Theme: Pushing Boundaries

The past few years' social, cultural, and economic turmoil has led Iran's society to ask more challenging questions about its necessity to achieve a better future. At TEDxTehran 2023, we joined that search, exploring science, technology, innovation, art, culture, and creativity to find "the boundaries thought leaders and doers must push" to fuel enough innovation for our community to survive and thrive.

Milad Tower Conference Hall
Private Road of Milad Tower, Northern Angle of Hemmat Cross | Shahid Sheikh Fazlollah Nouri Highway
Tehran, Tehrān, 1449617471
Iran

Afzal Sadat Hosseini

Renowned Expert in Educational Creativity

Dr. Afzal Sadat Hosseini, a prominent member of Tehran University's Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, is a leading authority in the field of creativity. With over 27 years of experience, she's authored 20+ books and 100+ articles in Farsi and English, earning recognition for her work. Dr. Hosseini's dedication to fostering creativity extends to conducting 500+ workshops influencing educators, managers, and authors. She's pioneering in online creativity and coaching training, spreading educational creativity even in Iran's most underserved areas. Her vision for educational reform fuels her commitment to the development and transformation of her country.

Arash Raisinijad

International Relations Scholar and Author

Dr. Arash Raisinijad, a former professor of international relations at Tehran University's Faculty of Law and Political Science, holds a Ph.D. from Florida International University. He's an accomplished author with two books and numerous articles on geopolitics, international relations, and Iranian affairs, published in Persian and English. His significant works include "The Shah of Iran, the Iraqi Kurds and the Lebanese Shia" (2018) and "Iran and the New Silk Road" (2020), contributing profoundly to our understanding of global politics and Iranian perspectives.

Ata Homayoun

Leading Researcher and Consultant in Business Models

Dr. Ata Homayoun, a graduate of the University of Lyon, France, with management expertise, is a dedicated researcher and university lecturer specializing in business models. With a rich background in management consulting, he brings invaluable insights and experience to businesses seeking sustainable growth and innovation.

Hooman Namvar

Pioneer in REBT and Health Psychologist

Dr. Hooman Namvar, a distinguished health psychologist with a doctorate from the University of Toronto, Canada, is a visionary founder of the Institute of Behavior. As Iran's first certified REBT practitioner, he's a continuous member of the Canadian Psychological Association and a prominent contributor to clinical psychology. Dr. Namvar's expertise and contributions span international publications, counseling, and over 15 years in television program development.

Hossein Hossein-zadeh

Versatile Scholar and Urban Planning Innovator

Dr. Hossein Hossein-zadeh, with diverse academic credentials, holds a bachelor's degree from Police University, a master's in criminal law and criminology, and a doctorate in management and urban planning. As the former head of Isfahan Police Applied Science University, he's also been a dedicated university lecturer. With seven research articles and six books, including "The Walking Streets: Effects and Dimensions (Chaharbagh Abbasi Street)," he's made notable contributions to urban planning. His innovative achievements include efforts to create pedestrian paths in Isfahan's historic fabric, including Naqshjahan Square, showcasing his commitment to community development.

Keivan Saket

Versatile Maestro of Persian Music

Keivan Saket, a Mashhad-born composer, virtuoso of the tar and setar, and prolific writer, has made an indelible mark on Persian music. He's the founder of the Vaziri ensemble and a celebrated soloist with the Aref group. Saket's musical genius shines through compositions and performances, with albums like "Jameh Doran," "Sebakbal," and "Fassaneh" highlighting his mastery of the tar and setar. His global influence extends to the Kavian Saket Grand Orchestra, which has graced stages worldwide. Beyond music, he's an author, offering valuable insights into Persian instruments through his books. Saket's artistry seamlessly fuses tradition and innovation, enriching the legacy of Iranian music.

Reza Babakhani

Innovator at the Intersection of Architecture and AI

Dr. Reza Babakhani, a Ph.D. holder in architecture specializing in artificial intelligence, leads the Architecture and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at Tehran University of Science and Research. He's the inventive mind behind an intelligent platform for construction plan design, leveraging data mining and artificial intelligence. Dr. Babakhani is a proud International Federation of Inventors (IFIA) member and actively contributes as a scientific reviewer and technology-level assessment evaluator. He's been recognized with the Khayyam Scientific Award and emerged victorious in the 6th Festival of Thinkers and Young Scientists. In 2022, he clinched the silver medal at the IFIA's Inventions Festival, representing Switzerland. His pioneering work bridges architecture and AI, pushing boundaries in innovative design solutions.

Seyed Hadi Farahzadi

Innovator in Entrepreneurship and Organization Development

Dr. Seyed Hadi Farahzadi embarked on his entrepreneurial journey while pursuing a bachelor's in electrical engineering, later earning a master's and Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship from the University of Tehran. With over 15 years of experience, he's passionately championed organization development as a senior manager, lecturer, consultant, and coach. As a faculty member and senior consultant at the Industrial Management Organization, Dr. Farahzadi pioneers the application of design and systematic approaches to catalyze organizational growth and development.

Seyyed Mohammad Beheshti

Visionary Architect and Cultural Catalyst

Seyyed Mohammad Beheshti, born in Tehran in 1330, is a distinguished architect with a master's degree from Shahid Beheshti University. His impactful career includes leadership roles at Seda o Sima, the Farabi Cinema Foundation, and the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Organization. He founded cultural institutions like Khaneh Cinema, Shahr-e-Ketab, Cinema Museum, Music Museum, and Behind the Glass Painting Museum. A member of the Art Academy and the Supreme Council of Architecture and Urban Planning, he's also a dedicated educator, leaving a lasting legacy in Iran's cultural landscape.

Siamak Darfashi

Nature Tour Guide, Birdwatching Expert, and Wildlife Advocate

Siamak Darfashi is an experienced nature tour guide, passionate about birdwatching and dedicated to educating children and adults. As a skilled wildlife photographer and content creator, he explores the world of birds and their ecosystems. Siamak shares his knowledge and passion through the "Nature Narrator" podcast, fostering a deeper connection between people and the diverse inhabitants of our planet.

Soroush Salvatian

Media Activist and Community Developer

Soroush Salvatian's journey through southern Kerman, northern Sistan, and Baluchistan, near the dried Jazmurian wetland, sparked a mission to enhance local livelihoods. Using the hashtag "Jazmorian is not alone," he harnessed the power of media to launch impactful campaigns, drawing attention to these areas. Today, Salvation leads volunteer teams, focusing on vital infrastructure development for the region's future generations, exemplifying the media's potential for positive change.