UPDATE: Palm Coast – The University of North Florida (UNF) 2022 MedNexus Innovation Challenge, which was scheduled for this Wednesday, November 9th, has been postponed due to the threat of inclement weather.
The Challenge is now scheduled for November 16th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Palm Coast City Hall.
During the Challenge, five teams of regional high school students will pitch their solutions to address sleep deprivation in teenagers. The Challenge will be open to the public and during the event, attendees will enjoy several food trucks that will be parked just outside of City Hall.
“While we never like to reschedule any event, we would much rather be safe than sorry,” Mayor David Alfin said. “We hope that everyone will come out and support these bright young students and join us for an evening of innovation and community togetherness!”
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Palm Coast – The University of North Florida, in partnership with the City of Palm Coast and Flagler Schools, is hosting the 2022 MedNexus Innovation Challenge. The Challenge is a team-based entrepreneurship competition that will showcase regional high school students selected to pitch their solutions to address sleep deprivation in teenagers. The Innovation Challenge opened in September for applications from all Flagler, St. Johns, Volusia and surrounding county high school students.
Students have the opportunity to win cash prizes and receive coaching by subject matter experts. Students selected to participate in the pitch competition will each receive a FitBit to measure the impact of their proposed solutions. Teams are made up of 2 to 5 students. First and second-place winners will be selected by a panel of judges. In addition, this year’s Innovation challenge includes an Audience Choice award!
“We are pleased to build on the success of last year’s MedNexus Innovation Challenge,” said Dr. David M.Szymanski, CEO and Executive Director of UNF MedNexus. “We were so inspired by the talented students who presented their ideas for improvements in telemedicine, mental health services, and soft skills in healthcare. I’m looking forward to seeing what the students develop for better sleep.”
Insufficient sleep has become a widespread issue, particularly in high school students. Recent statistics from the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that 72.7% of high school students get less than the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep needed for their age group. Sleep deprivation increases the likelihood that teens will suffer a multitude of negative repercussions such as trouble concentrating, declined grades, drowsy-driving incidents, anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide.
The MedNexus Innovation Challenge is ideal for any aspiring student considering a career path in healthcare, technology, or entrepreneurship. Participating students will develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills while receiving personalized coaching from their team’s assigned UNF faculty member and other business professionals.
“We’re excited that the City of Palm Coast is able to partner alongside UNF and Flagler Schools to offer this incredible opportunity to local high school students,” Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin said. “The importance of the MedNexus concept centers on providing education and career opportunities right here in our city. This Innovation Challenge plays right into the goal of getting young adults interested and engaged in the medical and technology fields right here in our community.”
The pitch competition will be held November 9, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Palm Coast City Hall. This event is open to the public.
About University of North Florida
The University of North Florida is a nationally ranked university located on a beautiful 1,381-acre campus in Jacksonville surrounded by nature. Serving more than 17,000 students, UNF features six colleges of distinction with innovative programs in high-demand fields. UNF students receive individualized attention from faculty and gain valuable real-world experience engaging with community partners. A top public university, UNF prepares students to make a difference in Florida and around the globe. Learn more at www.unf.edu
