Pictured: Ian Kruger (L); Magnolia co-founders Kruger and Milan Dutta (R)

Computer science is more than coding; it’s a tool for creativity and problem solving.

- Ian Kruger 

For senior computer science major Ian Kruger, entrepreneurship is not just a hobby; it is a way of solving real-world problems.

Kruger, who transferred to the University of South Carolina after a year at Coastal Carolina University, co-founded Magnolia, a company focused on integrating real-time data analysis into traffic intersections. He started the company alongside his high school classmate Milan Dutta, who is now a student at the University of North Carolina. 

The idea for Magnolia has roots in their own high school ventures.

“Initially, when we started Magnolia Metrics, it was a web design company,” Kruger explained. “We built websites for local businesses and nonprofits, gaining experience and creating a brand. But when we got to college, we wanted to reimagine the company and apply computer science to problems in everyday life.” 

The problem they chose to tackle was traffic congestion. Dutta first noticed the inefficiencies in Chapel Hill, North Carolina intersections.

“Looking at a busy intersection outside my dorm, I realized there had to be a way to use data to improve traffic flow,” Dutta says. “Most traffic lights still operate on fixed timings, which doesn’t account for variable traffic throughout the day.” 

Both students' computer science backgrounds were critical in shaping Magnolia. Dutta’s experience with machine learning at a hackathon during his freshman year and Kruger’s academic research in deep learning and object detection allowed them to build a system that uses real-time data to optimize traffic.

“I developed a machine learning pipeline from scratch to make detection faster and more accurate,” Kruger said. “It gave me the foundation to apply these tools to a practical problem.” 

The co-founders' first step in turning their idea into reality came through a business pitch competition. 

“We fleshed out the business side, including our clients, market size and scalability. Then we created a pitch deck that led to acceptance into Launch Chapel Hill, a local startup accelerator,” Dutta said. “With this support, they could move from concept to prototype, testing their technology with the town of Cary, [North Carolina].” 

Magnolia differentiates itself through regional focus and a commitment to real-time solutions, unlike competitors whose implementations sometimes worsen congestion. According to Kruger, other companies were approximating traffic instead of measuring it in real-time. “Our approach is directly actionable, improving efficiency and reducing wait times at intersections, Kruger says.” 

Looking ahead, Magnolia aims to expand across the Carolinas before taking on a national presence. Their early success, including approval from the Department of Transportation just six months after launching, shows the impact student entrepreneurs can have when they combine technical skills with initiative. And whether building a business software product or addressing real-world challenges like traffic optimization, Kruger sees technology as a way to help others.

Kruger and Dutta’s advice to aspiring student entrepreneurs is simple: “Dive in.”

“You’ve got to put both feet in,” Kruger said. “Flesh out your idea, understand your market, and devote the time to the technical learning curve.”  

“Even if it fails, you gain experience to succeed next time,” Dutta added, “Start early; don’t wait until you’re ready. College networks and time are resources – use them while you can.” 

From building websites in high school to pioneering smarter traffic systems in the Carolinas, Kruger and Dutta demonstrate the power of combining passion, skill, and determination. Magnolia is not just a business - it’s proof that student ideas nurtured with diligence can transform the everyday lives of millions.