Shuvam didn’t realise the Apple Foundation Program would have such a profound impact in just four weeks.
When Shuvam Shrestha first came across the Apple Foundation Program at UTS, the word “Apple” alone had caught his attention. “I was finishing my Master of Interaction Design in late 2021,” he recalls. “At that point, I was exploring graduate programs and internships, and when I saw Apple’s name on the list, I thought, why not see what it’s like?”
What he didn’t expect was how transformative those four weeks would be.
Initially, Shuvam expected an intense program; a high-pressure, hackathon-style program like what big tech companies like Microsoft or Google might run. But what he found instead was a creative and supportive learning environment that encouraged experimentation and collaboration.
I was bracing myself for some long, demanding, intense days. But upon stepping into the room, I felt a sense of calmness and the room was bright and open, which was a breath of fresh air. That relaxed yet focused environment set the tone for the program for me.”
Designing with purpose
The UTS Apple Foundation Program is built on Challenge-Based Learning, a design framework used by Apple teams globally to leverage technology in meaningful and relevant ways. Students are encouraged to identify real-world problems, design a practical solution, and build a working prototype, all in just four weeks.
“We were asked one question at the start of the program: what problem do you want to solve?” says Shuvam.
Each student wrote a single word representing their chosen issue. Shuvam wrote mental health. That small prompt sparked conversations, connections, and eventually, established a team of five students determined to make a difference.
Through brainstorming, design thinking, and user research, their group narrowed the focus to helping young adults in Australia improve their mental wellbeing by encouraging them to get outdoors and walk more.
COVID had just ended, and we wanted to design something that would help people get moving again,”
Using Apple’s design tools and coding environment, the team built a prototype for an iPhone app that combined mental health awareness with simple activity tracking.
“It was overwhelming at first,” he laughs, “because they asked us to build an app in two weeks! But with the help of our mentors and having teammates from different backgrounds - business, design and IT - we pulled it off.”
Learning beyond coding
What stood out to Shuvam wasn’t just the technical skills, but the teamwork and creative process.
“The program attracts people from all disciplines, not just IT,” he says. “At first, that felt challenging, but I realised how powerful it was. The business students led our presentations, the designers shaped the interface, and the rest of us focused on the coding. Everyone shined in their own area.”
The program also encouraged play and creativity. “We had music playing, games, and even a shared Spotify playlist,” he remembers. “It wasn’t all serious coding, it was fun, collaborative, and inspiring.”
A stepping stone to career pathways for graduates
That four-week experience became a turning point for Shuvam.
Before the program, I had never coded for Apple devices. It introduced me to Apple’s ecosystem - Xcode and Swift - and gave me the confidence to keep building.”
After completing the program, Shuvam created his own app, launched it on the App Store, and used it as part of his portfolio. Within a year, he secured a role as an iOS Developer and Designer at UTS, working on digital tools for Australian healthcare.
“The biggest lesson I carried with me is focus,” he says. “Apple’s challenge-based learning taught me to design for one specific problem and one specific group of people. When you do that well, the impact grows naturally.”
Today, Shuvam has come full circle, returning to the Apple Foundation Program as a coding mentor.
“I can really relate to the students,” he says. “I know how overwhelming it can feel to start coding. So, we’ve redesigned parts of the syllabus to make the transition from design to development smoother, especially for beginners. It’s rewarding to help them build confidence and creativity, just like I did.”
Shuvam’s advice for future participants
His message to anyone considering applying for the program is simple:
“Be open-minded. Don’t stress about being perfect just go for the ride. You’ll meet amazing people, learn new skills, and maybe even find a new career direction.”
He also has one insider tip:
“When applying, be creative! People now submit animated videos, websites, even comic books instead of plain essays. Apple loves originality, so show your personality.”
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