GUEST COLUMN: NC State students turn their campus experiences into a business

April 9, 2026 - 01:45

Three enterprising students from SKEMA Business School have channeled their academic journey at North Carolina State University into a promising startup venture. Their company, Apolia, has developed an artificial intelligence voice assistant specifically engineered to meet the needs of small businesses.

The founders credit their direct campus experiences with identifying a critical gap in the market. Observing the operational hurdles and budget constraints common among smaller enterprises, they envisioned an AI solution that is both powerful and accessible. Apolia's technology is designed to handle customer interactions, manage appointments, and provide information through natural voice commands, aiming to alleviate administrative burdens.

The venture represents a practical application of their interdisciplinary studies, merging lessons in technology, entrepreneurship, and business management. The team focused on creating an intuitive tool that requires minimal technical knowledge to deploy, making advanced AI assistance a feasible option for local shops, service providers, and startups.

By turning their observational insights into a functional product, these students exemplify the innovative spirit fostered within the university ecosystem. Apolia now stands as a testament to how academic challenges can inspire real-world solutions, offering a tailored approach to help small businesses streamline operations and enhance customer engagement without a substantial upfront investment.