Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited (KICL) has signed a strategic academic partnership with ITECH Lyon, France on February 25, 2026 to boost technical education in leather technology.

The agreement was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at building stronger skill development programs for the leather industry. The idea is simple. Combine Indian industry experience with European academic strength.

The MoU was signed by Rafiq Ahmed, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited and Jérôme Marcilloux General Manager/Dean ITECH Lyon.

The course will cover advanced tanning and finishing technologies, sustainable leather processing, global certification standards, luxury grade quality benchmarking and European technology transfer practices.

According to industry sources both sides are expected to jointly design and deliver a one year Diploma or Certificate program focused on Leather Technology.

ITECH Lyon is likely to handle academic and teaching services while Kothari Industrial is expected to provide infrastructure and administrative support.