In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience, with “x” indicating it is an independently organized TED event. At this TEDx conference, TED Talks and live speakers will combine to spark discussion and connection among attendees. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including this one, are self-organized. Specifically, for TEDxIndianaUniversity, this conference has been organized by Indiana University students.

The theme for TEDxIndianaUniversity this year is entitled “From Ashes We Rise”. "From Ashes We Rise" is a theme centered on the discovery and uncertainty of life that stems from difficulties and struggle. Learning and understanding fundamentally derives from facing obstacles and roadblocks in one’s path. Whether those obstacles arise in one’s personal life or professional career, success can emerge out of those limitations in the form of experiences, stories, and inventions that push boundaries. "From Ashes We Rise" is the story everyone has experienced, because to a certain degree, it is a story every person has or will live through. The audience will leave these talks with wider perspectives on how to tackle obstacles that come their way — and rise from the ashes.

Speakers for TEDxIndianaUniversity:

Dr. Giada Arney, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Justin Phillips, Overdose Lifeline
Jonathan Jones, Motivate Our Minds
Dr. Anima Anandkumar, Amazon AI, California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Trevor Paetkau, Ashes Still Water Boats