Jyotirmayee Dash, known as Jyoti, is the Director & CEO of TeraLumen Solutions Pvt Ltd, where she leads the development of Terahertz technology for non-destructive testing (NDT). With a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences and 3 years of experience in NDT, Jyoti’s journey began in the biomedical field, where she explored Terahertz technology for cancer detection. Her mentors guided her to shift focus towards its industrial applications, and she now works on making Terahertz NDT accessible and affordable for a wide range of industries.
Jyoti's leadership is defined by technical expertise, strategic thinking, and collaboration. She actively mentors aspiring professionals, particularly women in STEM, and is committed to creating opportunities for women in NDT. Excited by the potential of Terahertz NDT and AI-powered data analysis, she continues to push the boundaries of innovation, addressing real-world challenges and making a lasting impact on industries like aerospace, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.
Here’s an excerpt from the amazing conversation our team had….
Welcome, Jyoti! Thank you for joining us for this insightful conversation. Let's start by getting to know you a bit better. How did you first become interested in the field of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)?
My journey into NDT wasn’t a direct one. Initially, my focus was on the biomedical applications of Terahertz technology. During my Ph.D. at CSIR-CEERI, I was captivated by the potential of Terahertz for medical applications, especially in cancer detection. My early work and patents revolved around using Terahertz radiation to identify cancer margins during surgery—helping to minimize the need for repeat procedures and improving patient outcomes.
However, as I explored Terahertz technology further, my mentors encouraged me to consider its industrial applications. They highlighted the limitations of existing NDT methods and how Terahertz could offer a superior alternative. That was a pivotal moment for me. I realized that the same principles I was applying in biomedical imaging could be transformative for industrial NDT, and that’s when my journey in this field truly began.
That’s fascinating! Can you walk us through your career journey in NDT, from your early experiences to your current leadership position?
Absolutely! My mentors introduced me to the challenges industries faced in inspecting materials and structures, and I began to see the parallels between biomedical imaging and industrial NDT. Both require precise measurements, non-destructive analysis, and the ability to detect subtle variations.
As my understanding of Terahertz applications deepened, I shifted my focus to industrial NDT, aiming to make this technology accessible and affordable. We concentrated on developing compact, cost-effective, and robust THz devices for NDT, structural health monitoring, and process analytics.
Today, as the CEO of TeraLumen Solutions, I am in charge of bringing Terahertz NDT to the forefront. We are not just developing cutting-edge technology; we are empowering industries to improve their processes, enhance safety, and create better products. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be in this field.
Every journey has its challenges. Can you share some significant obstacles you faced and how you overcame them?
One of the biggest initial challenges was market awareness. Terahertz technology, though promising, wasn’t widely understood or adopted in the industrial sector. Many companies relied on traditional NDT methods and were hesitant to embrace something new. To tackle this, we launched extensive outreach efforts—attending industry conferences, publishing white papers, conducting webinars, and engaging directly with potential customers to educate them on the unique advantages of THz technology.
Another major hurdle was technology development. Translating laboratory prototypes into industrially viable, cost-effective devices was a complex process. Miniaturizing THz components, improving signal-to-noise ratios, and designing user-friendly software were all significant challenges. Overcoming these required a dedicated team of engineers and scientists, heavy investment in R&D, and collaborations with research institutions and industry partners. These efforts have played a crucial role in our success today.
In your opinion, what qualities make a successful leader in the NDT industry?
Leadership in NDT requires a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and strong interpersonal skills. Some essential qualities include:
A deeper understanding of various NDT principles along with identifying the needs of the market is most critical in the industry. Beyond this, effective collaboration with experts in the field and users is very crucial. Inputs from various engineers, researchers and business professional assists in building a high-quality product.
Have you had mentors who played a crucial role in your career? How did mentorship contribute to your growth?
Yes, mentorship has been instrumental in my journey. Two mentors, in particular, have been highly influential: Dr. Shyamsunder Mandayam and Dr. Bala Pesala.
Dr. Mandayam’s deep understanding of NDT techniques and his ability to connect fundamental research to real-world applications broadened my perspective. He challenged me to think bigger and explore the industrial potential of Terahertz technology.
Dr. Pesala, on the other hand, provided invaluable guidance in building and scaling a technology company. His insights on securing funding, team development, and strategic planning have been critical in shaping TeraLumen Solutions. Their mentorship helped me navigate challenges, refine my vision, and grow both technically and as a leader.
Do you actively participate in mentorship programs or initiatives to support aspiring professionals?
Absolutely! I strongly believe in mentorship and actively engage in several initiatives, especially to support women. I advise students and young professionals, particularly those interested in Terahertz technology, NDT, or entrepreneurship.
I also participate in speaking engagements and workshops to inspire the next generation of NDT professionals.
How do you see the role of women evolving in the NDT industry?
The role of women in NDT is undergoing a significant transformation. While historically underrepresented, women are increasingly shaping the industry’s present and future. Several key trends are driving this shift:
Women are now leading research, development, and management efforts in NDT, bringing diverse perspectives and innovation to the industry. With the industry facing a skills shortage, encouraging more women to enter NDT can help meet workforce demands and drive growth.
Women are making a remarkable impact in organizations like BARC, DRDO, IGCAR, and various NDT service companies and academic institutions. It’s inspiring to see more women taking charge and pushing the industry forward.
Can you share any significant projects or initiatives where you’ve made an impact?
At TeraLumen Solutions, we are committed to making Terahertz technology accessible and impactful. Some key initiatives include:
- Developing Compact and Affordable THz NDT Systems: Traditional THz systems are bulky and expensive. We have focused on miniaturizing the technology to create portable and cost-effective systems suitable for various industrial applications.
- Customized Solutions for Industry Needs: We work closely with customers to develop tailored solutions that address their specific challenges in sectors like aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
By pushing the boundaries of what Terahertz can achieve in NDT, we are helping industries improve efficiency, enhance safety, and make better-informed decisions.
Jyoti, it has been an absolute pleasure speaking with you. Thank you for sharing your incredible journey and insights. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of your work in NDT!
Thank you! I truly appreciate this opportunity to share my experiences. I hope my journey inspires others to explore the exciting world of NDT and make meaningful contributions to the industry
