The next stop on the TED Idea Search is Athens, birthplace of democracy and the world’s oldest debating tradition. Nine speakers — from a fashion manufacturer taking on modern slavery to a microbiologist tackling the science of bad breath — go head-to-head for a shot to speak on the TED stage in Vancouver. Rehearsals are rocky, nerves are real and the stakes couldn’t be higher — and only one speaker gets to move on and represent Athens to the world.
Watch the full talks from the TEDxAthens Idea Search:
The most interesting ideas often come from the most unexpected places. We searched the globe for ideas with the power to inspire, motivate and change lives — and we found them at @TEDx events around the world. The TED Idea Search follows extraordinary speakers from 9 countries competing for a spot on the TED main stage in Vancouver this April.
00:00 – Intro
1:50 – Meet the Speakers
9:03 – Rehearsals
23:02 – The Talks
42:41- Deliberation
44:55 – The Winner Is…
A WING London production for TED
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@Abdullayev_Flies
March 10, 2026 at 11:32 am
1 🇺🇿
@UddiptabaishyaBiki
March 10, 2026 at 11:59 am
I will be here one day, as a speaker 🤞
@ibukunogunfeitimi5645
March 10, 2026 at 12:07 pm
Given a new global voice to a global unsung hero as a caveat, unique concepts remain under wrap.
@ΒαρβάραΠλατανίτη
March 10, 2026 at 12:29 pm
Feeling like a sunflower today
Go Zoe 🎉
@KMHill
March 10, 2026 at 1:07 pm
TED has deteriorated into The X Factor.
@lerinarazafy7826
March 11, 2026 at 1:05 am
So I guess Athens is in India then. No wait, Athens is on the continent with Baobab trees. The continent of verbal “martial art” and poetic prose.
.
@suki_unibrow
March 11, 2026 at 3:48 am
Amazing to see the BTS of a TED talk!
@LeKroox
March 11, 2026 at 6:17 am
Please drop this dollar store American Idol formula. These speakers are experts in their fields, not some shower singing kids looking for their big break. Treat them with some decorum and stop cheapening the TED brand with this reality TV nonsense.
@JeremyHall
March 11, 2026 at 8:03 am
I kind of agree with your sentiment, the way its presented looks more like a TV show than trying to express new ideas. however, certain audiences enjoy this type of approach, thats why its so popular in modern culture. how better to reach new people than to draw them in using a known workable formula?
@LeKroox
March 11, 2026 at 9:52 am
@JeremyHall I see your point, but I think the problem is that reality TV is historically a curated reality, which is part of what makes it a popular formula to begin with. To an extent every format is curated reality, but Reality TV is known for playing up and twisting narratives for dramatic effect. And I don’t think that meshes well with what TED is supposed to be. Even if they don’t dramatize it, the format just makes it feel inherently less trustworthy. Additionally, not everything needs or should be catered to appeal to the lowest common denominator. TED is doing well enough for itself without having to.
@XNOP_G
March 11, 2026 at 8:52 am
You will be provide your content in HINDI because more INDIANs are there who want to watch that type video but language is big problem ❤❤