Passionate Mechanical Engineer, Entrepreneur, and Environmentalist
Anirudh Agarwal
Chief Automation Officer
GALAMAD AEROSPACE
As someone with an innate talent for merging innovation with automation, Anirudh Agarwal, Chief Automation Officer at Galamad Aerospace, is reshaping the future of technology and industry. His robust academic and research background in cutting-edge fields such as soft robotics and 3D printing equips him to tackle complex challenges effectively. At the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), it was his first opportunity to apply his engineering skills to solve a complex research problem. Anirudh further honed his expertise at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), where he led the creation of a prototype for a food 3D printer, translating advanced research into practical solutions. What sets him apart as a leader is his ability to visualise holistic technology development that shines through his work with Anrich3D, which was aimed at producing personalised nutrition at scale. His life objective is to mass-produce groundbreaking technology, making it accessible and affordable for all. At Galamad Aerospace, he applies first principles to drive innovation and push the boundaries of the emerging space industry. Let’s hear more from him.
How has your journey from founding Anrich3D to aerospace shaped your leadership style?
My journey from founding Anrich3D to aerospace has profoundly influenced my leadership style and strategic decision-making by instilling adaptability and a focus on mentorship. Initially, I led flexible teams on research projects, navigating shifting responsibilities and collaborating with diverse experts. At Anrich3D, I became the de facto leader, organising development strategies and guiding researchers, professors, and chefs in food 3D printing. This experience shaped my mentorship approach, emphasising strategic questioning to empower others in finding solutions. At Galamad Aerospace, I evolved this style by gauging individual strengths and balancing strategic questioning with clear instructions. Transparency and accountability are also key, ensuring team members understand how their tasks align with our goals while tracking progress through regular updates.
How do you balance innovation and safety in aerospace automation?
The aerospace industry demands exceptionally high safety and compliance standards, and automation plays a crucial role in achieving these requirements. By minimising human error and ensuring precision, automation aligns with the strict specifications for both parts and manufacturing processes. Innovations like additive manufacturing enable the production of complex components, such as rocket boosters, with fewer parts and reduced variability, ensuring reliable and high-quality output. In fields requiring nanoscale precision, automation is often the only feasible solution, driving innovation and facilitating adherence to stringent safety and performance expectations.
What will define the next era of leadership in Asia, and how are you preparing for it?
The next era of leadership in Asia will be shaped by the continent’s demographic and economic significance, comprising over half the world’s population and a substantial share of global GDP. As Asian economies grow, they will influence global business strategies. However, with populations levelling off and the climate crisis requiring a shift from limitless consumption, leaders must rethink traditional economic models. Future leadership will prioritise sustainable practices and societal well-being. I would pay attention to regions and communities fostering a new economic paradigm centred on ecological balance transitioning away from the consumption mindset toward a system that prioritises human development.
What major challenges did you face in founding Anrich3D, and how did you overcome them?
Founding Anrich3D came with technological and market hurdles. Without functional food 3D printing prototypes, it was difficult to showcase the technology’s potential and gain investor trust. Rather than waiting for market shifts, I initiated research that resulted in four progressively advanced prototypes. My initial vision for personalised nutrition didn’t resonate with stakeholders, so I explored various applications, brainstorming potential products and markets. I created tailored pitches for each segment and pursued relentless market validation. This persistence, combined with continuous innovation, eventually helped secure strategic partnerships that could bring Anrich3D to market.
What underrated achievement in your career holds deep personal meaning for you?
One of my most underrated achievements at Galamad is developing a theoretical framework for satellite specifications using first principles. Before joining, I often felt my intellectual potential was underutilised, but solving complex aerospace challenges allowed me to apply equations for gravity, angular momentum, and orbital mechanics to real-world problems. This analytical approach helped define physical boundaries for components and subsystems, enabling better design decisions early on. While foundational work is often overshadowed by advanced tools, it’s critical for understanding system behaviour and making timely adjustments. Sharing these insights with students and inspiring them to pursue STEM, particularly space, reinforces my passion for physics and teaching.
How do you balance your roles and recharge creatively?
Balancing my demanding roles involves combining and splitting tasks. At NTU, I developed prototypes while networking as the founder of Anrich3D. At Galamad, I juggle responsibilities as a senior engineer, supervisor, and company representative. I combine redundant tasks across my roles through holistic thinking and use first principles to break down larger tasks, eliminating future complexities step by step. Outside work, my passion for science fiction enriches my imagination. Engaging with sci-fi movies and literature inspires new perspectives, while writing blogs allows me to express my thoughts and recharge my creativity
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