UTS Tech Festival 2026 is coming back to campus and it’s set to be bigger, bolder and more imaginative than ever.
As we count down to another year of creativity and hands-on innovation, here’s a look back at the moments that turned ideas into something real and sparked what’s next.
Student-built games: where creativity levels up
Last year’s games showcase wasn’t just something you watched, it was something you played. Visitors stepped into worlds built entirely by students, exploring everything from storylines to mechanics, sound, visuals and UX.
It was a reminder that at UTS, creativity doesn’t sit on the sidelines, it drives the build.
“Tech fest is a great place for us to show people our work, network and meet potential employers and share what we’re proud of.”
— Louis Cadet, Master of Interaction Design (Extension) student
Robotics & interactive tech in motion
From the moment you stepped onto the robotics floor, you could feel the energy. Machines moved, reacted and responded, each one the result of late nights, problem-solving and serious technical skill.
It wasn’t just engineering on display. It was persistence, curiosity and ideas brought to life.
“We built Cat Bot for the Warman Design Challenge, a robot with two large brooms that collects tennis balls from the track.”
— Xuan Kien Nguyen, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Mechatronic student
AI with purpose: tech that actually matters
At Tech Fest, AI wasn’t just a buzzword, it was a tool for real impact. Students tackled challenges around accessibility, communication and smarter decision-making, showing how technology can shape a more inclusive future.
“We’re creating an accessibility feature that provides live sign-language translation inside video conferencing platforms.”
— Robayed Ashraf, Master of Artificial Intelligence student
Inside Tech Fest: where ideas become real
Across the festival, one thing stood out: this is what learning looks like when you’re actually doing it.
People didn’t just observe, they tested prototypes, asked questions and connected directly with the people behind the ideas. You could see concepts evolve in real time, powered by collaboration and experimentation.
The energy? Unmatched.
Why UTS Tech Festival matters
UTS Tech Festival captures what studying at UTS is all about. It's hands-on learning, big thinking and building things that matter. It’s not just about gaining skills. It’s about backing your ideas, finding your people and creating something you’re proud of.
