Theme: Innovative Pulse - What Does the Future Hold?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

May 3, 2025 Theme: Innovative Pulse - What Does the Future Hold?

Austin is a city synonymous with innovation, creativity, and a visionary mindset. This theme aligns perfectly with Austin's vibrant ecosystem, where technology, art, and community unite to pioneer new paths. It provides a platform for exploring the potential future impacts of today's innovations and encourages diverse perspectives on shaping a better tomorrow. Embracing "Innovative Pulse - What Does the Future Hold?" as a theme for a TEDx event in Austin highlights Austin's role as a leader in driving positive change, inspiring diverse perspectives, and building a community of forward-looking innovators ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

Complete the Speaker Application Open from October 30 to November 23rd: https://forms.gle/FEoQU8d9qthAVwmf6

The mission of TEDxSouthCongress is to be a catalyst for positive change, opening minds with inspiring ideas.
Our goal is to present talks on issues that matter to our community and to spark a real dialogue about how to make a difference.
If you have an idea that is clear, concise, compelling, original and relevant, we want to hear about it! We have a dedicated committee that reviews all speaker applications, and because we want yours to shine, we’ve developed guidelines about what does (and doesn’t) work on the TEDxSouthCongress stage. Apply to speak: https://forms.gle/FEoQU8d9qthAVwmf6

Austin
South Congress
Austin, Texas, 78704
United States

Alex Fink

Journalist

I am the founder and CEO of Otherweb, an AI-based news platform with 15.5m users in 53 countries. I am also the co-founder and president of Swarmer, an autonomous drone company whose products are used on the frontlines in Ukraine right now, and the founding director of Open Press Wire, a nonprofit that distributes timely news reports to hundreds of publications for free. I've spent 18 years building cutting-edge technology that solves real problems in the real world. My focus right now is on news and media and how technological innovation can improve them over the next decade.

Andrew Warden

Global Marketing Expert

Andrew Warden is the Chief Marketing Officer at Semrush, leading a global team of over 150 marketing and communications professionals. With experience in CMO roles and leading global marketing functions at UnitedLex, SoftServe, Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), and GfK, Andrew brings a unique perspective on building and optimizing global marketing operations from the ground up. Known for his passion for blending creativity with strategy, he empowers his team to drive impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences and push the boundaries of modern marketing.

Brad Stuver

Professional Goalkeeper - Soccer

My name is Brad Stuver (he/him). I am a professional goalkeeper playing in Austin, Texas. I sit on the board of directors for the Equality Texas Foundation. I am a regional project director for Engage Currents' The Laundry Project. I am a co-founder of The Brad and Ashley Stuver Foundation. I am currently in graduate school pursuing my Executive Masters in Public Policy.

Casey Fleming

Technology and global risk expert.

Technology and global risk expert.

Christopher Kunney

HealthIT Expert

Christopher Kunney is a brain tumor survivor, 2024 HIMSS Changemaker Award Recipient, and health equity advocate. He serves as Managing Partner and Digital Transformation Strategist at IOTECH Consulting and CTO at Ask Me Your MD. With over 30 years of leadership experience, he advises healthcare executives on emerging technologies and compliance. His previous roles include senior leadership at Hewlett Packard, Juno Health, and Piedmont Healthcare. A recognized thought leader, Christopher has served as an adjunct professor, member of various governing boards and advisory committees, including Morehouse School of Medicine, CaringMeds, YMCA Of Metro Atlanta, Diginity Global Health Education, American College of Health Data Management and HIMSS Global Health Equity. He hosts the podcast "Straight Outta Health IT" and is a sought-after advisor, speaker and author.

Claudia Six

Clinical Sexologist & relationship therapist

Born and raised in Paris, France. Clinical Sexologist & relationship therapist for over 30 years, author of the Erotic Integrity book, TEDx speaker, USF adjunct professor. My practice serves individuals and couples dealing with relationship and sexual issues ranging from mismatched desire, infidelity, desire disorders, performance anxiety unusual proclivities, sexual boredom, sexless marriages, difficulty finding a partner… I am a firm believer that nobody is broken and sex and relationship challenges always have a way of making perfect sense.

Danny Acuna

Technology Strategist

With over 25 years of experience in Technology and Business Transformation, Danny has worked across diverse sectors, including energy, legal, financial, non-profit, and healthcare. He excels in leading cross-functional teams to deliver innovative products and disruptive market solutions, driving mission-critical transformation initiatives. Danny integrates Agile practices and Change Management principles into organizations of all sizes, enabling continuous improvement and impactful outcomes. A proponent of values-centric, servant leadership, Danny has shared his philosophy through Forbes Technology Council articles, inspiring healthier organizations and meaningful change. His work focuses on leveraging technology to create user-centric experiences that positively impact lives and industries alike.

