Bold Ideas and Youth Voices Shine at TEDx Knowledgeum Academy Youth 2025

TEDxKnowledgeumAcademyYouth 2025 wrapped up on September 27 at Knowledgeum Academy, one of Bengaluru's premier IB World Schools backed by the JAIN Group, drawing a vibrant crowd of students, parents, educators, and professionals for an afternoon of thought-provoking talks. Under the theme "Visible. Possible. – Unfold Ideas Make Them Possible," the independently organised event featured 14 speakers who wove personal narratives with innovative solutions, emphasising how local insights can fuel global change. Hosted in the school's modern auditorium, the gathering fostered interactive discussions, aligning with TED's mission to spark curiosity and community-driven progress in youth.

The lineup showcased Bengaluru's diverse talent, blending science, wellness, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Dr Narayana Subramaniam, an award-winning oncologist, delved into breakthroughs in cancer diagnostics, highlighting AI-driven tools for early detection that could save millions in India. Mythri Kumar, co-founder and CEO of Timbuckdo Innovations, presented plant-based alternatives to plastic, demonstrating prototypes that biodegrade in weeks rather than centuries, addressing the city's mounting waste crisis. Nutritional psychologist Krithika Tharan explored the gut-brain connection for mental health, sharing evidence-based strategies rooted in Indian diets to combat youth anxiety.

Other highlights included spoken word poet Mariyam Saigal's reflections on identity and resilience and travel entrepreneur Soumya Nambiar's tales of solo adventures that redefine women's safety in tourism. Speakers like Akash Raj of Military Mantra and Ankit Vengurlekar of Antar Wellness drew from cultural roots, discussing leadership mantras from ancient texts and the balance of Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha in modern life.

Knowledgeum Academy, located in Jayanagar and authorised for the IB Diploma Programme since 2021, provided the perfect backdrop for this youth-focused TEDx. Founder Aparna Prasad emphasised the event's role in bridging inspiration with accountability: "Platforms like TEDx give young people a chance to listen, question, and connect ideas to action. For us, hosting this was about creating dialogue where inspiration meets responsibility."

Attendees, including a first-year engineering student, praised the talks for their cultural relevance: "Mr Ankit's on Antara Intelligence offered something rooted in our traditions... As someone aspiring to entrepreneurship, Mr Srinivas Sarkar's journey with Coupl was inspiring." Vengurlekar echoed the sentiment: "Seeing 15- and 16-year-olds engaged with these concepts was my 'aha' moment. Events like this shape how youth live and lead."

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As part of TED's global network of over 3,000 independently run events annually, TEDxKnowledgeumAcademyYouth 2025 exemplified the "x = independently organised" ethos, adhering to TED guidelines while tailoring content to Bengaluru's innovative spirit. The JAIN Group's support ensured accessibility, with free entry for students and live streaming options.

Beyond the stage, breakout sessions encouraged networking, from wellness workshops to pitch sessions for young innovators like Satyam Singh of Startly Innovations. This edition not only celebrated ideas but also built lasting connections, reminding participants that unfolding possibilities starts with making them visible in everyday conversations.

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