Cone Health and the Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures are partnering to bring you the 2026 Health for the Future Design Challenge. 

How can we create a future ready place focused on health and wellness for a struggling community that has a 15-year gap in life expectancy compared to their neighbors?  This design challenge will dive into the health equity issues of the neighborhood region of Pyramids Village in Greensboro, North Carolina where Cone Health has purchased roughly 31 acres to create a health and wellness destination. Through this challenge, teams will address the following: 

• What services should be offered to enhance the health and well-being of the community. 
• Exploration of creating a connected health and wellness ecosystem within the region to improve health outcomes. 
• How to establish a return on investment

 The $10.75 million transaction is part of Cone Health’s pledge to invest $150 million to improve health and increase life expectancy in under-served areas. Residents in nearby communities have more cases of high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and other treatable or preventable ailments to the point that it reduces how long they live. Last year, Cone Health stated its goal of “reducing a 15-year gap in life expectancy by five years over five years” through its CATCH 5 in 5 efforts. 

Student teams will participate in workshops and presentations leading up to a weekend charrette March 13 – 15, 2026 to ideate and bring to life the project! Prizes will be awarded for the top presentations.  

**Previous design challenge experience is not required. Don’t have a team? No problem! During registration you can indicate that you are looking for a team and seek out others that are as well.