Ideas change everything

Invention

A collection of TED Talks (and more) on the topic of Invention.

Video playlists about Invention

How innovation changes the world

The big and small ways invention and transformation can bring about new eras of inspired action, thought and change.

Talks to inspire projects with kids

These crafty talks will ignite passions, pique interests and introduce kids to the excitement of hands-on learning.

Young inventors who are changing how we stay healthy

These speakers — all under 21 when they gave their talks — have big ideas for our health. Meet young people who are taking on cancer, asthma, injuries, even Alzheimer’s with a bold new approach.

Innovations that made expensive things cheap

A microscope that costs less than $1. A post-natal incubator for $25. These TED Talks highlight exciting innovations that render formerly-expensive things affordable — whether it’s to save you money, or to save lives.

See all playlists on Invention

Talks about Invention

Rachel Yang

The solution to our energy problems is … a toaster

Max G. Levy

How scientists are creating real-life invisibility cloaks

Max G. Levy

How do bulletproof vests work?

David Friedberg

A scientific breakthrough that could transform how we produce food

Jason Rugolo

Welcome to the world of audio computers

Aaron Slepkov

Why can't you put metal in a microwave?

Tara Boroushaki

Could AI give you X-ray vision?

Nanshu Lu

E-skins and e-tattoos: Your cybernetic future

Lindsay DeMarchi

What happens if you don't put your phone in airplane mode?

Conor Russomanno

A powerful new neurotech tool for augmenting your mind

Imran Chaudhri

The disappearing computer — and a world where you can take AI everywhere

Dennis Hong

7 new species of robot that jump, dance — and walk on water

Robert Katzschmann

The future of machines that move like animals

Enzo Romero

The affordable, 3D-printed bionics of the future

Charles Wallace and Sajan Saini

Why a sausage can do what your gloves cannot

Tierney Thys and Christian Sardet

The smallest solution to one of our biggest problems

See all talks on Invention

Exclusive articles about Invention

How to solve problems, from an inventor with 200+ patents

Robert Fischell invented the rechargeable pacemaker and the implantable insulin pump -- not to mention created the precursor to GPS. The 87-year-old shares a peek into his creative process.

Posted Sep 2016

A promising way to grow body parts … using an apple

Biohacker Andrew Pelling has figured out a way to create living, functional biological objects that don’t exist in nature -- without deliberately modifying DNA in any way. In one experiment, he uses apples and human cells to make ears. But what? And how? And why? Read on.

Posted Feb 2016

The surprising stories behind clever inventions

What drives invention? Sometimes, it’s back pain. Here's how to prime your own creativity to make something new.

Posted Feb 2016

See all articles on Invention