Designing Tomorrow – How Innovation Shapes Sustainable Urban Life and Conscious Living

Imagine walking through a city where green spaces and smart technology go hand in hand, where moving around is effortless and sustainable, and where conscious choices shape everyday life. These are not distant dreams but real developments already taking place today.

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Canada stands at the forefront of urban innovation, offering a unique opportunity to explore how cities are redefining the way we live and thrive together.

With connectUS 2026, we invite you to explore how Canada’s most innovative cities are rethinking urban life. From the seminar week in Switzerland to the study trip abroad, you will discover how new ideas are turning visions of tomorrow into reality.

Join the connectUS 2026 delegation and become part of a journey that shows how innovation can transform not only our cities, but also the way we live, work, and connect with one another.

The focus topics of connectUS 2026 are closely linked by a shared question: how can innovation help us create more sustainable and conscious ways of living in an urban and digital world? Each theme, from urban design and inclusive mobility to the conscious consumer and digital balance, looks at a different aspect of this challenge. Together, they show how our surroundings, our choices, and our use of technology influence one another and shape the cities and societies of tomorrow.

Urban design is more than architecture and infrastructure. It creates spaces that encourage sustainable habits, from walking and cycling to using public transport and shared resources. By integrating green areas, circular systems, and smart building concepts, cities can guide people toward more responsible choices in everyday life. At connectUS 2026, we explore how thoughtful design transforms urban areas into healthier, more resilient, and future-oriented places to live.

Mobility is at the heart of urban life, and making it sustainable means ensuring that everyone can move safely and efficiently. Inclusive mobility looks beyond electric vehicles and focuses on creating transport systems that are fair, accessible, and environmentally responsible. By combining smart technologies with equitable design, cities can reduce congestion and pollution while making sure no community is left behind. By engaging with pioneers and their ideas, you will see how innovative mobility solutions can transform communities and everyday life.

Being a conscious consumer means making choices that reflect responsibility as well as lifestyle. In a digital age, consumption is shaped by algorithms, social media, and global trends, yet individuals have the power to drive change through intentional decisions. From circular fashion to refillable products and sustainable brands, consumption patterns are being redefined. Through connectUS 2026, students will gain insights into how digital culture and innovation influence the way we shop and live, and how conscious choices can support a more sustainable and balanced future.

Constant connectivity shapes how we work, communicate, and live, but it also brings new challenges to mental health and resilience. Finding balance in a digital society means creating spaces and habits that reduce stress, encourage meaningful connection, and support well-being. Digital innovation can play a vital role here, from responsible design and mindful use of platforms to healthier work environments. In connectUS 2026, you will explore how technology can not only connect us but also empower us to thrive in an always-on world.

Building Bridges Across Continents

Switzerland and Canada share more than just stunning landscapes. Both countries are hubs of innovation, sustainability, and multicultural exchange. By linking these two contexts, connectUS 2026 creates a platform where students can compare approaches, learn from different perspectives, and bring valuable insights back home. This dialogue between North America and Switzerland strengthens cross-cultural understanding and inspires new solutions for global challenges.

The partners behind connectUS 2026 are committed to making our journey possible. Their support allows us to connect students with industry, exchange knowledge, and create meaningful impact. If you are interested in becoming a partner, we would be delighted to hear from you. Contact us.

And to all FHNW students: follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for updates and join our delegation to be part of this unique experience. Applications for connectUS 2026 are now open! Find all details and apply through our website.

Your connectUS Team 2026

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