Solarpunk Healthcare - (Free) Virtual Conference
Join us to learn about exciting open source healthtech, community action, and healthcare-focused makerspaces! This conference is brought to you by GreenLathe Collective and Public Invention. Our lineup of speakers includes experts in open source medical supplies, quality assurance software, and innovation through community action. Experience firsthand the creativity and impact of community-driven innovation.
Date & Time:
Saturday, Nov 8, 2025
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM CDT
Location:
Virtual - Via Zoom/YouTube Live
Admission:
Free, but registration is required!
Keynote Speakers:
Avinash Baskaran – “Activating the Solarpunk Healthcare Open Source Hardware Ecosystem”
PhD engineer leading open-source health tech and tele-health projects. Focuses on community-driven innovation and education through the Precision Agronomy Research Center (PARC).Joshua Pearce – “Solar-powered Ambulances and Other Open Source Distributed Manufacturing Opportunities in Frugal Medical Tech”
Pioneer in open-source hardware and frugal medical technology, advocating for solar-powered, locally manufactured health solutions.
Featured Speakers:
Alex Barton – “Community-Led Medical Device Manufacturing Makerspaces”
Co-founder of DMDM, an FDA-registered open-source medical device makerspace in Arizona, producing high-quality, compliant devices like the Glia tourniquet.Victoria Jaqua – “Quality Assurance with Global Distributed Tracking”
Lead of GOSQAS and Product Owner of Global Distributed Tracking software. Expert in community response and open-source QA systems for crisis scenarios.Theodora Harriet – “Turning Your Open Source Medical Device Project into Something Real People Use”
Quality engineer at DMDM explaining how to build FDA-compliant systems using open-source tools like Global Distributed Tracking.Emilio Velis – “Documenting and Assessing Open Source Surgical Training”
Executive Director of Appropedia. Researches community-based innovation and co-created open data models for evaluating surgical training tools.Megan Lavery – “EWB-USA’s Community Health Initiatives: Training, Repair, and System Strengthening”
Engineers Without Borders program engineer with global experience in biomedical equipment maintenance and international health system strengthening.
Public Invention Demo Day: Showcasing Open-Source Innovation
Join us for an inspiring evening where inventors present their open-source prototypes aimed at solving real-world challenges. Experience firsthand the creativity and impact of community-driven innovation.
Date & Time:
Sunday, June 15, 2025
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM CDT
Location:
Austin Central Library
710 W. César Chávez St.
Austin, TX 78701
Admission:
Free, but registration required.
Date & Time:
Sunday, June 15, 2025
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM CDT
Location:
The Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen
6015 Dillard Circle, Austin, TX 78752
Public Invention is hosting a relaxed evening at The Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen to raise funds and awareness for our open-source initiatives. This event is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow supporters, learn about our projects, and enjoy a selection of craft beers.
What to Expect:
Craft Beers: Sample a variety of house-brewed beers from The Brewtorium's extensive menu.
Community Connections: Meet individuals passionate about innovation and public-interest technology.
Support a Cause: Learn how your participation helps fund Public Invention's mission.
Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to our community, this event offers a welcoming environment to engage, enjoy, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
Admission:
Free. Donations encouraged.
Reserve your spot today and be part of an evening that celebrates community, innovation, and the spirit of giving.
Get to know our volunteers, board, and founder at free, live events near you!