From IIT Madras. To the World.
One of the world's leading centres for Non-Destructive Evaluation research and technology translation.
From Deep Science to Industry-Ready Innovation.
Established in 2001 at IIT Madras, India, CNDE operates at the intersection of deep science and industrial deployment, advancing the technologies that assess structural integrity, detect hidden defects, and ensure the safety of critical infrastructure across aerospace, defence, energy, and many more.
Our research & development spans ultrasonic and electromagnetic inspection, structural health monitoring, temperature measurement, AI-enabled defect recognition, robotic inspection systems, and advanced nondestructive imaging.
Our Vision
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To Set the Global Standard.
To be the world's foremost institution for Non-Destructive Evaluation research and its translation into deployed industrial technology, setting the benchmarks, frameworks, and standards the global field is measured against. A future where structural failure is anticipated, not discovered. Where continuous, non-invasive assessment is the global norm for every bridge, aircraft, reactor, and pipeline. CNDE is building the science that gets the world there.
25 Years. Measured in Impact.
Over 25 years, CNDE has built a deep-tech ecosystem spanning patents, ventures, research talent, and global deployment.
25+Years of NDE research
Research
People
Industry
Leadership
CNDE is led by researchers and professionals who connect NDE research, technology translation and industrial engagement.
Prof. Krishnan Balasubramanian
Founder & Head, CNDE
Institute Professor, IIT Madras
The founding architect of CNDE and one of the world's most distinguished NDE researchers. Over 25 years, Prof. Balasubramanian has built CNDE from a single research group into a globally recognised centre, spanning fundamental science, advanced instrumentation, and a 14-venture deep-tech ecosystem.
Prof. Prabhu Rajagopal
Deputy Head, CNDE
Dean in Charge, IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus
An internationally recognised authority in guided wave ultrasonics, structural health monitoring, and computational NDE. Prof. Rajagopal leads CNDE's core research programmes while also steering IIT Madras's academic expansion internationally.
V. Manoharan
CEO, CNDE
IIT Madras
Leads CNDE's technology translation, industry engagement, and NCNDE operations, the infrastructure that moves research from the lab into deployable technology across global industrial sectors.
Govind Walavalkar
Strategic Advisor, Brand & Growth
CNDE, IIT Madras
Drives CNDE's brand positioning, industry outreach, and growth strategy, translating 25 years of deep research into a global institutional identity. Leads communications across CNDE and NCNDE, building visibility and engagement with industrial and academic audiences worldwide.
Industrial Advisory Board
Domain Expertise. Industry Depth. Global Perspective.
CNDE's Industrial Advisory Board comprises senior leaders from across the NDE, energy, nuclear, oil and gas, and materials sectors. Their collective experience spans 300+ years of field deployment, research, and institutional leadership, providing technical guidance and strategic direction to CNDE's research programmes and NCNDE's technology roadmap.
Mr. Srinivasan Chittahur
Industrial Advisor, CNDE | NDE & Asset Integrity, Hydrocarbon Sector
Over 35 years of experience in the inspection of pressure vessels, heavy equipment, and …
Dr. Kannan Chandrasekaran
Industrial Advisor, CNDE | Materials Engineering & Pipeline Integrity
An authority in materials engineering, corrosion science, and NDE, with over 30 years of …
Dr. Shyamsunder Mandayam
Industrial Advisor, CNDE | Aerospace, Defence & Nuclear NDE
A seasoned NDE expert with over 40 years of experience across aerospace, defence …
Mr. Anil Kumar Das
Industrial Advisor, CNDE | Power Sector & Advanced Inspection
A power sector specialist with over 30 years of experience in NDE, materials engineering, and asset …
Mr. B. Venkatraman
Industrial Advisor, CNDE | Nuclear Science & Radiation Technology
A distinguished nuclear scientist and former Director of Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic
Mr. Prem Kumar
Industrial Advisor, CNDE | Oil & Gas Refinery & Asset Integrity
A mechanical engineering professional with over 35 years of experience in the oil and gas
Trusted Where the Stakes Are Highest
CNDE works with leading organizations across aerospace, defence, energy, manufacturing, and transportation—where structural integrity matters most.
- Manufacturing
- Aerospace
- Defence
- Transportation
- Energy
- Others
Research Partnerships Across Four Continents
CNDE’s international collaborations include funded research, academic mobility, and joint doctoral programmes with leading institutions across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Global Reach
A Research footprint that spans the world
CNDE's academic collaborations, industry engagements, and startup deployments across continents
- CNDE Academic
- CNDE Industry
- Dhvani Group
- Planys Tech
- Detect Tech
- Maximal Labs
- Solinas Integrity
- XYMA Analytics
- Azeriri
- Unilumen
Ready to Collaborate?
Explore CNDE’s facilities, discuss a research idea, or connect with our team for training and partnership opportunities. We work with organisations that want science to create measurable impact.
