CNDE
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers for Industry, Academia, and Partners.
25 questions in 7 topics.
01About CNDE
The Centre for Non-Destructive Evaluation (CNDE) is a research and technology translation centre at IIT Madras, established in 2001. Its work spans ultrasonic and electromagnetic inspection, structural health monitoring, temperature and process measurement, AI-enabled defect recognition, robotic inspection, and nondestructive imaging.
Research is developed with a defined route to industrial deployment. Over 25 years, this approach has produced 14 deep-tech ventures, 150+ patents filed, and technology deployed across 12+ countries.
CNDE is a centre within IIT Madras and draws on 20+ faculty across disciplines. It operates within the Institute's innovation ecosystem, including pre-incubation, the Incubation Cell, the Research Park, and the Centre for Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (ICSR).
NCNDE, the National Consortium for Non-Destructive Evaluation, was established under CNDE in November 2024. It is India's first industry-driven NDE research consortium, and it is open to organisations worldwide. Questions on membership are answered on the NCNDE FAQ page.
02Research
Research is organised across three domains: nondestructive imaging and evaluation, structural health monitoring, and online process parameter measurement. Each domain covers work from foundational science to field-ready technology.
NDE 5.0 is the research framework CNDE is defining for the next generation of the field. It comprises five themes: Ubiquitous Sensing, Structured Materials for Imaging, Edge Intelligence and Soft-Sensing, Wide Inspection Technologies, and Remote and Pervasive Inspection.
CNDE works across ultrasonics, including phased array, guided wave, laser, and air-coupled methods. It also covers EMAT, infrared thermography, terahertz imaging, digital X-ray and CT, ground-penetrating radar, hyperspectral imaging, and fibre optic sensing.
CNDE operates specialised laboratories across a 4,400 sq. ft. core facility at IIT Madras. The facility supports work from micro-scale characterisation to large-structure inspection system testing.
03Working with CNDE
CNDE offers industrial consultancy, feasibility studies, laboratory access and testing, training programmes, and sponsored research. Each engagement draws on active research programmes.
Yes. CNDE takes on inspection challenges at any stage of development, including sectors where NDE capability is underdeveloped. The underlying physics applies wherever a structure needs assessment, a process needs monitoring, or a defect needs to be found.
A feasibility study is a time-bound assessment of whether a proposed NDE method or system is technically viable for a specific application. It combines experimental validation with computational modelling and concludes with a clear technical assessment.
Sponsored projects are managed through ICSR at IIT Madras, which provides the administrative, financial, and legal framework. An engagement begins with a technical discussion to define the problem and scope.
Yes. Laboratories are available on a scheduled basis for inspection, characterisation, and testing. NCNDE members receive priority access and preferential rates.
Yes. Delegations from industry and academia visit CNDE regularly. Visits are arranged on prior request.
04Training
Programmes cover digital radiography, phased array ultrasonic testing, AI in NDE, structural health monitoring, guided wave ultrasonics, and thermography. They are delivered at IIT Madras, at client facilities, and in hybrid formats.
Programmes are designed for working professionals who already understand the domain. The focus is on advanced methods and emerging technologies rather than introductory certification.
CNDE issues completion certificates through IIT Madras. Formal personnel certification is awarded by bodies such as ISNT, ASNT, and PCN, and CNDE can advise on the appropriate route.
Yes. Bespoke in-house programmes are built around the client's equipment, standards, and inspection context, and delivered at the client's facility.
05Spin-Offs and Technology
Fourteen ventures have emerged from CNDE research, covering ultrasonic instrumentation, AI-driven inspection, marine robotics, pipeline inspection, temperature sensing, fibre optic sensing, rail safety, and industrial platforms. Together they employ 1,400+ people.
Technology reaches industry through CNDE's spin-off ventures, sponsored research, and NCNDE membership. Licensing and partnership enquiries can be directed to the CNDE team.
Investor enquiries can be directed to the CNDE team, who will connect them with the relevant venture. NCNDE members receive preferential access to invest in CNDE startups.
06Collaboration and Research Careers
Yes. Partnerships span funded research projects, mobility programmes, and joint PhD programmes across five continents. Partners include Fraunhofer, BAM, the University of Warwick, Nanyang Technological University, and TWI.
Options include joint research projects, faculty and student exchange, and NCNDE Educational Institution membership. Enquiries can be sent to the CNDE team.
CNDE hosts PhD and MS scholars and postdoctoral researchers through IIT Madras's academic programmes. Institutions can also access internships and exchange through NCNDE Educational Institution membership.
07Contact
Email: office@cnde.in
Phone: 044 2257 5688
Address: Room 312, Machine Design Section, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036 India
Still have a question?
For consultancy, feasibility studies, lab access, training or sponsored research, contact the CNDE team.
- Visit
- Room 312, Machine Design Section, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036 India
- Call
- 044 2257 5688
- Write
- office@cnde.in
