Theme: Creating Waves

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Frank O. Gehry Building, Novartis Campus
Fabrikstrasse 15
Basel, Basel-Stadt (de), 4056
Switzerland

Aleyda Garza

Aleyda Garza brings over a decade of expertise in life sciences, marketing, and project management and is known for her enthusiasm and ability to build strong relationships. She has led teams across different countries during crises including COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and structural organizations. She’s also a passionate advocate and supporter for women in business. Aleyda believes in prioritizing kindness and empathy as key drivers of success in today’s changing and challenging work and business landscape.

Caroline Siefarth

Caroline is a R&D Food technologist with a PhD in Flavor research. She is a curious, passionate and outgoing food and coffee lover, working within research and development of coffee products for the last 10 years. Known for creating a ball with coffee, fully plant-based, fully compostable.

Cindy Candrian

In her research, Cindy Candrian explores the intersection of AI and human behavior. Holding a PhD with highest distinction, her contributions have gained recognition by leading outlets, including the Harvard Business Review. She is the co-founder of Delta Labs AG, a UZH Startup launched with her former supervising Professor at the University of Zurich, which leverages cutting-edge insights to assist companies in harnessing AI for improved business outcomes. She co-authored "You & AI," aiming to simplify AI for everyone and foster a safer, transformative future with the technology.

Fanny Lalot

Fanny Lalot is a social psychologist investigating moral and social behavior in the broadest sense, including prosocial actions, environmental behavior, and much more! Her current line of research focuses on trust, more specifically on what happens when trust is betrayed. She obtained her PhD in Social Psychology from the University of Geneva in 2019. She then joined the University of Kent (2019-2021) before coming back to Switzerland in 2021, joining the University of Basel. In 2024, she received a grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation to lead a research project on interpersonal trust.

Jill Zeugin

Jill has been actively involved in harm reduction since 2016, beginning her career in Basel's drug consumption rooms during her studies. After completing her bachelor in social work in 2018, she advanced to lead DIBS, a stationary drug checking service, and co-leads 'Safer Dance Basel', providing drug checking services at parties and festivals, focusing on recreational drug use in and around Basel. Her work is driven by the belief in informed choices, reducing stigma, and fostering a safer environment.

Mari Cullen

Mari Cullen is a 23 year old global citizen who embraces a diverse upbringing, having lived in the United States, Ireland, Germany, and Switzerland. Born in Colombia and adopted into a life of adventure, Mari navigates questions of identity and belonging. Her experiences highlight the dynamic nature of belonging, transcending geographical boundaries and predefined categories. Through her journey, Mari has discovered that true belonging comes from embracing one's uniqueness and forming authentic connections.

Pascal Steffen

Pascal from restaurant "Roots" in Basel is a passionate chef and host. His culinary skills and creative cuisine where vegetables play first fiddle have been recognized by Michelin and Gault Millau.

Sai Narasimhan

Sai, is a true citizen of the world, fueled by a passion for discovery and a commitment to our planet. He can often be found at either the Musik Akademie Basel or JazzCampus, where he is training in classical piano, vocals, and electric guitar. His interests extend further to sports, where he excels at playing and coaching basketball. When not out and about, he can be found at home masterfully whipping up vegetarian meals in the kitchen, all while exploring the innovative model of online school. He is on a mission to make a difference in the world. Inspired by his travels and his love for nature, he's spearheading a groundbreaking learning platform for youth in African communities near national parks to learn about conservation. He is passionate about biology and wants to work in the conservation of wild spaces.

Stuti Aga

Stuti Aga is a veteran stage performer and the founder of one of the first and highly successful Bollywood dance companies in Switzerland. She is the 1st prize winner for the professional category at the biggest Bollywood and multicultural festival in Europe. She has been associated with the prestigious Zürich Tanzt event for several years. Over the years, close to 600 students have trained under Stuti and she and her dancers have performed to packed houses all over Switzerland.

Valentin Spiess

Valentin Spiess, founder and CEO of iart ag, trained as an electrical engineer and has worked in New Media since 1993. His earliest forays into the medium were collaborations with artists, realizing their media installations, and innovating engineering solutions, where the tech did not exist. Recognizing the engineering and innovation gap existing in New Media, he founded iart in 2001—an office dedicated to the development and realization of media projects. Since then, the small interdisciplinary team has grown to a force of over 50, specialized in every stage of conception, planning, and execution of media interventions. As a studio for media architectures, iart enhances physical spaces with digital technology—generating novel experiences. To date, iart has collaborated with internationally renowned architects, artists, brands, and museums, garnering numerous design awards around the globe.

Valérie Can

Valérie is a serial tech entrepreneur who researches and develops at the intersection of AI, robotics, and human behavior. With a childhood fascination for solving mysteries and a multicultural background, she brings a unique perspective to developing practical, value-driven technologies. Recognized for advancing human-machine interactions, Valérie's mission is to demystify AI and foster healthy, balanced relationships with intelligent machines.