Drawing from his journey across global research institutions and his transformative work in Uzbekistan’s scientific ecosystem, Dr. Abdullaev guides the audience through the process of formulating research questions that matter—not just for labs and journals, but for shaping personal direction, societal progress, and even national development.Dr. Iskandar Abdullaev is a renowned cell biologist, scientist, and educator at New Uzbekistan UniversityWith a Ph.D. in Cell Biology from Japan, over 15 publications in Q1 Scopus journals, and a Hirsch index of 14, Dr. Abdullaev brings a wealth of scientific insight — combined with a rare gift for making complex ideas accessible and inspiring. He has not only contributed to the global scientific community with 1300+ citations, but also played a transformative role in Uzbekistan’s research landscape — leading the creation of a state-of-the-art laboratory with the support of a $600,000 World Bank MUNIS Senior Grant. 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

In this powerful and symbolic talk, the speaker invites the audience to attend a metaphorical funeral—not of a person, but of their fear. With two roses, a garden pruner, and a trash bin at the center, the speaker takes us on an emotional journey that blends humor, vulnerability, and deep self-reflection. Through personal stories, relatable metaphors, and striking visual actions, the talk explores how fear of past failures, comparisons, and mistakes holds us back from living fully.By “burying” these fears and embracing our imperfections, the speaker reminds us that we are not defined by our past but shaped by the courage to keep growing despite it. Whether you've made mistakes or been hurt before, this talk will help you reframe your setbacks as seeds for something new and beautiful. Because even a rose with a broken stem still has purpose—and so do you. Umarbek Zaribbaev, the co-founder of City Chain Partners LLC operating import-export services.Currently he works as a General Director at Hudson Sandler LLC Tashkent office on Public Relations and Business affairs and as a Client Executive at Hudson Sandler LLP London office, promoting Uzbekistan's profile and investment potential in international market.Prior joining the consulting affairs he gained experiences in such offices as Insurance Company, British Embassy in Tashkent, International Organisations and NGOs.He also participates in Model United Nations conferences and has over than 50 Chairing and 9 times Delegate backgrounds.Apart from external activities, today, he is an acting Vice-President of the Student Government Association office at Webster University in Tashkent. 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

In this visionary talk, the speaker explores how robotics and AI are reshaping urban life through smarter, more coordinated systems. From autonomous vehicles to intelligent infrastructure, discover how technology is driving the cities of tomorrow. Max Khan is a seasoned engineer, educator, and innovation strategist with experience at NASA, Exxon, and global tech startups. Holding advanced degrees in engineering and business, and having studied at Stanford, Berkeley, and UT Austin, he bridges cutting-edge technology with strategic leadership. A former Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston, Max is passionate about inspiring students through global insights in AI, automation, and entrepreneurship. Now working closely with New Uzbekistan University, he empowers future leaders to drive innovation and impact in a rapidly changing world. 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

In this thought-provoking and theatrical talk, the speaker opens with an unexpected twist—introducing an AI companion disguised as a real person, only to reveal its true identity mid-speech. This captivating start sets the stage for a deep dive into the myths, misconceptions, and potential of artificial intelligence.From Hollywood-fueled fears of robot uprisings to concerns about job loss and control, the speaker dismantles common anxieties surrounding AI with clarity, wit, and historical perspective. Rather than promoting fear, this talk repositions AI as a tool—one that can amplify human creativity, solve real-world problems, and redefine the future of work and innovation.With stories, facts, and a call to action, the speaker urges the audience to shift from fear to understanding, and from resistance to responsibility. This is not just a talk about technology—it’s a rallying cry for a more empowered, informed, and hopeful relationship with the future. Oybek Abdukhalimov is a rising AI Specialist, focusing on Computer Vision. Balancing academic life with two concurrent internships, he exemplifies dedication, discipline, and an unwavering drive to grow in the tech field. 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

Thea Xuan, a Grade 9 student at RDF International School, passionate about singing, cycling, and public speaking. As a junior instructor in the E-Inclusive Education Club's remote rural classroom initiative, she explores AI-related topics through the lens of her lived experiences, demonstrating how technological literacy can empower underprivileged communities. Thea is a student in Grade 9 at RDFIS. She enjoys singing, cycling, and giving speeches in her spare time. As a RDFIS student, she strictly adheres to the school motto of Responsibility, Discipline, and Fortitude. 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

We live in a world designed for waste, where nearly 99% of what we buy is discarded within six months and where food waste alone contributes more to climate change than the aviation industry. But what if waste wasn’t the problem? What if the real issue was how we design and think about the things we use? In this talk, Darshita shares insights from her research on waste, composting, and industrial ecology, exploring how nature’s circular systems can inspire us to rethink sustainability. By asking better questions as consumers, like where does this product come from? and what happens when I’m done with it?, we can challenge the throwaway culture and start shaping a future where waste isn’t inevitable—it’s a thing of the past. (CREDITS: ASL Interpreter: Amy Rios-Richardson; 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) Master’s student in Sustainable Systems at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) who is passionate about finding creative ways to make sustainability a part of everyday life. With a background in Computer Science, she combines technical skills with a love for environmental innovation. One of her favorite projects has been conducting NSF-funded research on the lifecycle impact of tabletop composters, exploring how they can transform household waste into a resource while reducing environmental impact. She also worked on campus initiatives to reduce waste and designed sustainability courses to inspire others to take action. For her, sustainability isn’t just about science—it’s about connecting with people, sharing ideas, and making change happen, one step at a time. 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