Satellite dreams and Chai Breakthroughs: RMIT student wins big

By Our Reporter
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L-R: Ajmal Abdul Azees and Preetham Akula. Image supplied

Preetham Akula, an aerospace engineering student at RMIT, recently captured the spotlight by winning the entrepreneurship category at the 2024 Victorian International Education Awards. What makes Akula’s journey remarkable goes beyond the technical leaps he’s making in aerospace. His entrepreneurial spirit has been evident from the start, with his journey beginning not in the world of rockets or satellites, but with a chai cart he launched under the name Dropout Chaiwala.

Starting a beverage business might seem like an unusual move for someone whose sights are set on space. However, Akula saw it as a crucial step in teaching himself the ropes of running a business, making it easier to navigate potential pitfalls before diving into aerospace ventures. The chai business became a training ground for Akula to hone his entrepreneurial instincts, providing him with the skills and confidence needed to pursue his bigger ambition—Akula Tech, a company on track to launch its first satellite in 2025.

His win in the Victorian International Education Awards serves as validation for his approach. “This award is almost a proof of concept that one can achieve something big, even if they are an international student and not from the local community,” Akula said. The recognition not only celebrates his hard work but also highlights the unique path he’s taken as an international student in Australia—using creative thinking and business acumen to make strides in a highly competitive field.

Akula’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond just aerospace and beverages. His company, Akula Tech, is now focused on developing a satellite set for launch next year. The award has boosted his confidence as he looks to continue pushing boundaries in aerospace engineering. For Akula, this isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning. His ultimate goal is to establish an aerospace defence company, and he’s already taken steps to lay the groundwork for future success.

Akula’s achievements come alongside those of his fellow RMIT student, Ajmal Abdul Azees, who was a finalist in the research category of the same awards. Azees, who has spent the past three and a half years working on his PhD, has made significant strides in medical technology. His development of the world’s first hybrid cochlear implant represents a breakthrough in the field of bionics, potentially revolutionising hearing technology.

The hybrid cochlear implant, which is now undergoing pre-clinical trials at St Vincent’s Hospital, aims to stimulate the auditory nerve using light instead of electricity, offering a new way for people with hearing impairments to regain their ability to hear. Azees explained that while traditional cochlear implants have remained largely unchanged since 1978, his research introduces a new dimension that could improve the efficacy of these devices.

“It’s really good recognition. I had tears in my eyes,” Azees said, reflecting on being named a finalist. “So far, I have worked three and a half years on my PhD, and it’s like paying off what you have done.” The emotional moment represented not just personal achievement but also the potential global impact of his work. Azees’ innovation could help millions worldwide. Currently, an estimated 700 million people are affected by hearing loss, and the recognition from the awards could serve as a springboard to raise awareness and support for further research and development.

The significance of these accomplishments goes beyond the individual stories of Akula and Azees. Saskia Loer Hansen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and Engagement at RMIT, underscored the broader value that international students bring to Victoria. She pointed out that students like Akula and Azees don’t just excel academically—they contribute meaningfully to their communities. “Our international students are a vital part of the community and bring a wealth of skills and global knowledge to the classroom, to campus life, and through the relationships that remain well beyond graduation,” she said. Hansen’s remarks reflect the diversity of talent that international students bring to Australia and the far-reaching impact of their work.

For Akula, the journey from chai to aerospace is just a reflection of his approach to problem-solving. He saw a gap in the market with Dropout Chaiwala, but he also saw it as an opportunity to prepare for the challenges ahead. Running a business, no matter how small, taught him resilience and provided real-world experience that has since translated into his work in aerospace. That determination to build something meaningful, combined with a willingness to take risks, ultimately led to Akula’s success.

Both Akula and Azees serve as examples of the ways in which international students can make their mark in Australia, overcoming challenges and breaking new ground. Akula’s recognition for entrepreneurship and Azees’ work in medical technology each offer a glimpse into the bright future that awaits when talent and innovation are nurtured, regardless of borders. Their achievements signal that the next generation of entrepreneurs and researchers is already hard at work, shaping industries and improving lives.

What’s next for Akula? His focus remains on Akula Tech, where he’s looking ahead to the satellite launch in 2025. He’s also mindful of the broader lessons from his entrepreneurial journey—persistence, adaptability, and the importance of thinking outside the box. While some may have questioned his decision to start with a chai cart, Akula knew that each venture would build on the last, ultimately helping him navigate the complex world of aerospace.

Meanwhile, Azees continues to push forward with his research, confident that his innovations in cochlear implant technology will make a meaningful difference. His work at the Bionics Institute is a testament to the importance of research in improving quality of life for millions of people around the globe.

As these two students continue to make strides in their respective fields, their stories remind us that success is often a result of seizing opportunities, learning from challenges, and thinking creatively about the future. The Victorian International Education Awards have shone a spotlight on their achievements, but the real story lies in the ongoing journey—one that is sure to inspire others to pursue their own entrepreneurial and academic dreams.


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