global
sustainability goals. India is uniquely positioned to address global
research gaps, and collaborations like this one with OICSD, University of
Oxford will help establish UPL University as a hub for international academic
exchange and collaboration in sustainability and technology.”
Reflecting on the partnership’s continuation, Baroness
Jan Royall, Principal of Somerville College and Executive Director of the OICSD,
said, “The OICSD is committed to contributing meaningfully to the UK–India
relationship by fostering collaboration on the most pressing sustainable
development challenges of our time. Our renewed partnership with UPL offers an
exciting opportunity to make strategic advances in areas such as
climate-resilient agriculture, innovation, and environmental stewardship. We
are proud to work alongside UPL and its University of Sustainable Technology to
deepen this vital exchange of knowledge and ideas between Oxford and India.”
According to Ashok Panjwani, President of UPL
University, “This partnership will benefit our faculty and students
by offering direct learning opportunities with the OICSD, University of Oxford,
and by enabling participation in global discussions on sustainability and
technology. It will inspire our academic community and reinforce our commitment
to building sustainable solutions for a better future. Exchange initiatives
will contribute meaningfully to long-term outcomes for Indian higher
education.”
This partnership reflects the shared commitment of
both institutions to building inclusive and resilient systems through the power
of education, innovation, and global collaboration. The partnership
between OICSD and UPL began in 2021 with the co-organisation of the OpenAg
Symposium, a platform that brings together leading voices from government,
industry and academia to examine the intersection of climate change and
agriculture. The most recent edition of the symposium was graced by His
Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, who delivered the
keynote address at the fourth edition held on 18th September 2024 at Said Business
School, University of Oxford.
In addition to its partnership with the OICSD,
University of Oxford, UPL University has established collaborations that have
helped enrich the university’s curriculum across a wide range of disciplines,
including sustainability, environmental compliance, automation, robotics, and
process engineering. Together, these initiatives reflect UPL University’s
commitment to providing students and faculty with access to cutting-edge
knowledge, practical skills, and global perspectives that prepare them to lead
in a rapidly evolving world.
For more information, please contact:
Jyoti Vaddi, Head of Corporate Communications, UPL Ltd
– jyoti@upl-ltd.com
Neeraj Shetye, Partnerships and Communications Manager
– Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development – neeraj.shetye@some.ox.ac.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
About UPL Group
UPL Ltd. (NSE: UPL, BSE: 512070, LSE GDR: UPLL) is a
global provider of sustainable agricultural products and solutions that cover
the entire agrifood value chain. With annual revenue exceeding $5 bn, UPL Ltd.
is one of the largest agriculture companies worldwide, serving growers in more
than 140 countries. UPL Ltd. comprises of four pure-play platforms that include
UPL Corporation Ltd. (UPL Corp); UPL Sustainable Agriculture Solutions Ltd.
(UPL SAS); Advanta Enterprises Ltd; and Superform Chemistries Ltd. (formerly
known as UPL Speciality Chemicals Ltd.). Together, these platforms are
dedicated to Reimagining Sustainability and driving progress in the
world. For more information, please visit www.upl-ltd.com.
About the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable
Development (OICSD):
The OICSD at Somerville College was established in
2013 through a historic partnership between the University of Oxford and the
Government of India with an objective to support Indian students to pursue
their higher education in Oxford. Over the past twelve years, OICSD has
supported over 70 talented Indian students to pursue their postgraduate studies
at the University of Oxford. Our scholars are engaged in multidisciplinary
research, working on issues and challenges related to India’s sustainable
development with a focus on climate change, healthcare, water management,
technology innovation, biodiversity, conservation, law, human rights and public
policy. The Centre has emerged as a bridge between India and Oxford but also,
between research, policy and impact. More information available here.
About UPL University of Sustainable Technology:
Established in 2021 and located in Ankleshwar, Gujarat, UPL University of Sustainable
Technology is India’s first private university dedicated to sustainable
technology. Recognized by the UGC and Government of Gujarat, the university
offers diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, PG diploma, and Ph.D. programs in
engineering, science, and sustainability. Originally established as the Shroff
S.R. Rotary Institute of Technology (SRICT) in 2011, the institution expanded
in 2018 with SRICT-ISR for B.Sc. and M.Sc. programs and became a full-fledged
private university in 2021. The university holds NAAC B++ grade and has earned
5-star GSIRF ratings for the year 2023-24. The university’s research ecosystem
includes NABL-accredited labs, a Centre of Excellence in Process Safety, and
many Ph.D. scholars engaged in interdisciplinary work. Situated amidst a
diverse chemical process industry, UPL University maintains strong ties with
enterprises of all scales for research and consultancy. With over 170 industry
collaborations, the university integrates real-world learning through joint
research, certification programs, and hands-on training. UPL University is
committed to nurturing the next generation of innovators, engineers, and
sustainability leaders.
