Woxsen University, Hyderabad, has signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with XPO Inc., a North American less-than-truckload (LTL) freight transportation major, to expand industry exposure for students and develop a workforce equipped with practical business skills.
The partnership will provide students with opportunities to participate in merit-based trainee programmes, live industry projects, internships, industry visits and interactions with XPO professionals in India. The company will also conduct pre-placement talks and employer engagement sessions, with a preferred recruitment slot during the university’s placement season.
The agreement aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace requirements by integrating industry experience into the university’s teaching and training programmes.
Industry inputs to shape curriculum
Under the agreement, XPO will have opportunities to contribute to curriculum development by sharing insights into emerging technologies, business practices and changing industry requirements.
The company may also design and deliver industry-led modules through Woxsen’s 12 Value-Added Credits under its Applied Learning & Industry Interface pathway.
The collaboration extends to faculty development and executive education. Woxsen faculty members will have opportunities to undertake four-to-six-week industry engagements or projects at XPO in India, enabling them to incorporate practical business insights into classroom teaching.
The two organisations will also explore management development programmes, customised executive education and certification courses aligned with XPO’s learning and development requirements. XPO experts will participate in guest lectures and knowledge-sharing sessions.
Focus on industry-ready talent
“This strategic partnership with Fortune 500 giant XPO exemplifies Woxsen’s commitment to disruptive, industry-integrated education,” said Woxsen University Vice Chancellor Dr. V. J. Byra Reddy.
He said the collaboration would combine academic rigour with XPO’s operational expertise, helping students acquire practical skills and adapt to evolving industry requirements.
XPO India Head and Senior Director, Financial Shared Services & Technology, Sameer Shaikh said strong industry-academia partnerships were essential to developing the future workforce.
The collaboration would help students connect classroom knowledge with real-world business challenges through trainee programmes, live projects, industry engagement and mentorship, he added.
For XPO, the partnership provides a platform to engage with emerging talent and contribute to the development of industry-ready professionals. For Woxsen, it strengthens the industry interface across student learning, faculty development and executive education.
The MoU will remain valid for an initial period of three years, with an option to extend it by mutual consent.