Discover. Create. Lead.
Discover your potential through technology, creativity, communication and real-world learning.
Our Academy
The future isn't just learned. It's created.
Innovate Forge Academy is a learning academy for children and young people, building on the experience of Innovate Technology & Robotics Academy. We bring together technology and AI, innovation and design, communication and leadership, and entrepreneurship and future readiness. Through hands-on projects, coaching and mentoring, students explore their interests, develop practical capabilities, work with others and learn to turn ideas into meaningful contributions.
Discover Our AcademyOur evolution
Innovate Forge Academy builds on the educational experience of Innovate Technology & Robotics Academy, extending our established technology and robotics programs into a broader journey of innovation, communication, leadership and entrepreneurship.
Our foundation
Technology, robotics, coding and computer science education.
Our expanded academy
Technology, innovation, communication, leadership and entrepreneurship.
Proposed educational philosophy
At Innovate Forge Academy, learning is about more than mastering technology or completing projects. Through coaching, mentoring and a supportive learning environment, we encourage young people to discover their strengths, develop confidence, build meaningful relationships and take ownership of their learning.
Learn with purpose. Grow with guidance. Create with confidence.
Coaching
Our educators use thoughtful questions, encouragement, goals, constructive feedback, reflection and practical challenges to help learners develop independent problem-solving skills.
How it works: A coding coach guides a student to identify and correct a programming mistake rather than simply providing the answer.
Mentoring
Our educators and approved mentors help learners explore their interests, strengths, development goals and future pathways through positive role modelling and age-appropriate guidance.
How it works: A mentor helps a student connect an interest in technology with possible projects, further study or future career pathways.
Care
We aim to create a respectful, inclusive and supportive learning environment where students experience encouragement, belonging and appropriate involvement from parents and carers.
How it works: An educator listens to a student’s concern, responds within professional boundaries and involves appropriate adults when further support or safeguarding action is needed.
Co-Founder — Gary Gopinathan
Founder story
From helping establish FIRST LEGO League (FLL) in Sydney to building robotics education opportunities across Australia, founder Gary Gopinathan’s educational journey has centred on helping young people discover their potential through practical learning, coaching and mentoring.
Gary brings 25 years of experience in teaching, training and capability building. He was part of the founding team that established FLL in Sydney in 2008 and, in 2014, founded and scaled the VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) program across Australia.
Alongside co-founder Sue John, he is carrying this established technology education heritage into Innovate Forge Academy’s broader future-ready learning model.
Meet Our FounderFour connected pathways
Explore distinct learning pathways designed to build capability, confidence and a strong sense of possibility.
LEARNING PATHWAY
Build, code and understand the systems shaping tomorrow.
Explore pathway
LEARNING PATHWAY
Find your voice. Develop your confidence. Lead with purpose.
Explore pathway
LEARNING PATHWAY
Imagine boldly. Write creatively. Share your story.
Explore pathway
LEARNING PATHWAY
From curiosity to contribution.
Explore pathway
Australia Summer Camp Jan 2027
Choose Chadstone Live In-person Innovation Camp, live online instructor led or self-paced Digital Innovation Challenges.
Term Programmes
Explore future-ready learning experiences designed to develop practical skills, creativity and confidence across eight-session terms.
Robotics & Computer Science
Where students learn to think like engineers — design, build, program, test and improve real robotic systems through structured term projects.
Years 2–8 term classes, with advanced coaching and mentoring for Years 9–12.
Explore program
Robotics & Computer Science
Build strong programming foundations through practical Python projects.
Explore programRobotics & Computer Science
Create useful, engaging web experiences from the ground up.
Explore programCommunication & Leadership
Find your voice through speaking, listening, storytelling and engaging communication activities.
$220 per term · 8 sessions · 60 min
Creative Writing & Storytelling
Explore imagination, characters and storytelling through guided writing and creative activities.
$220 per term · 8 sessions · 60 min
Robotics & Computer Science
Develop computing knowledge, problem-solving and software development skills through guided learning aligned with the relevant VCE study.
Explore programBeyond the program catalogue
Explore student competitions, school programmes and partnerships that bring meaningful learning experiences to employees' families.
COMPETITIONS
FOR SCHOOLS
FOR ORGANISATIONS
Partner with Innovate Forge Academy to bring engaging workshops, holiday programmes and digital learning experiences to your workplace community.
Explore partnershipsOur learning approach
Ask, observe and imagine.
Turn ideas into something real.
Test learning in context.
Reflect, refine and lead.
Forge learning platform
Forge extends learning beyond the workshop or classroom with digital activities and guided opportunities to practise, create and reflect. Explore the demo to see how the platform can support the Forge learning experience.
See how Forge supports learning beyond the classroom.
Watch the Forge DemoEvents & Workshops
Explore upcoming workshops, webinars and special learning experiences for students and parents.
Articles & Insights
Practical ideas on learning, technology, communication, creativity and future readiness for parents and educators.
Find the learning pathway that meets your curiosity and helps you take the next step.