Chandigarh Design School (CDS) proudly announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Stieglitz Academy, St. Petersburg, Russia’s oldest and most prestigious design institution. The MoU was formalized during the RICS International Conference on Creative Economies held in St. Petersburg on 9 October 2025, in the presence of leading global figures from design, animation, and creative industries.
This collaboration establishes Chandigarh Design School as the first Indian institution to partner with Stieglitz Academy, creating new opportunities for faculty exchange, student mobility, academic collaboration, and joint research initiatives. Through this partnership, CDS brings its globally benchmarked design education philosophy to students studying at the historic Stieglitz campus, while also enabling Indian students to benefit from the same visionary academic ecosystem at home.
The MoU was signed by Anna Kislitsyna, Rector of Stieglitz Academy, and Vineet Raj Kapoor, Founder of Chandigarh Design School and SXILL. Following the signing, Stieglitz Academy extended a special invitation to Vineet Raj Kapoor for a guided tour of the campus, personally conducted by senior professors—highlighting the depth of mutual respect and academic alignment.
This agreement covers collaboration across academics, research, and faculty–student exchange, allowing students from both institutions to experience world-class design education rooted in global best practices. The initiative strengthens CDS’s mission to make international-quality education accessible and relevant for Indian students while simultaneously offering global learners exposure to India’s innovative design thinking.
Stieglitz Academy, with a 75-year legacy, stands as Russia’s oldest design college. SXILL, India’s pioneer in animation upskilling, and Chandigarh Design School, the first NSDC-affiliated institute for UI/UX Design, together represent a powerful convergence of tradition and modern design education.
With this partnership, CDS and SXILL now become the first Indian skill providers to secure four international MoUs, including collaborations with SAE Dubai, NUST MISIS Moscow, Universal University Moscow, and Stieglitz Academy St. Petersburg.
Sharing his thoughts, Vineet Raj Kapoor, Indian IDT Expert for WorldSkills, stated:
“SXILL is always committed to excellence. This collaboration with Stieglitz Academy is a strong validation of our expertise and a meaningful milestone for our students across India.”
Neelu Kapoor, Founder of SXILL and IndiaSkills Graphic Design Technology Jury member, added that the MoU represents global acceptance of the SXILL and CDS brand, making high-quality education more accessible and value-driven for students across Asia, Europe, and America.
This historic partnership marks yet another step in CDS’s journey toward building a globally respected institution rooted in academic integrity and industry relevance.