Trelawny, Jamaica (May 25–27, 2026) — More than 300 participants — including Jamaican educators, researchers, policymakers, and international innovators — gathered at the Innovation With and For a Purpose (IP) Summit 2026 to explore how emerging technologies can drive purposeful innovation across healthcare, education, tourism, sustainability, and national development.
The Summit was co-hosted by The Mico University College and the Media and Innovation Lab at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, underscoring a powerful partnership between Jamaica and international innovation leadership.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Dr. David Rhew, Global Chief Medical Officer at Microsoft; Mr. Evan Thompson, Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica; Dr. Brent Anders, American University of Armenia; Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr., Managing Director of PAMAS Consulting; Ms. Celina Lee, CEO of Zindi; Professor Collins Airhihenbuwa, Georgia State University; and Dr. Rada Mihalcea, Director of the Michigan AI Lab.
Panels showcased Jamaica’s leadership and global collaboration:
- Tourism Panel: Reimagining Paradise: AI, Culture, and the Future of Experiential Tourism — Nicola Madden-Greig, Prof. Lloyd Waller, and Prof. Hopeton Dunn, moderated by Dr. Carey Wallace.
- Education Panel: Rewiring the Future of Learning: AI, Access & the Evolution of Education — Dr. Mark Smith, Dr. Albert Benjamin, and Christopher Reckord, moderated by Dr. Steve Lawrence.
- Healthcare Panel: From Digital to Lifesaving: AI, Innovation & the New Health Frontier — Dr. Patrick Carroll and Michael Clark, moderated by Dr. Azizi Seixas.
- Innovation & Enterprise Panel: Advancing Innovation Economies: People, Processes & the Future of Enterprise — Chaluk Richards, Marc Frankson, and Rory White, moderated by Dr. Patrice Bowen.
- Sustainability Panel: Powering the Future: Science, Climate Resilience for a Sustainable Global South — Dr. Elizabeth Greig, Prof. Michael Taylor, and Peter Clarke, moderated by Dr. Kevin Brown.
- EdTech Panel: Reimagining EdTech Ecosystems: Inclusive Digital Infrastructures in the Global South — Symone Campbell, Raymar Hampshire, and Hussainatu Blake, moderated by Dr. Hassanatu Blake.
Workshops provided hands-on engagement. Amos Adler demonstrated how data-driven digital tools can boost treatment adherence. Dr. David Rhew led a session on AI ethics in the health sector. Dr. Brent Anders explored the future of universities in an AI era. On Day 2, Dr. Azizi Seixas and Dr. Dwayne Henclewood introduced the MILADS framework for accelerating health and wellness innovation, while Mrs. Beth Morrison of The Mico University College shared high-impact teaching strategies that blend AI into classroom practice.
Day 2 also featured a Google presentation on advancing AI ecosystems, alongside the Universal Service Fund’s showcase of digital equity initiatives.
“This Summit is a declaration that innovation must be guided by purpose—and that the Global South must not be relegated to technology consumption alone,” said Dr. Azizi Seixas, Co-Chair of the IP Summit.
“The IP Summit is built to move from conversation to execution,” added Mr. Alvin Lawson, Co-Chair and Dean at The Mico University College.
The Summit celebrated the leadership of Dr. Asburn Pinnock, President of The Mico University College. “This landmark initiative signals Jamaica’s readiness to lead purposeful innovation across the Caribbean and the Global South,” Dr. Pinnock affirmed.
To ensure impact beyond the event, two flagship legacy projects were launched: MILEU (Media Innovation Lab Education Universe), an AI-enabled precision learning and teacher-innovation platform, and GHIVE (Global Hub for Innovative Ventures & Ecosystems), a fellowship-based incubator to turn student and teacher ideas into viable products and companies.
Event: Innovation With and For a Purpose (IP) Summit 2026
Dates: May 25–27, 2026
Location: Trelawny, Jamaica (Ocean Coral Spring Resort)
