Aerospace student named Victoria's most entrepreneurial at international education awards

Aerospace student named Victoria's most entrepreneurial at international education awards

Aerospace engineering student Preetham Akula has won the new entrepreneurship category at the Victorian International Education Awards 2024.

Akula said he was attracted to RMIT for its specialist training in the field.

While his goal has always been to start an aerospace defence company, his business journey began with a beverage start-up.

“I wanted to demonstrate something in the market before I ask for a few million dollars from a venture capital fund,” Akula said. 

“I put myself through a training exercise of sorts, to teach myself how to run a business and give myself room to make mistakes and learn.” 

His company Akula Tech is now preparing for the launch of its first satellite in 2025.

“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," he said. 

L-R: Ajmal Abdul Azees and Preetham Akula L-R: Ajmal Abdul Azees and Preetham Akula

Akula was recognised alongside his peer Ajmal Abdul Azees, a finalist in the research category.

“It's really good recognition. I had tears in my eyes,” said PhD candidate Ajmal Abdul Azees, who developed the world’s first hybrid cochlear implant. 

“So far, I have worked three and a half years on my PhD and it's like paying off what you have done with some recognition, which tells you that you have done something.”

Azees, who travelled from Sri Lanka to study at RMIT and is also a researcher at the Bionics Institute, has overhauled the cochlear implant, which has largely remained unchanged since 1978.  

Pre-clinical trials are currently underway at St Vincent’s Hospital.

“[The cochlear implant] helps people to hear again, but it uses electricity. So my project was involved in different technology using light to stimulate the auditory nerve to help people to hear again,” he said.

“Globally around 700 million people are deaf. [The recognition] will raise awareness of what I’m trying to do and help with my future research. So that's a good feeling.”

Saskia Loer Hansen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and Engagement, said the awards provide great recognition for students and highlight the valuable contribution they make to the Victorian community.

“International students travel from across the world to undertake study and research opportunities at RMIT,” she said. 

“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.”

04 October 2024

Share

Return to RMIT News
04 October 2024

Share

Engage

Related News

barcelona-urba-sensorial-26-image1-1220x732px.jpg

Urbà Sensorial: RMIT students take design to the streets of Barcelona

Students from RMIT University’s College of Design and Social Context, Politecnico di Milano (Polimi) and Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering (Elisava) joined forces for an intensive two-week design studio exploring urban regeneration through the senses.

Sneaky Sound system

RMIT community comes together to celebrate the Class of 2025

With Sneaky Sound System setting the scene and honorary degrees awarded to two outstanding leaders from the art and business communities, the 2025 RMIT Melbourne Graduation Ceremony was full of highlights.

Mechanical Engineering students Daaksh Mall and Ganya Sharma

RMIT and BITS Pilani strengthen ties with students' return to Melbourne

Students from The Academy return to Melbourne, set to explore academic and cultural opportunities in their final study phase at RMIT

melbourne-central-furniture-1220x732.png

Student’s furniture design provides ‘pocket of peace’ at Melbourne Central Shopping Centre

Lucinda Johnson-Cornes’ art practice imbues quietness and provides perspective amid a busy world.

Show more
aboriginal flag float-start torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information