TEDx Talks
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Readiness follows action | Sparsh Agarwal | TEDxIIMT University
TEDx Talks· 2025-12-16 16:24
Company Overview & Motivation - The speaker co-founded two startups providing mobility solutions and IT consultancy services across three continents in 13 countries [5] - The initial idea for the carpooling platform, রাইড buddy, stemmed from observing people traveling the same route at the same time [6] - The speaker emphasizes the importance of showing up and being present, rather than waiting to be fully prepared [3] Business Development & Challenges - The company started as a college project in 2022, initially self-funded through freelancing [5][7][8] - Early challenges included building a team with limited resources, leading to the realization that investing in the right team members is crucial [9] - The company experienced failures with its first two application versions, learning and iterating to reach the seventh version [9] Funding & Growth - The company received government grants (state and central) and attracted investors, including the Vice President of American Express [12] - The IMT business incubator played a significant role in grooming the speaker and helping the company access funding and resources [11][12] - The speaker highlights that funding and technological advancements didn't wait for the company to be fully ready; progress began when they started [12] Key Takeaway - The speaker encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to start even if they are not fully ready or perfect, as readiness comes with beginning [13][14]
The fractal shape of evolution and adaptation | Vishwajeet Ranade | TEDxImperialCollege
TEDx Talks· 2025-12-16 16:20
Core Concept: Fractal Pattern of Evolution - The central argument is that human evolution follows a fractal pattern, specifically resembling a Sierpinski triangle, characterized by repetitive cycles of collective consciousness, individualism, and discovery [18][19] - This pattern suggests that adaptation and evolution are continuous, self-repeating processes [20] Key Components of Evolution - Shared social bonds are identified as a crucial vertex in the "triangle of evolution," emphasizing the importance of receiving support and care from the community [8] - Understanding individual roots forms another vertex, highlighting the significance of self-awareness and personal identity [9] - A steady pool of discovery acts as the third vertex, driving progress and innovation by encouraging exploration beyond existing knowledge [9] Historical Context - Human history is presented as a series of ages (Stone Age, Bronze Age, Medieval Age, Age of Industrialization) each marked by advancements resulting from discovery and adaptation [13][14][16] - The narrative highlights how tools, technologies, and social structures have evolved through these ages, reflecting the interplay between collective needs and individual innovation [13][14][15][16] The Role of Art - Art is identified as a constant thread throughout human history, connecting different ages and serving as a form of expression and reconnection with oneself [21][22] - The document suggests that art holds answers and insights, emphasizing its importance in personal and collective evolution [31] Personal Template for Evolution - The speaker shares a personal template for evolution, structured as a triangle with vertices representing personal elements (lifestyle, health), social elements (family, networks), and tools for evolution (academics, art, travel) [29] - Writing is positioned at the center of this template as a means of expression and problem-solving [30] Business Application: EdTech Transition - The speaker recounts a transition from a tech media agency to an EdTech company focused on blockchain education, reaching over 300,000 people globally [23][26] - This transition involved upskilling, academic research, curriculum development, and partnerships with institutions like NAS Academy and Stanford University, including scholarships worth $400,000 for women in tech [25][26]
The hidden plastics in your closet | Phoebe Yu | TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch
TEDx Talks· 2025-12-16 16:19
Problem Statement & Impact - The fashion industry relies heavily on polyester, a plastic derived from fossil fuels, which constitutes 60% of all textiles [1] - Synthetic textiles contribute to 35% of global microplastic pollution [3] - Polyester production reached 78 million tons last year, enough for 10 new polyester t-shirts for everyone on Earth [3] - Microplastics from textiles are found in water, air, food, and even human bodies, including lungs, bloodstreams, and placentas [4] - Failure to address fashion's plastic problem will hinder efforts to fix overall plastic pollution by 2040 [4] Innovation & Solutions - Companies are developing elastic made from bamboo fiber and natural rubber, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, offering 11% better stretch without fossil fuels [5][6] - Alternative leathers are being created using grain to mimic collagen, avoiding PU and PVC plastics [6] - Seaweed is being transformed into antimicrobial and flame-resistant textiles [7] - Enzymes are used to capture carbon dioxide and convert it into cellulose fibers [7] - Some brands demonstrate that high-performance sportswear can be made entirely of natural fibers [7] Sustainable Practices & Considerations - New materials must be assessed to ensure they are not more harmful than existing ones [8] - Diverse farming systems that restore and enrich the soil are needed, avoiding monocropping [9] - Sourcing should prioritize existing farmlands, waste streams, and regenerative crops, avoiding deforestation [9] - Harmful chemicals should be avoided, seeking safer alternatives [9] - Materials should be designed for a full life cycle, with biodegradability as a starting point [10] Scaling & Adoption - Solutions must be easy, affordable, and desirable for both consumers and brands [11] - Innovations should fit into existing systems, avoiding massive overhauls or costs [11] - Governments should provide incentives and regulations to support true transformation [11] - Collaboration is essential among innovators, brands, manufacturers, and policymakers [11] Company's Approach - The company uses biomimicry and green chemistry to accelerate natural processes [12] - Regenerative crops and agricultural waste are converted into high-cellulose biomass using enzymes and bacteria [12] - Green chemistry is used to transform biomass into fully biodegradable fibers [13] - This closed-loop system creates value for farmers, fiber makers, and brands [13]
