University News Last updated 22 August 2014
A Birmingham City University graduate who has turned his interest in developing apps for mobile phones and tablet computers into a successful full-time career, is to be honoured at a University graduation ceremony next month.
Since graduating from Birmingham City University in 2006 with a postgraduate teaching degree in secondary education, 31 year-old Andy Weekes spent six years as a music teacher, whilst also developing his enthusiasm around the emerging technology of apps.
Andy, from Rubery in Birmingham, said: “I've always been passionate about technology ever since I can remember. I found my passion for Apple computers at Birmingham City University in 2005 and being a music technology teacher, I used my passion to inspire students during my teaching career.
“The success I've achieved proves that you should always follow your heart! I'm honoured to receive the Alumni of the Year award. To be awarded so highly for simply following your passions says everything. Do what you love, never work a day."
The success of Andy’s business, iCandi Apps, has largely been the result of his ‘The Night Sky’ invention, which enables users to identify stars, planets and satellites by pointing their technology device at the sky. ‘The Night Sky’ proved to be an immediate hit, selling over four million copies to date and becoming the biggest-selling paid reference app of 2012 worldwide.
Andy will be honoured on Thursday 4 September as one of the University’s Alumni of the Year in the ‘Enterprise and Innovation’ category.