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.