UPL University collaborates with Oxford University for knowledge exchange in sustainable food systems and climate change

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

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.