CHAPEL HILL, N.C., March 29, 2016--On April 21 and 22 in Saxapahaw, North Carolina, development experts, entrepreneurs, academics, artists and innovators will gather to report on pioneering global projects that improve lives around the world, and to cultivate partnerships to further social good.  

The fifth annual SwitchPoint conference, produced by IntraHealth International, features nearly 50 presenters, over 20 microlabs, seven performances, and four field trips. The event is known for convening thinkers from around the world and across disciplines to focus on today’s greatest global health, technology and development challenges. 

SwitchPoint takes place in a tiny old mill town that has experienced its own renaissance as an unexpected epicenter of food, art and music. The event is fast-paced but has a retreat-like atmosphere that emphasizes unique networking opportunities. 

“SwitchPoint is all about pairing seemingly disparate ideas and people to find solutions,” says Pape Gaye, IntraHealth’s president and CEO. “This year, speakers will challenge each other and the audience on topics including ethics and equity, virtual reality and gaming, connectors and communications, and global health and the Sustainable Development Goals.” 

During the April 20 Innovator’s Forum, led by Michael Bzdak, executive director of corporate contributions at Johnson & Johnson, speakers will share ideas, tools and goals for the year ahead and develop cross-sectoral collaborations.  

SwitchPoint speakers include: 

Dayo Olakulehin, a Nigerian medical doctor whose med-tech startup invented the D-Box, a battery-powered, portable alternative to conventional ventilators.

Jessica Colaço, a mobile and robotics evangelist and cofounder of East Africa’s first venture-builder, Brave Venture Labs, and of iHub, a technology innovation hub based in Nairobi. 

Jessica Mack, senior director for advocacy and communications at Global Health Corps, works with fellows across the US and Africa to develop their voices as advocates for health equity. 

Bonita Beatrice Nanziri, founder of AfriGal Tech, an all-women team of passionate technologists working on an alternative diagnostic tool for sickle cell disease, using mobile phones and external lenses.  

Leanne Gluck, deputy director of workforce and educational outreach at America Makes, the nation’s leading partner in AM and 3DP technology research, discovery, creation and innovation. 

Teddy Ruge, an entrepreneur, recipient of a 2012 Champion of Change Award from the White House and a respected writer and speaker on Africa’s technology-driven renaissance.

David Milestone, an engineer, strategic marketing expert and senior advisor at USAID's Center for Accelerating Innovation and Impact.

Phaedra Boinodiris, producer of IBM's award-winning INNOV8 series of serious games, keynote speaker at two NATO summits, and cofounder of WomenGamers.com. Her gamification strategies have been praised by many, from techies to four-star generals. 

See a full list of speakers and register at www.switchpointideas.com

IntraHealth International believes that everyone everywhere should have the health care they need to thrive. It has worked toward this goal in more than 100 countries by improving the performance of health workers and strengthening the systems in which they work.  

Contact: Laura Hoemeke 
IntraHealth International
+1 919-360-7799