App development without limits
Innovation Hub for Apple Technologies (IHAT) brings together Apple- and iOS-related teaching, research, and strategic collaboration under one dynamic umbrella.
Co-founded in late 2025 by Baki Kocaballi, Avinash Singh, and Sebastian Groundstroem, IHAT is built around three pillars:
- Learning Futures & Human-AI Innovation
- Spatial Computing Research & Innovation
- Education Pathways & Strategic Partnerships
Together, these pillars create a powerful platform for advancing future-focused education, research, and innovation with Apple technologies.
Leading Initiatives
We lead the way in app development in collaboration with Apple. Our initiatives are free for students throughout their studies and offer pathways to advance their app development skills.
Apple Foundation Program at UTS
This world-class program introduces the Swift programming language and provides a powerful first step toward becoming an Apple platform developer.
Apps Lab
At the Apps Lab, UTS students and Startups get the tools, network and guidance they need to launch standout apps into the market.
Human Augmentation Lab (HAL)
HAL advances brain–computer interfaces (BCIs), human augmentation, and spatial computing for real-world applications. Integrating AI and machine learning, cognitive neuroscience, and mixed reality to create next-generation human–AI systems.
Learning Futures & Human-AI Innovation
Led by Dr Baki Kocaballi, this pillar explores how AI and emerging technologies can transform learning, creativity, and human capability through research-integrated teaching, responsible innovation, and new models of human-AI collaboration.
iOS Subjects at UTS
UTS offers a range of subjects that keep students at the forefront of app development trends, advancements, and emerging technologies, with a strong focus on design and development within the Apple ecosystem.
40007 iOS Innovation Studio
This Foundational studio subject offers you a challenge-based learning environment where you will develop fundamental skills in solving real-world problems and developing apps within the Apple iOS ecosystem.
40006 iOS industry Studio
This hands-on learning experience will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the iOS development environment and its frameworks to deliver real-world applications.
41889 Application Development in the iOS Environment
This subject introduces you to iOS application development, focusing on the Swift programming language and the iOS development environment.
40005 Advanced iOS Development
This subject offers an advanced insight into iOS application development with Swift and SwiftUI, where you'll master complex concepts, frameworks, and tools to create robust, innovative iOS apps.
Our Team
Baki Kocaballi
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology
Sebastian Groundstroem
HCI Mentor
Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology
Avinash Singh
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology
Hiba Rehman
Casual Academic
Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology
Firas Al-Doghman
Lecturer
Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology
Shuvam Shrestha
Research Assistant – IOS Design And Development
Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology
Team UTS take on the Swift Student Challenge
Apps Lab formed the first ever Team UTS cohort for the Swift Student Challenge 2026. Submitting high-quality apps and creating a community.
Shuvam’s innovation journey at the Apple Foundation Program
From learner to mentor and embracing lifelong learning beyond coding — read about Shuvam’s transformative experience in just four weeks.
Apps Lab at the ICC Startups Summit
The Apps Lab team connected with high school students eager to explore entrepreneurship and the pathways available at UTS to bring their apps to life.
Team UTS take on the Swift Student Challenge
Apps Lab formed the first ever Team UTS cohort for the Swift Student Challenge 2026. Submitting high-quality apps and creating a community.
Shuvam’s innovation journey at the Apple Foundation Program
From learner to mentor and embracing lifelong learning beyond coding — read about Shuvam’s transformative experience in just four weeks.
Apps Lab at the ICC Startups Summit
The Apps Lab team connected with high school students eager to explore entrepreneurship and the pathways available at UTS to bring their apps to life.