“We are watching the collapse of the international order in real time, and this is just the start,” says investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr. In a searing talk — the first published from TED2025: Humanity Reimagined — she details a fast-moving technological coup and the rise of the “broligarchy”: an unprecedentedly powerful class of tech executives (like Elon Musk) who are complicit in dismantling democracy and enabling authoritarian control across the world. She shares a guide on how to digitally disobey in this age of runaway corporate power, data harvesting and mass surveillance — and reminds you that you have more […]
It’s time for TED to embark on an exciting new chapter I’ve had the great good fortune to have overseen TED for the last 25 years. It’s been exhilarating, and I feel great pride in what TED has become. As the organization moves into its fifth decade and I approach (gulp) 70, I believe the time has come for someone new to take the reins. So today, with the support of dear friends and colleagues, I am issuing an open invitation to anyone who believes they might have the resources and the ideas to oversee TED for its next 25 […]
As 2024 wraps up, join us in celebrating the most popular, mind-blowing and must-watch TED Talks published this year. From cutting-edge AI to climate breakthroughs and transformative insights on human potential, our curated end-of-year-lists capture a compelling panorama of ideas that challenge, inspire and reimagine our collective future. From AI and technological innovation to climate change, social dynamics and global transformations, the most popular TED Talks of 2024 offer insights into the issues shaping the future: In this compelling collection of tech-focused talks, visionary speakers explore the frontiers of innovation — from AI-powered coding and entertainment to vertical farming, limitless […]
The AI revolution is here to stay, says Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI. In a probing, live conversation with head of TED Chris Anderson, Altman discusses the astonishing growth of AI and shows how models like ChatGPT could soon become extensions of ourselves. He also addresses questions of safety, power and moral authority, reflecting on the world he envisions — where AI will almost certainly outpace human intelligence. Watch the full interview.
TED Countdown Summit 2025 officially kicked off today in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together a visionary group of global innovators, business executives, scientists, policymakers, next-generation leaders, artists and activists. This year’s gathering, taking place June 16-18, comes at a pivotal moment, as the world’s institutions falter and uncertainty mounts about the future. Yet, the Summit is grounded in optimism, highlighting real progress — from booming clean energy industries in China to the end of coal in the UK and Kenya’s own leadership in renewable energy and youth-driven innovation. By convening in Nairobi — a city at the forefront of Africa’s energy […]
We are thrilled to announce this year’s 2025 cohort of TED Fellows, whose work spans four continents and represents 11 countries. This year’s TED Fellows are tackling some of the world’s most urgent issues with bold and groundbreaking solutions. Among them are an entrepreneur transforming organic waste into bioplastics, a pilot teaching a generation of young African women to fly, a scientist using satellites to fight food insecurity and an illustrator capturing powerful stories that go beyond the headlines. For 16 years, the TED Fellows program has been committed to finding and supporting the next generation of innovators. The fellowship […]
TED is proud to announce a new licensing partnership with Academic Travel Abroad, the premier provider of educational travel experiences. This collaboration will introduce the TED Travel program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to transform travel into an immersive, educational journey. Aligning with TED’s broader 2025 initiative, “Where Curiosity Meets Community,” this partnership reinforces TED’s commitment to fostering lifelong learning through innovative and accessible formats. Launching in 2026, the TED Travel program will offer a curated portfolio of annual trips, providing lifelong learners with unparalleled access to world-renowned experts, exclusive TED-style discussions, and cultural experiences that embody TED’s mission of “Ideas […]
Buckle up: It’s time for TED! In a classically eclectic opening session of TED2025, seven speakers and a performer explore the big issues of the day — from the rise of techno-authoritarianism and the existential threat of superhuman AI to the rebirth of Notre-Dame de Paris and signs of progress from around the world. Also, the humanoid helper NEO opens the show … because what would TED be without a surprise cameo from a robot? Here are some key takeaways from day 1: Politics is technology now. In the searing opening talk of TED2025, investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr explores how […]
