TED Idea Search
We’re embarking on a mission to unearth TED Talks from unexpected places anywhere in the world through a series of TED Idea Searches. And when we’ve found them, we’ll give selected speakers visibility in an exciting new digital series in which they (or you!) will be the stars. Each TED Idea Search will culminate in a special in-person TED event showcasing the people from that region who we think have the best shot at presenting -- and doing -- something special.
This next one takes place in Brighton, UK in December 2024. We’re looking for the biggest, boldest, and brightest ideas from the UK (UK residents and UK citizens living abroad all qualify). We think the world might be ready for a different kind of TED Talk. Namely, the one YOU want to give. Or the TED Talk that one of your insanely creative brilliant friends is ready to give. We cannot wait to see what we find! Applications are open until October 15, 2024, 11:59pm GMT.
About the TED Idea Search
We invite you to fill out an application and create a 2-minute video as a part of your submission with an original idea (i.e. please don’t copy, take or re-use something you have heard or the application will not be selected and the idea cannot be published). TED will be selecting a group of finalists to build upon the ideas submitted. Candidates who are chosen as finalists will be notified by October 31, 2024 and will then go on to prepare short TED talks with some support from the TED team. Those selected finalists will have an opportunity to give their talks from the TED stage in December 2024 during a live event in Brighton, UK with standard expenses for travel and lodging to be provided by TED. All finalists will need to sign and agree to standard terms and releases for the publication of their talks and may include a benefit of covering expenses or additional financial stipends at TED’s sole discretion. If you’re not selected for this event, your application and idea will go into our database where you may be considered for TEDxBrighton and other TED events.
Tips for success before applying
Your idea
We're looking for original ideas that change attitudes, minds, lives, and even the world. What does that mean? We want to learn about ideas and projects that are new, unique, and offer an insight or a new way of thinking to a very large audience. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your application and show us what sets you apart! Even if you don't think of yourself as a typical TED speaker, or you don't think of your idea as a typical TED idea, we want you to apply. We want something that’s authentically you.
Examples of ideas
- An idea for a new facility in your community that would bring delight or solve an important problem
- A way to use the internet to spark change around the world, for example with a creative meme
- A description of something remarkable that you’ve worked on for a long time that is ready for public visibility
- A powerful story of an experience from which others could learn a crucial lesson
- Surprising forms of photography, art or creativity that show the world in a new light
- A plan for a new business, non-profit or website that could make your community -- or the world -- a better place
- A TikTok rant that’s hilarious but also instructive and could either be the basis for a TED Talk or shared directly to TED audiences
What to avoid
Some talk ideas come across as overly earnest or not particularly credible. Here are some examples that we would likely NOT consider:
- How I learned to speak my truth and be my authentic self
- How to conquer your fears and achieve your dreams
- Find your passion through unleashing your creativity
- I had a rare experience and it taught me to face my fear
- Find happiness using the L.U.V. method: Light, Universe, Vulnerability
- I traveled to India and it changed my perspective on the stock market, even though I’m not a banker
Please think big, give us something we haven’t heard before (feel free to check TED.com to verify) and avoid straightforward self-promotion. We’re looking for intriguing, funny, insightful, imaginative, beautiful, jaw-dropping, inspiring.