Loneliness and isolation are more that just emotions - they are public health challenges that impact well-being, productivity, and even life expectancy. Studies show that chronic loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, increasing the risk for heart disease, depression, and anxiety. With major shifts in technology, work, and social structures, many people are struggling to maintain deep and meaningful connections.

At Social Innovation Weekend 2025, you’ll work in teams to design real-world solutions to address loneliness and isolation. Through hands-on problem-solving, mentorship, and collaboration, you can expect to explore questions like:

• How can we design spaces, products, or services that foster meaningful human connection?

• What role does technology play in both worsening and alleviating loneliness?

• How do cities, workplaces, and schools need to adapt to help people feel more connected?

• What business models can support sustainable solutions to loneliness?

This challenge affects people of all ages and backgrounds and is relevant across every field and industry. No matter your major or experience, your unique perspective can help shape innovative solutions. Whether you can bring insights from business, psychology, engineering, design, healthcare, public health, or other disciplines, your ideas can drive meaningful change and help create solutions that positively impact the world around you.