Angelina Terlaki co-founded Red Dot Analytics using AI to reduce carbon emission

Angelina Terlaki
Co-founder of Red Dot Analytics
NTU Graduate
Master of Science in Technopreneurship & Innovation (MSc TIP) 

Recently honoured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2023 list in the Enterprise Technology category, NTU Entrepreneurship Academy (NTUpreneur) alumna Angelina Terlaki, who has a bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship, initially felt that a master's degree was unnecessary to create a start-up. 

She changed her mind when she discovered that NTUpreneur's MSc TIP requires submitting a business plan as part of the admission criteria.

Apart from seeing the real value behind the business plan, I felt that the MSc TIP is "exactly what it stands for – it is not just about entrepreneurship but technopreneurship." A combination of technology with entrepreneurship attracted her.

1. Share with us your success journey

I was not looking at merely creating a start-up – I am a technology enthusiast and also into design thinking. Creative thinking is essential for problem-solving. Given NTU’s strong research background, it is an ideal environment to achieve my goals.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, I made a bold decision to resign from my job and apply to MSc TIP in 2020. For many, it was a risk, but for me, it was the right step. It was not only an academic learning opportunity, but also a cultural adventure being my first time in Asia.

I read about Singapore, and if what I read is true, living in Singapore to me – is like living in the future. I recognise Asia's competitive nature and its emergence as one of the centres of the future, and I should be where the future is.

I also benefited from industry exposure and had an opportunity to work with NTU research labs during my studies. The MSc TIP enabled me to gain real market exposure by working with start-ups and helping them solve their problems. These problems could be completely different from case studies in class, but what was taught can be used to find a solution.

It was also important to explore the different research labs at NTU and take on internships as a student to seek potential start-up opportunities with "many interesting projects" within NTU. I am aware of where my limits are and saw myself as someone from the commercial side who wanted to commercialise technology. Hence, I actively sought out research groups at NTU that aligned with my vision and what I wanted to change in the world.

It was my goal to stay here and grow professionally. So, I spoke with all my professors in the programme to explore research opportunities. I was eventually introduced to my mentor, Professor Wen Yonggang, who led one of the university's research centres and started working with him as his research aligned with my interests. One of the projects I worked on showed great potential for addressing a market gap which led to the creation of Red Dot Analytics (RDA), a deep-tech spin-off from NTU.  

2. How does your start-up create an impact for Singapore and beyond?

RDA specialises in developing digital twin solutions to transform data centre operations and management, empowering businesses to improve operational efficiency and sustainability. 

When we build digital twins or accurate replicas of infrastructures, we can simulate a lot of data that we usually do not have, and in that way train an AI engine to give recommendations on how these buildings can operate more efficiently. Our software can help companies make informed decisions about how to save energy specifically.

Data centres today have yet to exploit technology for energy reduction fully. With the introduction of new regulations in Singapore, data centres must prove that they are sustainable before operating in Singapore. Software-based solutions like those from RDA help data centres reduce energy consumption by as much as 40%.

3. What is your biggest challenge?
My challenge is forming a cohesive and passionate team with a unified vision and a drive to impact society significantly. Building such a team is a top priority to overcome the obstacles along the way.

I believe in maintaining a close connection with NTU. Being close to the research is important – not just to MSc TIP but to the larger community. NTUitive has been helping start-ups like mine to gain industry exposure and recognition by facilitating participation in various events and platforms.

4. Share some words of advice to aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs
There is more than one path to success, but the key is having a purpose-driven mindset. Start with a clear understanding of your purpose and the impact you want to make. Identify a problem or a need you want to address and align your business idea with that purpose. By prioritising the positive impact, you want to have on society and the world, you will be motivated and inspired to overcome challenges.