Day 4 of TED2025 was a jaw-dropping tour of everything from the “girl internet” to what homes could look like in outer space. Learn more about how babies’ minds work, why voting by phone might be the reboot democracy needs and a future where roads can mend their own cracks. Day 4 included talks curated by writer, researcher and co-host of Radiolab, Latif Nasser. Here are some things you won’t want to miss from the day: Internet, politics and power. Digital strategist and activist Deja Foxx welcomes us to the “girl internet” — the new ecosystem of platforms, built by […]
For one remarkable week each year, a wing of the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, BC, Canada transforms into the TED Theater: a custom-built, 1,200-seat space that hosts bold ideas designed to spark conversation, deepen our collective understanding and ignite meaningful change. In a world where so many familiar roles are ripe for re-invention, TED2025 poses the urgent question: “What are humans for?” — and challenges us to harness our full creativity, imagination and curiosity to envision a future we can genuinely look forward to. Below, find a sampling of the stunning photography from TED2025. And check out our live […]
Celebrating the joy of learning unexpected things, day 2 of TED2025 kicks off with a bang — or, more specifically, a howl, as we learn about the communication of wolves. From there, speakers explore a wide range of ideas, from the surprising parallels between evolution and language to jaw-dropping live demos of humanoid robots, AI-powered 3D games and more. Learn about bold visions for cleaning up the ocean, ending child hunger and aligning AI with humanity’s best interests. Are you ready to dive into what you didn’t know you needed to know? Day 2 included talks curated by linguist John […]
On the third day of TED2025, speakers explored the theme of empowerment — whether through entrepreneurship for refugees, groundbreaking health tech, ethical AI or parenting strategies that spark joy. Day 3 included talks curated by tech entrepreneur Juliana Rotich; founder and editor-in-chief of Quillette, Claire Lehmann; and writer and podcaster Kelly Corrigan. Below, some highlights from an action-packed day. Entrepreneurship against the odds. For many refugees, opportunities are limited — yet Julienne Oyler sees entrepreneurship as a powerful path to rebuilding lives. Backed by The Audacious Project, TED’s funding initiative, she highlights how her team at Inkomoko is investing in refugee-led […]
As the curtain falls on TED2025: Humanity Reimagined, a week spent at the intersection of innovation and introspection comes into focus. This year’s conference wove together themes reflecting our complex, rapidly evolving world — from the awe-inspiring potential and sobering risks of artificial intelligence to nature-inspired solutions for the world’s most challenging problems. More than eighty speakers and performers challenged us to reimagine established systems, harness the power of community and navigate the delicate balance between technological progress and ethical responsibility. One final session on day 5 revealed how our collective wisdom and action have never been more crucial in […]
We’ve been working on a secret project for the past year, and we couldn’t be more excited to finally share it with you. Games and puzzles have long been a part of TED’s identity in an unofficial way. We’ve presented thought leadership through TED Talks about games, built an award-winning TED-themed escape room in Marriott hotels around the world and created the TED-Ed riddle series of math and logic puzzles, which has been viewed more than 400 million times. Today we’re making it official by inviting you to participate in the TED Games beta. TED Games shares TED’s guiding ethos […]
Sure, a TED conference is about the talks — but there’s a whole other side to the TED experience that makes our flagship annual event magical. The playful exhibits, communal art, groundbreaking tech, coffee shops and delicious treats that comprised the “Loop” at TED2025 were designed to provide attendees with moments of connection, rest and excitement. Below, explore some highlights that made this year’s Loop a labyrinth of endless discovery. (Plus, check out our live coverage of the conference and keep an eye out for new TED Talks from TED2025.) TED2025 Photo Team: Felicia Chang, Ella De Gea Truelove, Jason […]
The interstitials of TED2025: Humanity Reimagined helped answer the question: “What are humans for in the age of AI?” Showcasing the work of creatives from around the world, these shorts offered an uplifting and, at times, humorous response to anxieties around AI and the state of the world, highlighting how humans always find new ways to innovate, create and thrive. The following shorts were curated for TED2025 by TED producer CC Hutten in collaboration with Flux Festival creative director Jonathan Wells. OK Go — “Love” Directed by Damian Kulash, Aaron Duffy, Miguel Espada The TED audience got an exclusive first […]