Palm Coast will host the 2026 UNF MedNexus Innovation Challenge on April 30, bringing together regional high school students to pitch creative solutions addressing social isolation in an increasingly digital world.
The City of Palm Coast announced the fifth annual competition in partnership with the University of North Florida and Flagler Schools, with sponsorship support from Blackstone Launchpad. The event will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center, located at 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE.
This year’s theme is “Addressing Loneliness in a Connected World.” The challenge asks students to examine how social isolation persists despite constant digital connection and to develop creative solutions that promote mental, emotional, and community well-being.
High school students will compete in teams of four, developing healthcare-focused concepts that respond to loneliness through innovation, technology, policy, or community-based approaches. Selected teams will work with UNF faculty mentors who will provide guidance as students refine their ideas and prepare for the final pitch.
During the live competition, finalist teams will present their solutions to a panel of judges made up of healthcare professionals, industry leaders, investors, and university faculty. The top teams will receive scholarship prizes based on both creativity and real-world impact.
Palm Coast Deputy City Manager Lauren Johnston emphasized the importance of giving young people a platform to address serious issues. “MedNexus is about putting young voices front and center,” Johnston said. “By hosting this challenge, Palm Coast is giving students the space to tackle real-world issues, pitch bold ideas, and connect with professionals who can help turn those ideas into action. We invite the community to come out and cheer them on.”
Dr. Julie Merten, Executive Director of UNF MedNexus, expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration. “UNF MedNexus is very grateful for our partnership with the City of Palm Coast and Flagler Schools as we continue to grow the Innovation Challenge together,” Merten said. “We also value the City’s leadership in supporting healthcare education and innovation to meet Florida’s evolving workforce needs.”
The event is free and open to the public, offering residents a chance to see how local students are thinking critically about the future of healthcare and community wellness.
For more information about the MedNexus Innovation Challenge, visit the University of North Florida MedNexus webpage.
The post High School Students to Tackle Loneliness Crisis in Fifth Annual Healthcare Innovation Competition first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
