The performance brings to movement the sensations of those who live in darkness and invites the audience to experience dancing in the dark — taking risks, embracing uncertainty, moving forward despite fear, and letting go of external judgments.A collaboration between the Cia MovIn dance company, the band LOCA, and ACEVALI (Association of the Blind of Vale do Itajaí). Under the artistic direction of Agustina Videla (AR), was founded in 2019 and was born from the desire to collectively explore the development of movement dynamics in dance in its broadest form — including contemporary, urban, and breaking styles — through dialogue with other artistic languages, such as photography, visual arts, and theater.Also in 2019, the group received the Elisabete Anderle Award for Cultural Promotion in Santa Catarina, Brazil, with a proposal focused on research and experimentation.After the premiere of its first performance, [In]fixo, in 2022, the company has been gaining recognition within the contemporary dance scene of Blumenau and the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. It has since been selected in several public calls for proposals involving research, touring, performance production, and dance film projects. 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

George Rășchitor took the TEDx Copou stage to share an authentic, inspiring view on marketing, adaptability and the power of technology. Speaking with sincerity and passion—and straight from his own experience rather than from textbooks—George revisited his early steps in marketing. He highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in modern marketing and showed how technology, used wisely, can open unexpected doors. More than a seasoned professional, George is also someone who actively contributes to the growth of Iași through everything he does. George Rășchitor is the CEO and Co-Founder of a digital marketing agency since 2013, with over 15 years of expertise in marketing analysis and strategy. His role allows him to combine vision with experience, while leading a team of professionals toward innovative and personalized marketing solutions for clients. His journey in marketing began as early as high school, in 2004, and continued with undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Iași at UAIC – FEAA and Université de Rouen (France). He has led marketing departments in both e-commerce and HoReCa sectors, and has developed hundreds of marketing strategies for various industries across Romania and the Republic of Moldova: retail, fashion, beauty, home & deco, toys, tech, and health. 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

Marina Uliniuc (Irimia) stepped onto the TEDxCopou stage with a thought-provoking talk titled “Humans and AI: Skills for a Future of Unlimited Possibilities.” In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming everything from the job market to the way we live, Marina guided us through the steps needed to remain relevant and adaptable. She introduced the concept of “modular skills”—flexible, transferable abilities that can be re-configured as personal and professional demands evolve. By stressing continuous learning, creativity, critical thinking, and the smart integration of technology, Marina painted a balanced yet hopeful picture of how we can become leaders of our own transformation. Marina is an experienced human resources professional, dedicated to building healthy and effective organizational cultures. With a people-centered approach, she has worked closely with senior leaders and IT teams to shape clear visions and successfully bring them to life. She has a deep passion for leadership, training and learning, team development, and coaching — always focused on enhancing both individual and organizational performance. Over the past 15 years, Marina has held key roles in developing and implementing HR strategies, working across the NGO sector, corporate environments, and smaller organizations. In recent years, Marina has been diving deep into the world of AI — exploring how technology can integrate with human capabilities. She is fascinated by the future of work and is actively researching how people and organizations can prepare for the changes ahead. 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

On the TEDxYerevan stage, Alen Amirkhanyan explores how to make biodiversity meaningful to students from all fields : business, politics, computer science, and beyond. In this talk, he takes us from the origins of life on Earth to the current biodiversity crisis, blending science with values and ethics. Alen invites us to reflect not only on what we know about the natural world, but how we feel about it, and why that matters. He challenges us to move from passive observers to active stewards of the life we are a part of. Alen Amirkhanyan is the Director of the American University of Armenia's (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment, since 2013. He holds a Master's in city planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Department of Urban Studies and Planning. In 2023, he became the inaugural Chair of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences (ESS) at the AUA Akian College of Science and Engineering. Before AUA, he was Senior Vice President of Research at Michael Porter's Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. He has consulted with the World Bank, UNDP, and the Brookings Institution on energy efficiency as well as economic and urban growth issues. 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

At TEDxYerevan, Arsen Gasparyan explains why protecting nature before it’s destroyed is far more effective than trying to bring it back afterward. Using the example of the genetically engineered “dire wolf,” he reveals the limits of modern biotechnology and the irreplaceable value of natural ecosystems. Forests are not just collections of trees, they are complex systems where every organism plays a role. Arsen argues that real environmental protection begins not with planting trees or editing genes, but by changing our behavior, our consumption, and our relationship with nature. Arsen Gasparyan is an Assistant Professor at the American University of Armenia’s Acopian Center for the Environment and a leading biodiversity expert. He holds a PhD in lichen diversity and conservation from Freie Universität Berlin. Since 2009, he has worked in nature conservation across Armenia, including roles with WWF and the Institute of Botany, where he leads the Lichen Research and Conservation Group. A graduate of the Klaus Toepfer Fellowship and UC Berkeley’s Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program, Arsen was honored in 2024 with the Distinguished Alumni Award from USG Alumni Armenia and the U.S. Embassy for his achievements in STEM and biodiversity conservation. 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

Berta Martirosyan never planned to become a biologist. But one unexpected photo contest win, featuring a bird she captured by chance, led her back to a place tied to her family’s past and changed her future. What started as a love for photography became a mission to explore and document Armenia’s rich, often overlooked biodiversity. In this talk, she shares how paying attention to the smallest details in nature can uncover hidden stories, challenge scientific assumptions, and inspire a deeper connection to the world around us. Because sometimes, all it takes to make a difference is learning how to see what others don’t. Berta holds a degree in Interior Design from the Architectural and Construction University of Armenia and a Master's degree in Biology. Her work has been featured in over twenty group exhibitions worldwide, with showings in Norway, Italy, Greece, the USA, and Romania. She is the author of the first comprehensive book on the birds of Armenia. Berta actively contributes to avian research and conservation programs in Armenia, with her findings published in peer-reviewed journals. She also leads birdwatching tours, using her photography to advocate for wildlife conservation. 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