Doug Burkott

HealthIT Expert

David Burkott is a healthcare IT expert with experience in Healthcare Systems Architecture, Strategy & Planning, Technology Business Management. He has a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives. David is passionate about driving innovation and fostering collaborative environments to deliver exceptional results.

Isaac@gmail.com Serwanga

Author

Isaac Serwanga is the best-selling author of the book "How to Network in College." A former 3-sport Division-1 athlete, Isaac contributes many of his life lessons to his time spent at Princeton a part of the football, basketball and track and field families. In his time on campus, he was a member of the BSU and co-created Profound Ivy, a mentoring program that empowered 45 students with networking strategies to plan their future. Since graduating, Isaac’s organization Inform and Inspire has shared messages of inspiration that have reached over 100,000 students and over 3MM online views globally, featured on platforms such as Forbes Magazine, Goalcast and TED. Some of his clients in the corporate world include Intel, Blue Shield of California, Coursera, and the Global Blockchain Conference held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

James Lee

Dementia Advocate

A native Texan and first generation Korean-American, I am a CEO and a storyteller, utilizing the platforms of business ownership, content creation, and public speaking to assist individuals in rediscovering and embracing their fundamental life values and thus pursue their most meaningful lives. I believe that the most important thing you can do in life is to improve oneself and that the ripple effects of this mindset can change your family, your community, and the world. My chosen arena of demonstrating this lived philosophy is helping people who are living with dementia to be seen, whole and fulfilled in life.

jason Scharf

Digital Health & TechBio Expert

Jason Scharf has spent nearly two decades pursuing his life’s mission of catalyzing innovation. As an early stage investor, he targets the bio innovation tech stack and the business of health. He has held key leadership roles in strategy and market intelligence at industry pillars such as Illumina, BD, and Amgen. Through the Austin Next podcast and his writings, he explores innovation, Bio & Health, tech, ecosystems, Austin, and their convergence.

Marie Garrison

Tech Veteran

Tech veteran

Melanie Hicks

Social Impact Advocate

Dr. Melanie Sue Hicks is an adventure-seeking, social impact advocate, writer, speaker and coach. Traveling to more than 44 countries, she has spent two decades in global philanthropy, studying human connection and resilience. Her book Incongruent discusses her personal journey through trauma through travel. She has been published in more than 2 dozen magazines including Marie Claire and Forbes.

Michael Ronen

Immersive Designer

I’m Michael Ronen, an immersive designer, AI strategist, and founder of Wonderland Immersive Design. I combine my background in immersive theater and creative storytelling with cutting-edge technologies like AI and XR to help organizations innovate through play. My Play Economy Framework empowers teams to discover customer insights, rapidly prototype ideas, and solve challenges with empathy and creativity. I’ve presented this work at AWE, authored The Guide to the Play Economy, and collaborated with startups, SMEs, and innovators globally to create experiences that inspire human flourishing.

Rawad Abou Zaki

Transportation & Architectural Design Strategist

2x Founder, designer, inventor & educator. Founder, CEO at HOVER CITY Inc. Founder, director at Creavan, a school on wheels. +10 yrs in transportation design. Worked for renowned companies like Pininfarina, Geely & Altran in 7 countries around the world - France, Italy, China, Spain, USA, Lebanon & Kuwait. International Ambassador & Lecturer at IED - Istituto Europeo di Design. Exhibitor at international technology & design shows like Milan design weeks, Turin design week, VivaTech Paris, IMTS Chicago, SXSW Austin TX, AFWERX San Antonio TX, & Tech Fuel. Built an excessive portfolio focusing primarily on transportation, product & architectural design. Patent pending on several inventions in industrial, transportation & architecture.

Sandeep Kondury

Venture Capital Strategist

As a Startup Operations Architect and Venture Capital Strategist, I empower early-stage ventures through innovative financial modeling and operational frameworks. With experience evaluating over 800 startups and driving successful capital raises, I specialize in identifying high-potential opportunities and optimizing growth through data insights. My journey spans building systems at Astralabs, advancing financial strategies at Forecaster, and now pioneering the Groundwork Framework at Startup Haven Ventures. A founder and Gildre community member, I am passionate about sharing insights on innovation and collaborating to shape the future. Let’s connect and explore the transformative power of forward-thinking strategies and technology.

Travis Davis

Disability Advocate

Travis Davis is a speaker, entrepreneur, and disability advocate with a passion for creating inclusive environments. Born with cerebral palsy, he holds a B.A. in English, a Master’s in Adapted Physical Education, and is ADA Coordinator certified. Travis has extensive experience in strategic communications, disability consulting, and business development, most recently opening a Rush Bowls franchise that employs people with disabilities. Through his podcast, Off The Crutch, and various speaking engagements, Travis shares insights on resilience and inclusivity, helping organizations embrace diversity to foster innovation and drive lasting progress.