Three Steps to Cultivating a Great Life | Victoria Nielsen | TEDxThe College of The Florida Keys
TEDx Talks· 2025-12-16 16:17
Core Message - The speech emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and presence to avoid living a life of escape and numbness [3][4][7] - It advocates for cultivating a life of purpose and authenticity, urging listeners to pursue their dreams and desires [8][11] Key Steps to Cultivate a Fulfilling Life - Stop numbing oneself to recognize patterns of suffering and distraction [11][12] - Practice self-observation to identify triggers and disassociate from negative patterns [15][16][20] - Discover one's desires and dreams through practices like meditation to connect with inner guidance [24] Statistics and Data - Approximately 91% of people seek to escape in their everyday life [4] - Nearly 80% of people consider distraction a healthy coping mechanism [4] Emotional and Psychological Well-being - The speech highlights the importance of feeling the full spectrum of emotions and being present in one's body [9] - It addresses the tendency to outsource joy and decisions, encouraging listeners to listen to their inner voice [10] - The speaker shares a personal experience of miscarriage as a catalyst for self-discovery and healing [1][2][3] Personal Responsibility and Empowerment - Individuals are responsible for their own energy and have the power to change themselves [22] - The speech encourages listeners to stop punishing themselves and recognize their worthiness [26] - It emphasizes that one's unique energy and being 100% themselves is valuable to others [26]
Does nostalgia just happen or is it a choice? | Bekah Liechty | TEDxNashvilleWomen
TEDx Talks· 2025-12-15 17:59
[music] In my trio, we joke that each of us lives in a different time. [snorts] One brother lives in the future, eyes always on what's next, dreaming things into being. The other lives rooted in the now. Steady, present, always noticing what's right in front of us. And I'm the past. I walk into each moment already thinking about how it will end. And I try quietly, deliberately, to prepare it to become something I'll miss someday. I think that people assume nostalgia just happens to us. But I learned from a ...
The Quiet Power of AI | Elisabeth Austad Asser | TEDxArendal
TEDx Talks· 2025-12-15 17:58
Look at this chair. It seems so ordinary, right. But actually, this chair holds power over you.The chair forces you to sit in a certain way, tells your body how to bend, where to rest your arms, how straight your back should be. And maybe that post is good for you, and maybe it's not, but you comply without even thinking about it. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the essence of technology.It shapes our behavior quietly, persistently, without us even noticing. Now, look at this. A bicycle.It doesn't just tell ...
When Words Fall Short, Rhythm Speaks | Idd Aziz | TEDxArendal
TEDx Talks· 2025-12-15 17:57
[music] [music] [applause] Wow. I've been introduced into many many stages big small but this TEDex it's really different and I'm not a talker I always do the fun part but yeah let me tell you a story where it started as 5 years old my dad decided I think this [snorts] lights in the city, it's not a good idea for you. So, I'll send you into into a pitch dark village where there's no light, only a lamp and full of setifi.That's was the only light was there. I was really afraid. But one thing that made me fee ...
The Hidden Power of Accents: Identity, Bias & Belonging | Steven Feraru | TEDxArendal
TEDx Talks· 2025-12-15 17:57
Cultural Identity & Communication - Accents and dialects significantly influence perceptions of intelligence, socioeconomic status, and personality [1][4][6] - Language shapes cultural understanding, with even small words carrying distinct cultural meanings [1] - Judgments based on accents have historical roots, exemplified by the ancient Greek term "barbaros" [4][5] - Social media is a major driver of accent evolution, leading to convergence across geographical boundaries [9] Linguistic Analysis - Languages possess inherent sound qualities, with some perceived as "sexy" (e g, Spanish) due to open vowels and low vocal placement [1][2] - Perceptions of harshness in languages (e g, German) are often influenced by stereotypes and limited exposure [2][3] Personal & Social Impact - Individuals may alter their accents to fit in or project a certain image [1] - Accents tell a story about a person's background, experiences, and influences [10] - Embracing one's accent can be a powerful statement of identity [11][12]
The biggest opportunity in waste | Robert Reed | TEDxSF State
TEDx Talks· 2025-12-15 17:57
Good afternoon. I have a real fire in my belly and and I I want to really accomplish something significant environmentally and and in the next 10 minutes I hope to share that passion with all of you and and to stoke this fire I need a lot of fuel. Okay. I go down to the farmers market every Saturday morning and I buy Beautiful produce, fruits and vegetables. One of the ones I bought this morning is this lovely pmen. It's pimmen season. Yeah. Hooray. It's also uh apple season as we all know, right? They're c ...
The beauty we throw away | René Konings | TEDxArendal
TEDx Talks· 2025-12-15 17:56
Core Idea - The art industry explores the potential of overlooked, seemingly insignificant materials found in urban environments, emphasizing their stories and meanings [4][15] - The industry highlights the value of recycling and reusing materials, transforming discarded items into art and inspiring environmental awareness [9][10] - The art world reflects on the relationship between humanity and the city, exploring shared history, cultural heritage, and the shaping of identity [15][16] Artistic Process & Inspiration - The artist collects materials from streets and everyday life, driven by a desire to preserve the raw urban aesthetics [10][12] - The industry's technique involves layering and combining diverse materials to reveal hidden qualities and create symbolic meaning [13][14] - Street art and urban contemporary movements serve as key inspirations, emphasizing accessibility and challenging traditional art spaces [10] Environmental & Social Commentary - The art sector raises concerns about excessive paper waste and its environmental impact, prompting reflection on consumption habits [7][8] - The industry uses art as a tool to inspire small changes in behavior, suggesting that collective actions can lead to significant environmental improvements [9] - The art field encourages viewers to reconsider their perception of value, questioning what is deemed worthless and prompting a deeper appreciation for everyday objects [1][16]