Chandigarh Design School (CDS) proudly announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universal University, Moscow, marking another significant step in expanding its global academic collaborations. 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 figures from the global design and animation community.
The agreement was signed by Afanasiy Savvin, Head of Higher Education at Universal University, and Vineet Raj Kapoor, Founder of Chandigarh Design School and SXILL. Following the signing, Universal University extended a special invitation to Vineet Raj Kapoor for a guided tour of its Art District campus, personally conducted by senior faculty members, reflecting the strong academic alignment between the institutions.
This collaboration focuses on academic exchange, joint research, and student–faculty mobility, enabling learners from both institutions to benefit from shared expertise and global exposure. Through this initiative, CDS brings its industry-integrated Indian education model to international students, while Indian learners gain access to the same visionary academic ecosystem within India.
Universal University is among the largest art- and design-focused universities in Moscow, known for its contemporary approach to creative education. In parallel, SXILL continues to lead animation upskilling in India, while Chandigarh Design School remains the first NSDC-affiliated institute for UI/UX Design, reinforcing its academic credibility.
With this partnership, CDS and SXILL become the first Indian skill providers to establish three international MoUs, including collaborations with SAE Dubai, NUST MISIS Moscow, and Universal University Moscow.
Sharing his thoughts, Vineet Raj Kapoor, Indian IDT Expert for WorldSkills, said:
“SXILL is always committed to excellence. Global academic acknowledgements like these reaffirm the relevance of our education model for students across India.”
Neelu Kapoor, Founder of SXILL and IndiaSkills Graphic Design Technology Jury member, emphasized that such international collaborations reflect global acceptance of the SXILL–CDS brand, while also helping students across Asia, Europe, and America access high-quality education that is more value-driven and financially sustainable.
This MoU further strengthens CDS’s vision of creating a globally respected design institution rooted in academic rigor and industry relevance.