Apple Foundation Program at UTS

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the world?

The Apple Foundation Program at UTS offers a challenge-based learning environment where learners will experience the creative process of what it takes to solve real-world problems, collaborate in diverse teams, and design apps using the Apple iOS ecosystem. The program empowers learners with a future fit skill set at the intersection of technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

In this rapidly changing world, the skills you’ll learn in the Apple Foundation Program at UTS across problem-solving, collaboration, creation, conceptual thinking, and adaptability will equip you for the future of learning, working, and living.

Program dates for 2024

The Apple Foundation Program at UTS runs several times a year with classes running from 9:30am to 2:30pm. High school cohorts run over three weeks, and UTS cohorts run over four weeks.

15 April to 3 May – high school cohort

20 MAY to 14 June – UTS cohort

8 to 26 July – high school cohort

4 to 29 November – UTS cohort

Meet your mentors 

Baki Kocaballi

Baki Kocaballi is the director of Apple Foundation Program, and a senior lecturer at the School of Computer Science, UTS. His research is situated within the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital health, and interaction design with a focus on multimodal and conversational systems. His work has received several academic awards and recognitions, and his research has been published in the top-ranking journals.

Sebastian Groundstroem

Sebastian brings a wealth of experience in UX design and research to his roles in both the industry and academia. As an associate lecturer at UTS, he led lectures and tutorials, specialising in the field of user experience and interaction design. His involvement in research projects at the Visualisation Institute showcases his commitment to innovation in design. Presently, Sebastian is fully devoted to his role in the Apple Foundation Program, continuing to foster growth and advancement in the intersection of technology and education. 

Avinash Singh

Avinash Singh, I specialise in the field of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology, enables direct communication with the brain to interact with the surrounding environment. I work in the intersection of artificial intelligence, cognitive neuroscience and the innovative applications of augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) to develop real-world neuroadaptive BCI systems. I support a translational educational approach, championing a learning environment that is dynamic, practice-focused, and deeply rooted in research-driven innovation. This commitment ensures that the knowledge and technology we develop are not only groundbreaking but also applicable and accessible in everyday scenarios.

Jacob Laird

Jacob is passionate about bridging the gap between technology and learning. As a Product Designer in the Ed-Tech industry, he translates his Master's in Interaction Design into captivating digital learning experiences. In his role as a Casual Academic at UTS, Jacob enjoys empowering students with tools to bring their own ideas to life.

Amara Atif 

Amara is a teacher at heart. Her philosophy of teaching has evolved through diverse academic and professional experiences. She values cultivating an interactive learning environment that embraces students from various backgrounds, fostering their growth and development through personalised guidance, constructive feedback, and a commitment to nurturing individual potential. Amara has garnered multiple teaching and learning awards, showcasing her outstanding contributions and impact in the field of education.

Firas Al-Doghman

A lecturer with expertise honed over four years of teaching the Foundation and Advanced iOS development subjects at UTS. As a seasoned mentor in the Apple Foundation program for the past year, I'm dedicated to empowering learners to master the art of app development and innovation.

Kellyanne Gazo

Kellyanne Gazo graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Computing Science) from UTS and has had over 20 years of management consulting experience in government and financial services organisations across Australia and the Asia Pacific. Kellyanne is passionate about social justice and promoting equitable opportunities to underrepresented groups. Kellyanne currently works with the UTS Wanago Program which aims to address STEM subject access inequalities in NSW high schools and to address national STEM workforce gaps. 

Wesley Hahn

Hey, I'm Wes! I thrive on wild, creative concepts and the thrill of making them a reality through technology. Formerly behind the scenes at arena concerts and TV shows, I've leapt back into uni, studying Games Development at UTS. My mission in joining the Apple Foundation is to champion fellow students, giving them the tools to see their ideas come to life!

Aayushi Gajjar

With a diverse background spanning fintech, healthtech and IT, Aayushi is a seasoned product designer with proficiency in user research and testing, visual design and mentoring. Leveraging my skills, she's successfully guided over 150+ professionals into the dynamic realm of product design while delivering innovative and intuitive designs across various industries.