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 2025

The Apple Foundation Program at UTS runs several times a year with classes running from 9:30am to 2:00pm. High school cohorts run over three weeks, and UTS cohorts run over four weeks.

6 to 24 January – Wanago High School Cohort

14 April to 2 May, High School Cohort

19 May to 13 June, UTS Cohort

7 July to 25 July, High School Cohort

27 October to 14 November, UTS STARTUPS 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.

Shuvam Shresha

Shuvam blends design and development in his role as a research assistant, working within a transdisciplinary environment to prototype and develop a multiplatform iOS application that supports digital tools used in Australian healthcare. As a sessional lecturer at UTS, he teaches the fundamentals of iOS development alongside generative artificial intelligence techniques, empowering students to enhance both their coding efficiency and creativity. Shuvam is committed to making the complexities of coding more accessible and engaging for learners from diverse backgrounds.

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.

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!

Hiba Rehman

Hiba is a UX researcher and learning facilitator who’s passionate about using design thinking to drive meaningful, social change. At the Apple Foundation program she empowers learners to utilise design thinking as a powerful tool for innovation and problem-solving. With industry experience across digital design, online marketing, and academic research, Hiba brings a multidisciplinary mindset to her teaching. Her approach is student-centred, practical, and grounded in real-world impact.

Noah Koshy

Noah’s curiosity drives him to learn and apply new skills and technologies to supplement a design thinking-oriented approach to problems. Through an IT degree and an Interaction Design specialisation, along with design and business industry experience (including at a start-up), he has learnt to balance creativity with the right level of practicality. As an Apple Foundation Program alumnus, he now aims to support future students in designing thoughtful solutions.