Kurzweil Award 2025 recognises pioneers in NDE 4.0
02/10/2025
The International Conference on NDE 4.0, held this year in Bengaluru, India, witnessed a momentous occasion with the presentation of the prestigious Kurzweil Award for High Impact in NDE 4.0. The award, named after renowned futurist and inventor Ray Kurzweil, recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) within the context of Industry 4.0.
This year’s recipients, Dr Johannes Vrana and Dr Ripi Singh, were honoured for their exceptional work in ‘pioneering, leading and globalising NDE 4.0’. Their contributions have been instrumental in driving the adoption and advancement of NDE 4.0 technologies, shaping the future of inspection and quality assurance across industries.
The Kurzweil Award, established in 2022, has quickly become a symbol of excellence in the NDE 4.0 community. The inaugural award recognised Professor Dr Norbert Meyendorf and Professor Dr Bernd Valeske for their pioneering work in ‘starting the field of NDE 4.0’. This laid the foundation for the subsequent advancements that are now being recognised and celebrated.
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| Dr Ripi Singh (left) and Dr Johannes Vrana have received the Kurzweil Award for High Impact in NDE 4.0 |
The 2025 award highlights the global reach and impact of NDE 4.0. Dr Vrana, a leading expert in NDE and digital transformation, and Dr Singh, a renowned innovation and strategy coach, have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of NDE 4.0 and fostering its adoption worldwide.
Dr Vrana’s extensive experience in NDE and data science, coupled with his leadership in national and international organisations, has made him a driving force in the field. His company, Vrana GmbH, provides cutting-edge NDE and digital transformation solutions, contributing significantly to the advancement of NDE 4.0 technologies.
Dr Singh’s expertise in digital transformation and his vast experience in developing and implementing innovative solutions have enabled him to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
His contributions to NDE 4.0, along with his leadership roles in organisations such as the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), have been crucial in promoting the adoption of these technologies.
Together, Dr Vrana and Dr Singh have not only pioneered new techniques and applications in NDE 4.0 but have also been instrumental in leading and globalising the field. Their efforts have fostered collaboration, knowledge sharing and the development of innovative solutions that are transforming industries worldwide.
The Kurzweil Award serves as a testament to the transformative power of NDE 4.0. By recognising and celebrating the achievements of individuals such as Dr Vrana and Dr Singh, the award inspires further innovation and collaboration, driving the field towards a future where inspection and quality assurance are smarter, more efficient and more reliable than ever before.
As NDE 4.0 continues to evolve, the Kurzweil Award will undoubtedly play a crucial role in acknowledging and encouraging the pioneers who are shaping its future. The contributions of these individuals will pave the way for a safer, more sustainable and technologically advanced world.
