Graduate success: Ilarna Nche, CEO & Founder of Adassa Innovations

Ilarna Nche

‘We are currently working on the Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant platforms, which has allowed me to work on some fascinating projects with brands and companies which have reached millions of users’

Ilarna Nche, CEO & Founder of Adassa Innovations studied Multimedia Technology and Design with a Year in Industry and graduated in 2018. In this interview, we ask Ilarna about founding her own company, her plans for the future and her advice for current students.

How do you feel your time at Kent prepared you for working in the industry?
As someone who initially had no idea what I wanted to do, the course at Kent offered a broad range of modules, which provided me the opportunity to discover what areas of study I enjoyed and therefore wanted to do and what areas I disliked.

Can you tell us about the company you founded?
Adassa Innovations is a start-up where we specialise in building conversational AI & voice experiences. As a CEO and Founder of Adassa Innovations, I wear many hats and there are many responsibilities that I have to take on, for example liaising with clients and developing software. I try and actively learn a new skill every year, that I can utilise in the business, as I always want to innovate.

What did you learn in your degree that has been beneficial to you in your role?
The opportunity to do a ‘Year in the Industry’ during my course, prepared me for the workplace before I had even left University. Therefore, making me more employable as soon as I had graduated. I have been able to apply the skills that I picked up during that time to my own business.

Are you working on any exciting projects that you can share?
We are currently working on the Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant platforms, which has allowed me to work on some fascinating projects with brands and companies which have reached millions of users. Music Bop Adventures, is a project that started when I was 11 and then picked up again during my time at University. I am proud of the impact it has on children.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to be involved in all aspects of entertainment. I would like to write a TV show for a streaming service. Write songs for recording artists. Publish a book. I want to get into Web 3.0 and continue my mission to encourage brands on voice. Whether that be on Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, or if they would like to create their own custom voice assistant.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to follow the same career path?
If you would like to start your own business, then make sure you start a business that you are passionate about because it’s more than just a 9-5. Be persistent and don’t be afraid to fail. Network and meet as many people as you can in your industry. Use social media and LinkedIn to put yourself out there and get involved in all aspects of the community.

What was your favourite memory from your time at Kent?
My favourite memory is the day I met my friends who are now my friends for life, with who I still keep in touch, and those late-night trips to Essentials.