Theme: eXponential

The 10th anniversary of TEDxRWTHAachen is just around the corner, and this time, it's themed “eXponential". At our event this year, everything revolves around the rapid developments in our modern world and how they progress exponentially.

We truly have entered a disruptive era on many levels. Moore's law says that technology will double every two years, but it’s not just technology that’s at that level. Humanity also finds itself at a turning point in history, where it challenges and exceeds intelligence and creativity.

At our 10th anniversary, we strive to create a positive notion that inspires people to look forward to and contribute to a healthy future for both planet and society. Our speaker lineup features the likes of YouTuber Daniel Jung, who will present his methods for more efficient learning using AI. Also, Dr. Julia Mann, Director of RWTH AI Center, will speak about the origin of biases in Artificial Intelligence. Other topics will include storage of nuclear waste and sustainability in architecture.

Aula I, main building of RWTH Aachen University
Templergraben55
Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, 52062
Germany

Ali Yildiz

Neuroscientist and CEO at Sernitas Group

Dr. Ali Yildiz is a distinguished German-Turkish scientist and business leader. He draws on an impressive international academic and professional career. His expertise includes complex research on brain functions, healthcare, human resources, statistics, academic teaching, business, and leadership. With his extensive experience, he founded, managed and held key positions in multinational companies several successful companies. Through leadership positions and entrepreneurial success, Dr. Yildiz has significantly contributed to development and innovation in healthcare. His dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration, along with the optimization of structures, services, and processes in healthcare, distinguishes him as an outstanding figure in the industry. Dr. Ali Yildiz serves as an inspiring role model for aspiring scientists and entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector.

Daniel Jung

Educational YouTuber and Entrepreneur

Daniel Jung is an innovative education enthusiast who has been making mathematics accessible through online tutorials for over a decade. With his unique Nugget-Learning-Method and platforms like Mathefragen.de, as well as online courses and hybrid learning materials, he is revolutionizing access to mathematical knowledge. Born in 1981 in Remscheid, he discovered the power of digital education during his studies in mathematics and sports. Jung reaches millions through social media by making complex mathematical content understandable. He is committed to democratizing education worldwide and supports the NGO Young Bafana in South Africa with a portion of his earnings. Currently, he is conducting research in the AIEDN project on AI-supported learning assistants to promote more efficient learning and teacher relief.

Fisnik Zejnullahu

Project Lead at Space Team Aachen

Fisnik Zejnullahu is the project lead of the project “Aquila Maris” in the Space Team Aachen. For two years, he’s been working with a team of over 20 people to build rockets for competitions and international launches. In June 2023 Fisnik and his team launched the rocket “Aquila” at the biggest rocketry competition in the world – The Spaceport America Cup. Fisnik is now working as project lead for Aquila’s successor – *Aquila Maris*. Aquila Maris will be one of the first rockets launched from the first German Offshore Spaceport in the North Sea in June 2024.

Julia Mann

Managing Director at RWTH Aachen Center for AI

Dr. Julia Mann is the managing director of the AI Center here at the RWTH. She has a background in engineering, data analysis and AI and is very passionate about educating the next generation but also the general public. Additionally to her daily job, Julia leads the Women in AI Chapter in Aachen. Women in AI is an initiative that supports women and other minorities in AI. Julia strongly believes that the current gender gap particularly in STEM areas comes not from the fact that women are less competent but less confident, and therefore require motivation, encouragement, and role models.

Saitali Köknar

Interior Architect

Dr. Köknar pursued the multifaceted discipline of architecture, earning a master’s thesis in building technology and a doctorate in architectural design, followed by a post-doc on design tools. Throughout his graduate studies, he worked in prestigious architectural firms, engaging in design competitions. From 2003 to 2023, he balanced part-time lecturing and full-time faculty roles, leading design studios and teaching contemporary architecture. He collaborated with cultural institutions and artists, exhibiting projects at biennials, curating exhibitions, and writing research articles across diverse topics, being cautious not to be ‘stigmatized’ by a focus. Presently, he continues to inspire as a lecturer, imparting wisdom on design principles while nurturing the creative potential of students in interior design studios.

Sanaz Zaresani

Poet and Singer

Sanaz Zaresani, born in Iran, was deeply ingrained in the cultural mosaic of Azerbaijan, distinct from the prevailing Persian influences. After completing her journalism studies at the University of Tehran from 1997 to 2002, she confronted the systemic human rights abuses in Iran, particularly against women, prompting her exodus from her homeland in 2008. Co-founding the music group Mah-e Manouche in 2012, marked the genesis of Sanaz’s singing career, where she lent her voice and lyrical prowess to the group’s compositions. Sanaz’s artistic evolution epitomizes a relentless quest for self-discovery and creative expression, resonating with universal themes of resilience and freedom. Through her soul-stirring performances, she invites audiences into her transformative journey, inspiring them to embrace their own paths of introspection and artistic exploration.

Sandra Navidi

Attorney, Bestselling Author, Consultant & Finance Expert

Sandra Navidi is the founder and CEO of BeyondGlobal, where she provides strategic advisory services. Prior to that she held positions as an investment banker, general counsel and consultant. Ms. Navidi is admitted to practice law in Germany as well as in the State of New York. She is the bestselling author of award-winning '$uperHubs: How the Financial Elite and their Networks Rule Our World', one of Bloomberg’s Best Books of the Year. Her third book 'Die DNA der USA: Wie tickt Amerika', received a nomination for the German Business Book Award 2023. Ms. Navidi is a frequent expert media commentator on geo-economic issues and has been featured on many acclaimed news media outlets such as CNN, Aljazeera, New York Times, Financial Times, The Guardian, Business Insider, Cosmopolitan and many more.

Sarah Weihmann

Postdoctoral Researcher at RWTH Aachen University

Sarah Weihmann is a PostDoc researcher in geoscience at RWTH Aachen, passionate about investigating the role of the subsurface in the ongoing energy transition and teaching the next generation of energy experts. Trained as a petroleum geologist, experienced in the nuclear repository industry and excited about renewable energies, you will find her tying nearly everything back to the importance of rocks and reservoirs.