Perfect Match: Indonesian Startup Founder Earns IMBA from NCKU, Achieves Major Business Milestone-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

Graciela Gabrielle Angeline (Grace), co-founder of the renowned Indonesian social enterprise PetaNetra, creators of the "PetaNetra: Navigation for the Visually Impaired" app, enrolled in the International Master of Business Administration (IMBA) program at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) two years ago to enhance her leadership skills and global perspective for further business development. As she nears graduation, Grace says her experience exceeded expectations — gaining insights into local business culture and building a valuable network with classmates, professors, and experts from around the world. "Choosing NCKU was the perfect decision."


After graduation, Grace will stay in Taiwan to promote the development of the PetaNetra navigation app for the visually impaired, taking the company’s first step toward global operations. The team’s big dream is to start from the Asian market, grow steadily, and expand internationally to help visually impaired people worldwide.


Grace, skilled in computer and information science, co-developed the PetaNetra app in 2022 with partners to enhance the mobility independence of visually impaired users in indoor public spaces. The app detects the user’s location and provides voice guidance to the destination. That same year, they established a social enterprise startup under the PetaNetra name. In 2024, the company’s innovation was recognized and mentored by the Apple Developer Academy, and Grace was invited to present their design and achievements to Apple CEO Tim Cook. PetaNetra also became a highlight of the Apple Developer Academy’s 2024 annual showcase.


PetaNetra was originally developed as an augmented reality (AR) map-editing app that allows users to create indoor maps and mark locations such as sofa areas, obstacles, and corners, combined with voice-guided navigation. The app has competed in many contests, winning the gold award at the 2025 Taiwan AI Junior Award—a major milestone for the team. To compete, they integrated AI technology, combining AR with AI to greatly enhance the technical level and improve positioning accuracy. The Mandarin version of PetaNetra has been tested in indoor spaces such as the entrance of the Yongfeng Bank NCKU Branch and the first floor of the Tainan City Government building.


Grace said she chose to study in Taiwan because of its high-quality education, strong tech innovation, and vibrant society. But more importantly, Taiwan’s inclusiveness and support for people with disabilities stood out to her. For example, she saw visually impaired passengers in Taipei MRT receiving guidance and assistance from staff for safer travel, which aligns closely with PetaNetra’s core mission.


“IMBA’s curriculum is not just theoretical but also emphasizes practical application,” said Grace. Through participating in various innovation competitions in Taiwan with PetaNetra, she had opportunities to collaborate with Yongfeng Bank and Tainan City Government, gaining valuable experience and feedback. This support has been crucial for PetaNetra’s operations and growth, while also strengthening its potential to create social impact. Grace especially thanks her thesis advisor and entrepreneurship competition mentor, Associate Professor Yu-Yu Chang, for his guidance in many aspects, as well as NCKU’s Atelier Future research center for encouraging students to boldly explore and imagine future possibilities.


The idea to use technology to help visually impaired people navigate indoor public spaces was inspired by Grace’s blind parents. Although both her parents are completely blind, Grace emphasizes that she never saw them as “different.” Her father worked and supported the family, while her mother managed household chores as usual. One of the most meaningful experiences in her childhood was learning how to guide them safely in and out of places. She often accompanied them to disability community events, shopping malls, and other public venues. This upbringing gave her a deep understanding of the daily challenges her parents faced and their remarkable resilience.


Grace emphasizes that technology is just a tool; real change comes from using it to solve genuine social problems. Combining technology with social impact in a human-centered, responsible, and ethical way is the most powerful force for driving change. Along the way, they have faced many challenges. One major challenge is developing technology-based solutions for the visually impaired that ensure accurate, accessible, and safe use of non-visual information—this is far more complex than imagined, and the team is still continuously improving. Another challenge lies in establishing a sustainable business model, which they are currently exploring. After all, while social enterprises focus on creating impact, financial support is necessary to serve more people in need.


Grace shares her advice for young aspiring entrepreneurs: "You don’t need everything to be perfect to start. As long as you have clear goals, are willing to learn, and can adjust and adapt along the way, you can take the first step." She notes that many people, especially women, often feel they are not ready or good enough yet, but in reality, courage to take that first step leads to growth. Grace also encourages everyone not to feel discouraged by being “different.” She acknowledges that growing up with visually impaired parents sometimes made her feel underestimated, but today she sees that this has become a source of greater potential. Grace says, “Your story, your values, and your beliefs are the source of your strength.”


Grace’s achievements exemplify the spirit of the International Master of Business Administration (IMBA) program at NCKU, which cultivates innovative talents across borders and disciplines. Since its establishment in 2006, the IMBA has been committed to providing a fully English-taught, multicultural, and practice-oriented learning environment. The program offers diverse courses including international business management, information systems management, innovation and entrepreneurship, behavioral economics, and financial management, helping students from around the world develop professional knowledge, global perspectives, and cross-cultural communication and leadership skills.


The IMBA program admits international students every spring and fall, and enrolls local students in the fall semester. With more outstanding and influential alumni like Grace shining across the globe, NCKU continues to witness its students transforming professional knowledge and innovative spirit into concrete actions, creating their own value on the global stage. NCKU warmly welcomes young individuals aspiring to international development and personal growth to join the IMBA program and start their own international journey.