Meet our MSc TIP alumna, Angelina Terlaki
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 Master of Science in Technopreneurship and Innovation Programme
(MSc TIP) requires submitting a Business Plan as part of its admission
criteria.
Apart from seeing the "real value" behind the Business Plan, which empowered her to focus on business creation, she 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.
I Should Be Where the Future Is
"I was not looking at merely creating a start-up – I
am a technology enthusiast and also into design thinking," Angelina
explained that creative thinking is essential for problem-solving. She saw
NTU’s strong research background as an ideal environment to achieve her goals.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Angelina made
a bold decision to resign from her job and apply to MSc TIP in 2020. "For
many, it was a risk, but for me, it was the right step". Originally from
Greece, it was Angelina's first time in Asia. It was not only an academic
learning opportunity, but also a cultural adventure.
"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."
Taking Action, Reaping Benefits
A graduate from the class of 2021, Angelina told us that
she greatly benefited from the industry exposure and the opportunity to work
with NTU research labs during her studies.
"The MSc TIP enabled me to gain real market exposure
by working with start-ups and helping them solve their problems." She
pointed out that these problems could be completely different from case studies
in class, but what was taught can be used to find a solution.
She shared that 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. She added, "I am aware of where my limits are" and saw
herself as someone "from the commercial side" who wanted to
commercialise technology. Hence, she actively sought out research groups at NTU
that aligned with her vision and what she 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."
Her efforts paid off when she was eventually introduced to her mentor, Professor Wen Yonggang, who led one of the university's research centres. She started working with him as "his research aligned with her interests". One of the projects she worked on showed great potential for addressing a market gap. It led to the creation of Red Dot Analytics (RDA), a deep-tech spin-off from NTU.
Creating an Impact on the Tiny Red Dot
Cofounded by Angelina, Red Dot Analytics (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".
According to Angelina, 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 to simulate, and she emphasised that "with our solutions, data centres can reduce energy consumption by as much as 40%."
A Common Vision and a Purpose-Driven Mindset
In her opinion, the biggest challenge for many start-ups
is assembling a cohesive and passionate team with a unified vision and a drive
to impact society significantly. She stressed that building such a team is a
top priority, as "you are better able to overcome the obstacles along the
way and achieve what you set out to achieve."
She also believes in maintaining a close connection with
NTU. "Being close to the research happening there is important – not just
to MSc TIP but to the larger community of NTU." She shared that her team
is also part of NTUitive, an innovation and enterprise company of NTU that
provides start-ups with the support necessary to overcome different challenges
along their entrepreneurial journeys. NTUitive has been helping start-ups like
hers gain industry exposure and recognition by facilitating their participation
in various events and platforms.
Angelina’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: There is more than one path to success, but the key is having a purpose-driven mindset. She opined, "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."
Learn more about our programmes as we continue to cultivate entrepreneurship with a multidisciplinary approach and foster the diversity of ideas.
Read the rest of our NTUpreneur Student and Alumni Stories.