Over three nights in May 2022, TEDxToronto hosted our first in-person event since 2021: RENEW. As we re-emerge from two tumultuous years, RENEW presented us the opportunity to reflect on all we’ve been through, and on how we can build a world with more of the things that we hold dear in it.
RENEW is a chance to begin again, because when we believe we can renew our life, our connections, our values - we’re able to have hope in a brighter future, and faith that we can create it
May 17, 2022
On Day 1 of RENEW, our speakers explored how we might build a fairer society through the ethos of business, new media, the performing arts, and the power of local community.
Former Wall Street investor turned non-profit founder, Tariq Fancy is on a mission to help us understand how our economic system is broken, and why we need our elected leaders to fix the rules of the game so that capitalism and financial markets better serve the public interest.
Chandra Maracle, founder of Kakhwa’on:we/Real People Eat Real Food, has spent her entire career in nutrition; but, it took having five children to realize the people who most need nourishment are new mothers. In this talk, Chandra shares her story of how nurturing new mothers is a means to preventative healthcare.
Andre Gibson, “The Beatbox Scientist”, tells his story of overcoming anxiety through beatbox, and how he went from a shy kid to a professional performer, providing for his family, winning battles, and passing on his passion to the next generation. Watch to hear some of his pioneering techniques like the Laser Lip Roll!
May 18, 2022
On Day 2 of RENEW, our speakers gave us new perspective and shared how they’ve drawn strength from challenge: from the journey of parenthood, to building robots, and the global refugee crisis.
May 19, 2022
On the final day of RENEW, our speakers looked ahead, exploring how we can break barriers to drive our country forward, explore new scientific frontiers, and disrupt old media models.
The Silicon Valley model of innovation doesn’t directly result in economic prosperity. In fact, it could be the biggest driver of inequality. Professor Dan Breznitz, Munk Chair of Innovation at the University of Toronto, makes the argument for incremental innovation: marrying new ideas with practical solutions that change people’s everyday lives.
What if there was a way to completely cure our toughest diseases? Gene therapy is emerging as the future of medicine. Dr. Nafiseh Nafissi, genetic researcher and co-inventor of ministring DNA, walks us through the research and innovation that got us here — and what needs to happen to bring these treatments to patients around the world.
If the news we watch is supposed to reflect our lived reality, why are the stories that are told predominantly white? Brandon Gonez, journalist and founder of Gonez Media Inc., shares why he had to step away from major news outlets to build his own media company — one that tells news stories that reflect the lived experiences of all communities.
PART 1 | renewing how we care
Founder, Rumie
A former sustainable investor turned activist, Tariq is on a mission to build a fairer, more sustainable kind of capitalism.
Journalist
Kelly is the lead producer for CBC’s Six Nations Bureau and an award-winning journalist, spotlighting Indigenous art, representation, history and more.
Professional Human Beatboxer
Dubbed “The Beatbox Scientist”, Andre is an award-winning performer who pushes the boundaries of his audience's imagination through sound.
Founder, Kakhwa’on:we / Real People Eat Real Food
Chandra explores the links between food, art, people, language and land through her work with Indigenous communities and educational organizations.
PART 2 | renewing how we See
Entrepreneur and Creative Storyteller
Tanya has built a 20,000-person global village dedicated to educating and empowering Black mothers and their families.
Refugee Activist and Author
An activist for the Rohingya community, Jaivet is the only person to have ever successfully escaped Manus Island, Australia’s notorious detention center for immigrants
Robotics Expert
Jessica builds robots that move like an elephant’s trunk, but are small enough to be used in brain operations.
PART 3 | renewing how we build
Global Innovation Policy Expert
Known around the world for his expertise on innovation-based industries and their impact on communities, Professor Dan Breznitz helps us debunk myths on the connections between innovation, growth and prosperity.
Genetics Researcher
Armed with a passion for biotechnology, Nafiseh is the Executive Vice-President of R&D at Mediphage Bioceuticals, where she develops innovative solutions for genetic and infectious diseases.
News Anchor
One of the most beloved broadcasters in Toronto, Brandon has built his own news show and media company to redefine how news is shared in Toronto.
TEDxToronto takes the health & safety of our guests and team members very seriously. In compliance with provincial mandates, we work with health officials to provide a safe and enjoyable experience. While it may be a bit different from the last time you joined us, we look forward to welcoming our community back and creating unforgettable memories.
