Ideas worth spreading

Pollution-free lights, powered by microbes

22,465 views |

Sandra Rey |

TED@BCG Paris

• May 2016

Designer Sandra Rey has found a way to channel one of nature's superpowers: bioluminescence. By isolating the DNA that causes some squids to glow, and introducing it into bacteria, she's created a light source that can glow for three days -- without generating the usual pollution caused by lightbulbs. Her idea is still in development, but Rey makes a spirited case that this is a bold first step toward changing the way we light our world.

Designer Sandra Rey has found a way to channel one of nature's superpowers: bioluminescence. By isolating the DNA that causes some squids to glow, and introducing it into bacteria, she's created a light source that can glow for three days -- without generating the usual pollution caused by lightbulbs. Her idea is still in development, but Rey makes a spirited case that this is a bold first step toward changing the way we light our world.

About the speaker

Sandra Rey

Sandra Rey

Bioluminescence designer

As the founder and CEO of Glowee, a Paris-based startup, Sandra Rey is betting on a future powered by bioluminescence. Rey has a master’s degree from the French design school Strate College and took social entrepreneurship courses at the business school ESCP Europe.

About TED Institute

Every year, TED works with a group of select companies and foundations to identify internal ideators, inventors, connectors, and creators. Drawing on the same rigorous regimen that has prepared speakers for the TED main stage, TED Institute works closely with each partner, overseeing curation and providing intensive one-on-one talk development to sharpen and fine tune ideas. The culmination is an event produced, recorded, and hosted by TED, generating a growing library of valuable TED Talks that can spur innovation and transform organizations.

Read more about the TED Institute