In this insightful talk, Nikhil Chandran challenges the common perception of gaming as mere entertainment or distraction, and instead showcases its potential as a powerful tool for innovation and social good. He highlights how game technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and engines such as Unity and Unreal are being used to solve real-world problems—ranging from immersive industrial training to therapeutic applications in healthcare for ADHD, elderly care, and cancer recovery.Nikhil emphasizes research-backed benefits of gaming, including improved cognitive skills, focus, emotional intelligence, and empathy. He draws on compelling examples such as Minecraft being used for urban planning, Sea Hero Quest aiding dementia research, and emotionally rich indie games like Among Us and Monument Valley.With India home to over 591 million gamers and a strong engineering talent pool, he calls for a shift in how we perceive gaming—as a space for creativity, collaboration, and real impact. His message is clear: gaming is not just play, it is preparation for building a smarter, more empathetic, and innovative world. Nikhil Chandran is a dynamic leader in tech and creative industries, with a decade of experience spanning gaming, film, and emerging technologies. As founder of TILTLABS and TILTEDU, he drives innovation in AR/VR, virtual production, and spatial computing. A recognized expert in AI, the Metaverse, and blockchain, he guides businesses through digital transformation. Through TILTLABS, he creates immersive tech solutions for global clients, while TILTEDU offers hands-on training in game development and real-time storytelling. Nikhil also serves as Vice President of SAIK and Convenor of the Digital Tech Panel at CII, advocating for AVGC-XR and digital growth in India. His work bridges tech and education, shaping the future of immersive experiences. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Sam Santhosh’s talk focused on the transformative power of genomics in understanding human identity, diversity, and health. He explained how the genome—the complete set of genetic instructions—acts as the blueprint of life, not only defining who we are but also explaining the subtle variations that make each person unique. Through examples like hemophilia in European royalty and data from the GenomeAsia 100K project, he illustrated how genetics connects deeply with history, culture, and social constructs like caste.He emphasized that while humans share a common genetic ancestry, individual genomes reveal valuable insights into health risks and inherited conditions. With over a million children in India born each year with genetic disorders, he stressed the importance of early genetic screening. He also discussed how the dramatic drop in the cost of genome sequencing is making personalized healthcare more accessible. The talk concluded with a look at future breakthroughs in medicine—such as CRISPR, cell therapies, and engineered antibodies—highlighting how genomics is reshaping the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. Sam Santhosh is a seasoned entrepreneur with 35 years of experience. He founded Calsoft and took it public before leading India’s genomics revolution through SciGenom Labs. He incubated firms like MedGenome, AgriGenome, Saksin Life Sciences, and MagGenome. MedGenome, launched in 2010, raised $120M and became India’s top genomic diagnostics firm. Called the 'Genome Man of India', he was named among Goldman Sachs’ Top 100 intriguing entrepreneurs in 2019. In 2022, he exited all companies to focus on genomics education via the SciGenom Research Foundation and is now building a 27-acre Hortus Malabaricus-inspired botanical garden in Thrissur. As advisor to K-DISC, he proposed the Kerala Genome Data Centre. An IIM Calcutta MBA, Sam lives in San Francisco and Kochi, traveling globally to explore museums and gardens. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

For the past 2 years, I’ve worked remotely as a Business Development Manager while growing a content creator brand with 96k+ followers. In a world chasing perfection, I’ve found that sharing your real story and values builds deeper, more meaningful connections. My name is Fabian Sanchez (32), and I’ve been working remotely for the past two years as a Business Development Manager at Interprefy, a Swiss company. Alongside that, I’ve spent the last three years growing as a content creator, now with over 96k followers on TikTok and 43k on Instagram.In a world where social media often rewards perfection, building a personal brand that’s authentic and intentional is far more powerful than chasing likes. By sharing your real story and values, you can create genuine, lasting connections online—without losing yourself in the process. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

A Ukrainian singer who has been living and creating in Lithuania for three years, & she is also the conductor of the Vilnius City Municipality Employees Choir. Marina focuses on developing emotional intelligence through sound and has a unique approach to this subject. Marina Pylypenko is a Ukrainian singer who has been living and creating in Lithuania for three years, and she is also the conductor of the Vilnius City MuNICIAPLITy Employees Choir. Marina focuses on developing emotional intelligence through sound and has a unique approach to this subject. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Irem Çakir, a Financial Planning Analyst shares her personal journey through multiple career explorations before finding her niche, highlighting the importance of embracing uncertainty and taking the time to genuinely explore your interests. Are you ready to give yourself permission to step off society’s timeline and explore? In this relatable TEDx talk, Irem Cakir, a Financial Planning Analyst shares her personal journey through multiple career explorations before finding her niche, highlighting the importance of embracing uncertainty and taking the time to genuinely explore your interests. Are you ready to give yourself permission to step off society’s timeline and explore? This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Chinenye Ozowalu explores the complex intersection between innovation, cultural history, and the fight for equity in a world shaped by past injustices. The concept of nonlinearity—thinking and creating outside rigid, predefined systems—is proposed by Ms. Ozowalu and is essential for breaking free from oppressive narratives. She reflects on their own journey, acknowledging that true innovation comes from empowering individuals to think beyond societal constraints and collaborate to create inclusive, supportive communities. (CREDITS: ASL Interpreter: Nicole Lupinetti; Organizing Team: Myren Bobryk-Ozaki, Ferdinand Jr Virtudes, William Li, Matthew Oley, Kenzo Colon, Melissa Xie; Editors: Bryan Agnello, Myren Bobryk-Ozaki; Lead Video Production: Bryan Agnello; Camera Operators: Chase Powers, Sophi Oliveira, Chase Roman, Julio Cruz Jr, Stacey Washington; Tech Crew: Cam Harrington, Wally Adam, Ben Jacobson, Bek Dillay, Dylan Aguirre; Crew: Mohammed Adnan, Aarushi Sharma, Igor Polotai, Gaby Blanton, Pravina Bhalerao; Designers: Zo Murray (illustration), Erick Wittmann (motion graphics); Photographer: Jack Connolly) Chinenye Ozowalu is a Nigerian-American artist, researcher, and curator who questions current binaries to generate new realities. Through her academic focus in visual media, black studies, and marketing, she explores the breadth of cultural curating as an intervention to post-colonial capitalist systems. This internal search has led her to curatorial and archival research positions at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Visual Studies Workshop, and her current position as the Curator of The RIT Photography Alumni Gallery. In all her projects, Chinenye blends the presentation of ideas to encourage critical dialogue, whether defined as print media, consumer culture, fashion, fine art, or new media. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx