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Artisanal mining, Community engagement, Conservation, Economic empowerment, Ethical sourcing, Extractive industries, Natural resource management, Public policy, Rural development, Sustainable development, Technology, Women’s empowerment

2016, 2020

Kenya

How can we ensure communities especially in rural Africa are at the forefront of driving development and leveraging their God given resources for their economic empowerment and development? what are the type of leaders Africa needs to enable sustainable development to persist ? // Majala Mlagui is a dedicated advocate for community-driven development in rural Africa. With a focus on empowering local communities to leverage their resources for economic growth, Mlagui works towards sustainable development that is led by the people it serves. Through her work, she emphasizes the importance of nurturing leaders who can facilitate lasting and impactful change in Africa. Mlagui's expertise lies in fostering a collaborative approach that ensures communities are at the forefront of driving their own development, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for the region. // Gemologist + mining entrepreneur // Hon. Majala Mlagui (Ms) is a vibrant and dynamic founding trustee and Executive Director of Taita Taveta Wildlife Response Trust. She currently spearheads the public benefit organization dedicated to addressing Human Wildlife Conflict in Taita Taveta County, fostering co-existence and resilient livelihoods for local communities. With a remarkable track record, Majala Mlagui served as the second elected female deputy governor of the County Government of Taita Taveta from 2017 to 2022, demonstrating her strong competency in leadership, organisational development, women empowerment, and natural resource management. She is actively engaged at the grassroots level, ensuring equitable benefits from local resources for communities to prosper. Before her political career, Majala Mlagui founded and led a social impact company, Thamani Group, within the Extractive Industry in Kenya. Her visionary leadership empowered rural artisanal miners in East Africa, enabling them to create sustainable livelihoods through responsible mining, ethical sourcing, and access to fair-trade markets. Moreover, her company provided professional development resources to miners and facilitated their navigation of complex regulatory and legal systems. Recognized as a global leader, Majala Mlagui has been selected as an alumna of prestigious programs such as the 2014 Emerging Leaders in Africa Mining by the Minerals and Energy for Development Alliance (MEfDA, Australia), the Acumen Fund 2013 East Africa Regional Fellowship, the inaugural Vital Voices VV Engage Women Political Leadership Fellowship in 2018, and is a distinguished Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED) Senior Fellow. Majala Mlagui holds an undergraduate degree, a BEng in Software Engineering from the University of Sheffield, England. She is also a certified PRINCE 2 Project Manager. With a passion for gemstones, she has obtained the Exploring Gemstones Certificate from Holts Academy, London (UK) and is an Accredited Jewellery Professional (AJP) from the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA). Additionally, she is certified by the Wangari Maathai Institute at the University of Nairobi for Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Audits. Currently, Hon. Mlagui is pursuing her Master's Degree in Public Policy and Management at the Strathmore University Business School in Nairobi. With her vibrant energy, dynamic leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and undeniable competencies, Majala Mlagui is driving impactful change in the sustainable development space, making a significant difference in the lives of communities. // Majala Mlagui is a dedicated advocate for community-driven development in rural Africa. With a focus on empowering local communities to leverage their resources for economic growth, Mlagui works towards sustainable development that is led by the people it serves. Through her work, she emphasizes the importance of nurturing leaders who can facilitate lasting and impactful change in Africa. Mlagui's expertise lies in fostering a collaborative approach that ensures communities are at the forefront of driving their own development, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for the region. // Gemologist + mining entrepreneur // technology, conservation , grassroots, extractive industries, entrepreneurship, led, artisanal mining, equity, ethical sourcing, resilience, design, sustainable development , community engagement, natural resources, policy, resource management, livelihoods, women, mining, wildlife, public policy, community development, economic empowerment, politics, natural resource management, environmental impact, mineral, gemstones, rural, empowerment, ethics, governance, sustainable livelihoods, law, local communities, software, government // Nairobi|Mwatate|Nairobi County|Taita Taveta|Kenya

Nairobi|Mwatate|Nairobi County|Taita Taveta|Kenya

Indian Classical Music, Museum planning

2009

India

Carnatic classical vocalist // Manasi is a Carnatic classical vocalist who combines over two decades of rigorous training with a modern outlook. In addition to performing vocal concerts at some of the most prestigious venues of classical music in India, she has also toured extensively in the US, South America, Africa, South East Asia and the Middle East. She has recently been awarded the Bismillah Khan Award by the Government of India for excellence in music. Manasi is also a trained Indian classical dancer, and uses her dual abilities of singing and dancing to present features and demonstrations. She writes and speaks extensively on various art-related subjects and also hosts a TV show based on music and poetry. Manasi holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore, where she was awarded the Aditya Birla Scholarship. She is also an engineering graduate. She is currently the head of an ambitious initiative to set up India's first experiential (interactive) music museum in Bangalore. // Manasi is a Carnatic classical vocalist who combines over two decades of rigorous training with a modern outlook. In addition to performing vocal concerts at some of the most prestigious venues of classical music in India, she has also toured extensively in the US, South America, Africa, South East Asia and the Middle East. She has recently been awarded the Bismillah Khan Award by the Government of India for excellence in music. Manasi is also a trained Indian classical dancer, and uses her dual abilities of singing and dancing to present features and demonstrations. She writes and speaks extensively on various art-related subjects and also hosts a TV show based on music and poetry. Manasi holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore, where she was awarded the Aditya Birla Scholarship. She is also an engineering graduate. She is currently the head of an ambitious initiative to set up India's first experiential (interactive) music museum in Bangalore. // Manasi is a Carnatic classical vocalist who combines over two decades of rigorous training with a modern outlook. In addition to performing vocal concerts at some of the most prestigious venues of classical music in India, she has also toured extensively in the US, South America, Africa, South East Asia and the Middle East. She has recently been awarded the Bismillah Khan Award by the Government of India for excellence in music. Manasi is also a trained Indian classical dancer, and uses her dual abilities of singing and dancing to present features and demonstrations. She writes and speaks extensively on various art-related subjects and also hosts a TV show based on music and poetry. Manasi holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore, where she was awarded the Aditya Birla Scholarship. She is also an engineering graduate. She is currently the head of an ambitious initiative to set up India's first experiential (interactive) music museum in Bangalore. // Carnatic classical vocalist // museum planning, indian classical music, government, job skills training // Bangalore|Bengaluru|India|Karnataka

Bangalore|Bengaluru|India|Karnataka

Applied Physics, Biophysics, Developmental Biology, Fluid Mechanics, Global Health, Physical Biology, biodiversity, invention, microfluidics, scaling laws

2010, 2011

United States

Physicist + inventor // Assistant Professor, BioEngineering, Stanford University Junior Fellow (Physics) at Harvard Society of Fellows, Physicist pursuing research to elucidate physical principles of biological matter at molecular, cellular and organismic scale and working to understand what makes animate matter so special. Inventor of technologies for Global Health that are appropriate to implement in developing countries with close feedback from users around the world. // Manu Prakash is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Stanford University where he runs a curiosity driven research group in the field of Physical Biology - with goals to elucidate physical design principles in biology at organismic, cellular and molecular scales. A significant effort is spent in designing and building precision tools to probe and perturb biological machines. This approach brings together experimental and theoretical techniques from soft-condensed matter physics, theory of computation and unconventional fabrication to open problems in biology. He is also an inventor at heart and is currently focusing on technological solutions to problems in global health. Jokingly - he was once heard saying "We work on 19th century problems with 21st century tools". // Inventor Manu Prakash turns everyday materials into powerful scientific devices, from paper microscopes to a clever new mosquito tracker. From the TED Fellows stage, he demos Paperfuge, a hand-powered centrifuge inspired by a spinning toy that costs 20 cents to make and can do the work of a $1,000 machine, no electricity required. // Perhaps you’ve punched out a paper doll or folded an origami swan? TED Fellow Manu Prakash and his team have created a microscope made of paper that's just as easy to fold and use. A sparkling demo that shows how this invention could revolutionize healthcare in developing countries … and turn almost anything into a fun, hands-on science experiment. // Manu Prakash is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Stanford University where he runs a curiosity driven research group in the field of Physical Biology - with goals to elucidate physical design principles in biology at organismic, cellular and molecular scales. A significant effort is spent in designing and building precision tools to probe and perturb biological machines. This approach brings together experimental and theoretical techniques from soft-condensed matter physics, theory of computation and unconventional fabrication to open problems in biology. He is also an inventor at heart and is currently focusing on technological solutions to problems in global health. Jokingly - he was once heard saying "We work on 19th century problems with 21st century tools". // Physicist + inventor // technology, physical biology, biodiversity, paper, fluid mechanics, bioengineering, research, developing countries, applied physics, design, developmental biology, microfluidics, global health, science, biophysics, electricity, invention, ecology, scaling laws // California|United States|Stanford|USA

California|United States|Stanford|USA

2017

United States

Performer + Curator // Marc Bamuthi Joseph is a 2017 TED Global Fellow, an inaugural recipient of the Guggenheim Social Practice initiative, and an honoree of the United States Artists Rockefeller Fellowship. He is also the winner of the 2011 Herb Alpert Award in Theatre, and an inaugural recipient of the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award. In pursuit of affirmations of black life in the public realm, he co-founded the Life is Living Festival for Youth Speaks, and created the installation “Black Joy in the Hour of Chaos” for Creative Time. Joseph’s opera libretto, We Shall Not Be Moved, was named one of 2017’s “Best Classical Music Performances” by The New York Times. His evening length work, /peh-LO-tah/, successfully toured across North America for three years, including at BAM’s Harvey Theater as a part of the 2017 Next Wave Festival. His latest piece, “The Just and the Blind” investigates the crisis of over-sentencing in the prison industrial complex, and will premiere at Carnegie Hall in March 2019. Formerly the Chief of Program and Pedagogy at YBCA in San Francisco, Bamuthi currently serves as the Vice President and Artistic Director of Social Impact at The Kennedy Center. // In a breathtaking, jazz-inflected spoken-word performance, TED Fellow Marc Bamuthi Joseph shares a Black father's tender and wrenching internal reflection on the pride and terror of seeing his son enter adulthood. // "Soccer is the only thing on this planet that we can all agree to do together," says theater maker and TED Fellow Marc Bamuthi Joseph. Through his performances and an engagement initiative called "Moving and Passing," Joseph combines music, dance and soccer to reveal accessible, joyful connections between the arts and sports. Learn more about how he's using the beautiful game to foster community and highlight issues facing immigrants. // Marc Bamuthi Joseph is a 2017 TED Global Fellow, an inaugural recipient of the Guggenheim Social Practice initiative, and an honoree of the United States Artists Rockefeller Fellowship. He is also the winner of the 2011 Herb Alpert Award in Theatre, and an inaugural recipient of the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award. In pursuit of affirmations of black life in the public realm, he co-founded the Life is Living Festival for Youth Speaks, and created the installation “Black Joy in the Hour of Chaos” for Creative Time. Joseph’s opera libretto, We Shall Not Be Moved, was named one of 2017’s “Best Classical Music Performances” by The New York Times. His evening length work, /peh-LO-tah/, successfully toured across North America for three years, including at BAM’s Harvey Theater as a part of the 2017 Next Wave Festival. His latest piece, “The Just and the Blind” investigates the crisis of over-sentencing in the prison industrial complex, and will premiere at Carnegie Hall in March 2019. Formerly the Chief of Program and Pedagogy at YBCA in San Francisco, Bamuthi currently serves as the Vice President and Artistic Director of Social Impact at The Kennedy Center. // Performer + Curator // youth, immigration, industrial // California|Oakland|United States|USA

California|Oakland|United States|USA

Biodiversity, Bioinformatics, Communication, Diversity and inclusion, Ecology, Evolution, Genomics, Molecular biology, Technology

2014

United Kingdom

Wellcome Sanger Institute; Churchill College, University of Cambridge; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; University of Plymouth; -

Dr. Marcela Uliano-Silva is a Senior Bioinformatician at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, specializing in Bioinformatics and Genomics. She is involved in the Darwin Tree of Life Assembly Team, focusing on creating chromosome-level genomes for eukaryotic taxa in Britain and Ireland. Additionally, she contributes to the Vertebrate Genomes Project, particularly working on the genome of the two-toed sloth. Dr. Uliano-Silva is a TED Fellow and advocates for promoting science, especially to underdeveloped countries, emphasizing science education in conservation and evolutionary genomics. She co-chairs the committee in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) of the Earth Biogenome Project, aiming to sequence genomes for all biodiversity on Earth. // The organization is the Wellcome Sanger Institute, where Dr. Marcela Uliano-Silva works as a Senior Bioinformatician. She is involved in assembling the genomes of the eukaryotic diversity of Britain and Ireland in the Darwin Tree of Life Project. Her research interests include mechanisms of genome evolution, improving genome assembly pipelines, and promoting inclusion and diversity in science. Dr. Uliano-Silva has a background in Biological Sciences and has been involved in various fellowships and committees related to genomics and biodiversity research. The institute focuses on investigating the diversity of complex organisms through sequencing and cellular technologies to generate high-quality genome sequences. // Assembling genomes - Darwin Tree of Life Project // Wellcome Sanger Institute; Churchill College, University of Cambridge; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; University of Plymouth; - // Marcela Uliano da Silva specializes in assembling genomes, with a particular focus on her work with the Darwin Tree of Life Project. With a strong background in genomics and bioinformatics, Marcela has contributed significantly to the field through her expertise in genome assembly techniques. Her work involves extracting, sequencing, and analyzing genetic material to create comprehensive genomic profiles. Marcela's contributions to projects like the Darwin Tree of Life highlight her proficiency in handling complex genomic data and her dedication to advancing our understanding of biodiversity through genomics. // Sequencing all life for the future of life. I work in the largest project in the world sequencing reference genomes for conservation, evolutionary studies, biotechnology and human health. Darwin Tree of Life Project // Dr. Marcela Uliano-Silva is a Senior Bioinformatician at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, specializing in genome assembly and bioinformatics. She plays a crucial role in the Darwin Tree of Life Project, focusing on creating chromosome-level genomes for various eukaryotic species in Britain and Ireland. Her expertise extends to the Vertebrate Genomes Project, where she contributes to sequencing the genome of the two-toed sloth. Dr. Uliano-Silva is a TED Fellow and a strong advocate for science education and diversity in genomics, actively participating in initiatives like the Earth Biogenome Project's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee. Her work underscores a commitment to advancing genomic research for biodiversity conservation and evolutionary studies. // Molecular-computational biologist // A Brazilian biologist sequencing the genome of an invasive species, the Golden Mussel, to better understand its genetic and evolutionary traits and discover ways to avoid it from endangering the Amazon River basin. // Bio - TED Global Fellow 2014 A Brazilian biologist and PhD student sequencing the genome of an invasive species, the Golden mussel, to better understand its genetics and evolutionary traits to find ways to avoid it from endangering the Amazon River basin. Has great interest in science communication. She is writing a book about the history and importance of science for the general public and has partially funded her PhD project through crowdfunding (Catarse.me/genoma). CV at http://goo.gl/ih6CDn I would say I like life so much that I'm extremely anxious about learning more and living life at its fullest. So I try to do zillion things at the same time! I Can't get enough of knowledge and experiences. Please come talk to me at TED. Let's share extraordinary experiences! // Dr. Marcela Uliano-Silva is a Senior Bioinformatician at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, specializing in genome assembly and bioinformatics. She plays a crucial role in the Darwin Tree of Life Project, focusing on creating chromosome-level genomes for various eukaryotic species in Britain and Ireland. Her expertise extends to the Vertebrate Genomes Project, where she contributes to sequencing the genome of the two-toed sloth. Dr. Uliano-Silva is a TED Fellow and a strong advocate for science education and diversity in genomics, actively participating in initiatives like the Earth Biogenome Project's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee. Her work underscores a commitment to advancing genomic research for biodiversity conservation and evolutionary studies. // Molecular-computational biologist // technology, rivers and lakes, education, biodiversity, diversity, evolution, equity, molecular biology , research, inclusion, bioinformatics, species, genomics, biotech, diversity and inclusion, trees, science, communication, justice, ecology // Cambridge|United Kingdom|Brazil|England|Rio De Janeiro

Cambridge|United Kingdom|Brazil|England|Rio De Janeiro

Architect, Complex geometries, Computation art, Computational Architecture, Digital Fabrication

2012

Computational architect // French computational architect experimenting with structure and form to produce wild, otherworldly forms for his objects, environments and buildings. // MARC FORNES is a registered “Architecte DPLG” mixed with a fine connoisseur in computer science. Hidden under his label THEVERYMANY™ – www.theverymany.com – he is one of the leading figure in the development of computational protocols applied to the field of design and fabrication. He defines his research and practice aganda as a quest for ”Explicit and Encoded”, “Precise Indetermination”, “Progressive Geometry” seeking “Unconventional Futures”. In 2004 he graduated with a Master of Architecture and Urbanism from the Design Research Lab of the Architectural Association in London after having previously studied in France and Sweden (KTH). Marc’s professional work experience in La Reunion, France, UK and the US includes SOM, Ross Lovegrove and ZAHA HADID Architects, where he was the project architect, from competition to tender documentation, for an experimental Mediatheque in Pau. During his three years on this project he directed the material research and geometrical development for what would have been the largest self-supported carbon fibre shell to date. Marc – together with Francois Roche (R&Sie(n)) – started “(n)Certainties” – a graduate studio recurently hosted in Fall at Columbia University (NYC) with visiting ones at the University of Southern California (Los Angeles) and at Die Angewandte (Vienna) as its Cross Over studio. He since taught at University of Michigan and at Harvard/GSD. In parallel of academia – Marc is also teaching for McNeel numerous scripting workshops (Rhinoscript/Python) across the globe. Under THEVERYMANY™ – Marc has designed and built a extensive body of large scale prototypical installations. He has been invited across the globe, lecturing at the MoMA (NYC), showing work at the GUGGENHEIM (NYC) and is part of the permanent collection of the CENTRE POMPIDOU (Paris) and the FRAC Centre in Orleans. In 2007 he designed and launched – www.scriptedbypurpose.net – the first exhibition exclusively focusing on scripted processes within design – and curated in 2008 the European section for the Architecture Biennale in Beijing. Updates: Marc has just been awarded an artist residence at the ALEXANDER CALDER Atelier and is currently building a large indoor pavilion for the ART BASEL MIAMI 2011. // MARC FORNES is a registered “Architecte DPLG” mixed with a fine connoisseur in computer science. Hidden under his label THEVERYMANY™ – www.theverymany.com – he is one of the leading figure in the development of computational protocols applied to the field of design and fabrication. He defines his research and practice aganda as a quest for ”Explicit and Encoded”, “Precise Indetermination”, “Progressive Geometry” seeking “Unconventional Futures”. In 2004 he graduated with a Master of Architecture and Urbanism from the Design Research Lab of the Architectural Association in London after having previously studied in France and Sweden (KTH). Marc’s professional work experience in La Reunion, France, UK and the US includes SOM, Ross Lovegrove and ZAHA HADID Architects, where he was the project architect, from competition to tender documentation, for an experimental Mediatheque in Pau. During his three years on this project he directed the material research and geometrical development for what would have been the largest self-supported carbon fibre shell to date. Marc – together with Francois Roche (R&Sie(n)) – started “(n)Certainties” – a graduate studio recurently hosted in Fall at Columbia University (NYC) with visiting ones at the University of Southern California (Los Angeles) and at Die Angewandte (Vienna) as its Cross Over studio. He since taught at University of Michigan and at Harvard/GSD. In parallel of academia – Marc is also teaching for McNeel numerous scripting workshops (Rhinoscript/Python) across the globe. Under THEVERYMANY™ – Marc has designed and built a extensive body of large scale prototypical installations. He has been invited across the globe, lecturing at the MoMA (NYC), showing work at the GUGGENHEIM (NYC) and is part of the permanent collection of the CENTRE POMPIDOU (Paris) and the FRAC Centre in Orleans. In 2007 he designed and launched – www.scriptedbypurpose.net – the first exhibition exclusively focusing on scripted processes within design – and curated in 2008 the European section for the Architecture Biennale in Beijing. Updates: Marc has just been awarded an artist residence at the ALEXANDER CALDER Atelier and is currently building a large indoor pavilion for the ART BASEL MIAMI 2011. // Computational architect // research, fiber, urbanism, computational architecture, design, architect, science, digital fabrication, architecture, computation art, buildings, complex geometries, carbon fiber, carbon

Civilization engineering, Design, Economic growth, Education, Fusion energy, Industrial metals, Manufacturing, Open access, Open collaboration, Regenerative technologies, Social justice, Technology, Wind turbines

2011, 2012

United States

Open Source Ecology is an organization focused on developing open source industrial machines, particularly the Global Village Construction Set (GVCS). The GVCS consists of 50 different machines necessary for building a small, sustainable civilization with modern comforts. The organization aims to create an open source economy by sharing designs online for free, promoting innovation through open collaboration. They work on various projects such as the Seed Eco-Home, MicroHouse, electric motor/generator, Microcombine, and 50 kW Wind Turbine. The organization conducts development through Design Sprints, university collaborations, pilot projects, and workshops. Marcin Jakubowski, the founder, leads the team in creating a collaborative economic platform to accelerate innovation. The organization also offers apprenticeships for individuals interested in working // We are trying to change the economic system to open collaboration, replacing patents and trade secrets across the board with collaborative development. Our main question is how we transform the reptilian brain of humans from fear and scarcity to one of abundance. This is based on a first principles understanding that energy resources are abundant according to the Kardashev scale, and therefore material abundance is possible. Therefore, the goal is to educate civilization to the practice of abundance by teaching the mindsets and skills required to begin living in an information-based, post-scarcity economy. // Marcin Jakubowski is the founder of Open Source Ecology, an organization dedicated to developing open source industrial machines through projects like the Global Village Construction Set (GVCS). The GVCS encompasses 50 essential machines for establishing a sustainable civilization. Marcin leads the team in fostering open collaboration and sharing designs online for free to promote innovation and create an open source economy. Through initiatives like the Seed Eco-Home, MicroHouse, electric motor/generator, Microcombine, and 50 kW Wind Turbine, Marcin and his team aim to accelerate innovation and transform the economic system towards collaborative development. Their work is rooted in the belief that material abundance is achievable through a shift in mindset from fear and scarcity to one of abundance, ultimately striving to educate society on living in a post-scarcity economy. // Farmer + technologist // A Polish-American who is starting a new civilization -- from scratch -- in the Midwestern US. Marcin came to the U.S. from Poland as a child. He graduated with honors from Princeton and earned his PhD in fusion physics from the University of Wisconsin. Frustrated with the lack of relevance to pressing world issues in his education, he founded Open Source Ecology in 2003 in order to make closed-loop manufacturing a reality. He began development on the Global Village Construction Set (GVCS) (see his 2011 <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/marcin_jakubowski.html">TED Talk</a>), an open source DIY tool set of 50 different industrial machines necessary to create a small civilization with modern comforts. His work has recently been recognized in his acceptance as a 2012 TED Senior Fellow, a 2012 Shuttleworth Foundation Fellow, and his TED Talk was named the top 6th in the Huffington Post Best of TED 2011. His goal is to create the open source economy - an economy that optimizes both production and distribution - while providing environmental regeneration and social justice. To this end, Marcin is currently building a team of global collaborators and on-site builders for his land-based facility - to take this from concept to reality. He believes that the norm in society should be pursuing autonomy, mastery, and higher purpose - as in <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation.html">Daniel Pink's</a> talk - and that achieving such a state can take us beyond artificial material scarcity. He believes that the open source economy is indeed a prerequisite to the type of autonomy that allows people to pursue mastery - consistent with higher purpose. His main interest is helping the world evolving to freedom by eliminating artificial material scarcity from driving geopolitical relations. He thinks that this can be achieved by open-sourcing modern technology and adapting it for maximum human service: by lowering the barriers to enterprise. His approach to this is building an economic foundation for the open source economy - by deploying the 50 open source tools of the GVCS by year-end 2012. Thereafter, his plan is to engage in a social experiment to determine whether a modern standard of living can be achieved with the GVCS tools. He claims that the scale of a couple hundred acres in a community of Dunbar's number is sufficient to create advanced civilization - namely, a civilization in which people have time for one another. More particularly, he claims that 2 hours of work should be sufficient in such a community to provide modern material prosperity - all the way down to smelting of metals and semiconductors from local resources. At the point of material post-scarcity - he claims that society will not be magically healed - but it will have a fair chance of evolving a higher level of harmony and cultural advancement where pursuit of higher purpose begins to weave back the societal fabric. Marcin's motivation was formed by observation that gross terror and suffering is persistent, and that making a better tomorrow is a choice that all responsible individuals must make, proactively and without fear. With stories of grandparents in concentration camps and in the Polish underground of WWII filling his childhood memories, Marcin gained the conviction and passion to make a better world - to live the life of evolution that he talks about. He is an ambitious entrepreneur whose passion is fueled by constant learning, meditation, and a desire to live from local, sustainable resources. He claims that living the technology-enabled option of local resource use should not be an eco-elite privilege, but a transformational force that is a prerequisite for improving personal and geopolitical relations. His vehicle for transformation is development of the <a href="http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Open_Source_Ecology_Paradigm">Open Source Ecology paradigm</a> - an open source economy where open technology is a way to reconnect to one another and to our natural life support systems. // Marcin came to the U.S. from Poland as a child. He graduated with honors from Princeton and earned his PhD in fusion physics from the University of Wisconsin. Frustrated with the lack of relevance to pressing world issues in his education, he founded Open Source Ecology in 2003 in order to make closed-loop manufacturing a reality. He began development on the Global Village Construction Set (GVCS) (see http://vimeo.com/16106427), an open source DIY tool set of 50 different industrial machines necessary to create modern civilization. His main interest is evolving to freedom by eliminating resource scarcity as the main force behind geopolitical relations - with the wise use of modern technology adapted for human service. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am a boundary-crossing iconoclast who believes that material well-being should not be a privilege that only the few can enjoy. I believe that the necessity 'to make a living' should not be an underlying force in civilization that prevents people from pursuing their true passions. I am convinced that by injecting a little wisdom into our technology, we can tame technology for true human service. I believe that open society and open source economic development is a route to abundance and prosperity for all. I am convinced that until we learn to share, there will not be enough for everybody. Sharing means engaging in open source economic development. Open source economic development is an economic paradigm where everybody has access to best practices, optimized product designs, and access to local production. I believe that one day, open access to the means of economic production may become a favored option over monopoly money - and stimulate much higher levels of innovation that are currently possible. I am also convinced that economies based on artificial scarcity are coming to the end of their useful life. Abundance is not an airy ideal - but a state of mind and a rigorous condition where people have not only the access to knowledge and tools of production - but also to free time in which to cultivate their wisdom, honor, and happiness. I am dedicating my life to live by these principles, and to make this a practical option for anyone who chooses to do so. In practical terms, I am looking for collaborators who are interested in developing a world-class center for open source product development - with the stated goals of eradicating poverty as we know it; increasing meaning in peoples' lives; and evolving to freedom beyond material scarcity - while living regeneratively with balance in our life support systems. I am looking for people who endorse open source culture - to the point of understanding that open, collaborative development - if carried out effectively - has the potential to produce results far beyond and fear-based development path. To date, nobody has figured out how to truly leverage open economic development for disruptive social change. There are many hints that this is happening, but to date, open economic development has been grossly under-utilized. Our Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal is to develop and propel the open source economic development methodology into the mainstream. See my bio at https://www.opensourceecology.org/marcin-jakubowski/ // Using wikis and digital fabrication tools, TED Fellow Marcin Jakubowski is open-sourcing the blueprints for 50 farm machines, allowing anyone to build their own tractor or harvester from scratch. And that's only the first step in a project to write an instruction set for an entire self-sustaining village (starting cost: $10,000). // Marcin Jakubowski is the founder of Open Source Ecology, an organization dedicated to developing open source industrial machines through projects like the Global Village Construction Set (GVCS). The GVCS encompasses 50 essential machines for establishing a sustainable civilization. Marcin leads the team in fostering open collaboration and sharing designs online for free to promote innovation and create an open source economy. Through initiatives like the Seed Eco-Home, MicroHouse, electric motor/generator, Microcombine, and 50 kW Wind Turbine, Marcin and his team aim to accelerate innovation and transform the economic system towards collaborative development. Their work is rooted in the belief that material abundance is achievable through a shift in mindset from fear and scarcity to one of abundance, ultimately striving to educate society on living in a post-scarcity economy. // Farmer + technologist // technology, education, standards development, turbine, open access, electric, design, farming, post-scarcity, closed-loop, lifestyle engineering, wind, fusion, wind turbine, open source, regenerative, construction, social justice, children, economic growth, poverty, open collaboration, industrial, metals, justice, ecology, manufacturing, civilization engineering, semiconductor // Missouri|Maysville|United States|USA

Missouri|Maysville|United States|USA

Educational Technology, Legos, Teaching Mathematics., robotics

2009

Jamaica

Roboticist + educator // Marvin Hall is an innovative educator using his entrepreneurial skills to improve learning for Jamaican youth. Trained in mathematics and technology, Marvin has always sought ways to excite children about math, science and art through hands-on learning activities. Driven by a desire to build a school for his son, he evolved beyond "middle school math teacher" to form his brainchild, Halls of Learning. Halls of Learning is committed to providing educational experiences equal to or exceeding international standards, regardless of background. Through after-school work-shops, summer camps and inner-city projects ranging from animation and music to robotics, their mission is to lead a learning revolution in Jamaica. Marvin is kept awake at night by visions of a sea of robotic creations, held high in the hands of the children who made them. // There is nothing about Marvin Hall that should ever be taken at face value. He's not a brilliant mind that stayed locked away in the halls of academia. He goes beyond theories and plies his trade in the real world. He is an innovative educator using his entrepreneurial skills to improve learning for Jamaican youth. Trained in Mathematics and Technology, Marvin has always sought ways to excite children about Math, Science and Art, through hands-on learning activities. Driven by a desire to build a school for his son, he evolved beyond "middle school Math teacher" to form his brainchild, Halls of Learning. Halls of Learning is committed to providing educational experiences, equal to, or exceeding international standards, regardless of background. Through after-school workshops, summer camps and inner-city projects ranging from animation and music to robotics, their mission is to lead a learning revolution in Jamaica. Marvin is kept awake at night by visions of a sea of robotic creations, held high in the hands of the children who made them. // There is nothing about Marvin Hall that should ever be taken at face value. He's not a brilliant mind that stayed locked away in the halls of academia. He goes beyond theories and plies his trade in the real world. He is an innovative educator using his entrepreneurial skills to improve learning for Jamaican youth. Trained in Mathematics and Technology, Marvin has always sought ways to excite children about Math, Science and Art, through hands-on learning activities. Driven by a desire to build a school for his son, he evolved beyond "middle school Math teacher" to form his brainchild, Halls of Learning. Halls of Learning is committed to providing educational experiences, equal to, or exceeding international standards, regardless of background. Through after-school workshops, summer camps and inner-city projects ranging from animation and music to robotics, their mission is to lead a learning revolution in Jamaica. Marvin is kept awake at night by visions of a sea of robotic creations, held high in the hands of the children who made them. // Roboticist + educator // technology, children, standards, robotics, science, youth, education, accounting standards, legos, teachers, educational technology, teaching mathematics. // Kingston|St. Andrew Parish|Jamaica

Kingston|St. Andrew Parish|Jamaica

2017

United States

Food entrepreneur + investor // Matilda Ho is a serial entrepreneur and investor driving to create more sustainable food systems. She is founder and managing director of Bits x Bites, China’s first food tech accelerator and VC that invests in startups tackling global food system challenges. With a mission to shape the future of food, Bits x Bites is a big step forward to inspire China’s entrepreneurial community to bring new ideas to solve global issues. In addition to Bits x Bites, Matilda has founded Yimishiji, one of China’s first online farmers markets to bring organic and local produce to families. Yimishiji stands alone as a farm-to-table e-commerce platform that has engineered food education and transparency into the entire supply chain and customer experience. Prior to entrepreneurship, she filled leadership roles at IDEO and BCG (The Boston Consulting Group) in both Shanghai and Washington DC. She holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She currently serves as an advisor on the board of Shinho, China’s first and largest organic condiment company. She is named a 2017 TED Fellow. // Fresh food free of chemicals and pesticides is hard to come by in China: in 2016, the Chinese government revealed half a million food safety violations in just nine months. In the absence of safe, sustainable food sources, TED Fellow Matilda Ho launched China's first online farmers market, instituting a zero-tolerance test towards pesticides, antibiotics and hormones in food. She shares how she's growing her platform from the ground up and bringing local, organically grown food to the families that need it. // Matilda Ho is a serial entrepreneur and investor driving to create more sustainable food systems. She is founder and managing director of Bits x Bites, China’s first food tech accelerator and VC that invests in startups tackling global food system challenges. With a mission to shape the future of food, Bits x Bites is a big step forward to inspire China’s entrepreneurial community to bring new ideas to solve global issues. In addition to Bits x Bites, Matilda has founded Yimishiji, one of China’s first online farmers markets to bring organic and local produce to families. Yimishiji stands alone as a farm-to-table e-commerce platform that has engineered food education and transparency into the entire supply chain and customer experience. Prior to entrepreneurship, she filled leadership roles at IDEO and BCG (The Boston Consulting Group) in both Shanghai and Washington DC. She holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She currently serves as an advisor on the board of Shinho, China’s first and largest organic condiment company. She is named a 2017 TED Fellow. // Food entrepreneur + investor // technology, global food system, farmers' market, supply chain, education, food, entrepreneurship, pesticides, sustainable food, farmers, government, transparency, food system

Art, activism, architecture

2020

United States

Artist + activist // Using clouds, giant flamingos, houses and dog waste to design unique public spaces with communities to solve unaddressed issues. Matthew Mazzotta works at the intersection of art, activism, and urbanism, focusing on the power of the built environment to shape our relationships and experiences. His community-specific public projects integrate new forms of civic participation and social engagement into the built environment and reveal how the spaces we travel through and spend our time living within have the potential to become distinct sites for intimate, radical, and meaningful exchanges. Through his process, each project starts by creating temporary public spaces for listening – ‘Outdoor Living Room’ - as a way to capture voices from local people that might not attend more formal meetings. Stemming from this approach are experiences that involve people from a range of backgrounds working together to create new models of living that contribute to local culture beyond the economic realm. Mazzotta received a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a Masters of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Program in Art, Culture and Technology, a Loeb Fellowship from Harvard University, and is a Guggenheim Fellow. // Introducing a new type of public space, custom-fit for communities in need of a shot of hope and wonder. Artist and TED Fellow Matthew Mazzotta takes us across the US, sharing delightful projects that refresh space and place, spark collective conversation and reignite a sense of possibility and purpose in their surroundings. // Using clouds, giant flamingos, houses and dog waste to design unique public spaces with communities to solve unaddressed issues. Matthew Mazzotta works at the intersection of art, activism, and urbanism, focusing on the power of the built environment to shape our relationships and experiences. His community-specific public projects integrate new forms of civic participation and social engagement into the built environment and reveal how the spaces we travel through and spend our time living within have the potential to become distinct sites for intimate, radical, and meaningful exchanges. Through his process, each project starts by creating temporary public spaces for listening – ‘Outdoor Living Room’ - as a way to capture voices from local people that might not attend more formal meetings. Stemming from this approach are experiences that involve people from a range of backgrounds working together to create new models of living that contribute to local culture beyond the economic realm. Mazzotta received a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a Masters of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Program in Art, Culture and Technology, a Loeb Fellowship from Harvard University, and is a Guggenheim Fellow. // Artist + activist // technology, urbanism, activism, built environment, design, citizen engagement, science, architecture, buildings, art, public spaces // New York|Canton|United States|USA

New York|Canton|United States|USA

2009

India

Youth sport educator // Youth sport educator // Maharashtra|Mumbai|India

Maharashtra|Mumbai|India

2015

New media artist // Artist who uses a wide range of media and sculpture to explore the effects of global corporations, military-industrial complexes, and the line between human and artificial life. // Matt Kenyon is a new media artist and designer. Kenyon’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally in such venues as the Museum of Modern Art, New York, MOCAD Detroit, Science Gallery Dublin, Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona, and the International Print Center. He is a TED Fellow, a MacDowell Fellow, and his work has been awarded the FILE Prix Lux. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Wired, and Gizmodo, and has also appeared in edited volumes such as A Touch of Code (Gestalten Press) and Adversarial Design (MIT Press). He lives and works in Buffalo, New York, where he is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art at the University at Buffalo, and part of PLATFORM, UB's socially engaged design studio. Visit www.swamp.nu for more about Matt Kenyon and his work. // In the fog of war, civilian casualties often go uncounted. Artist Matt Kenyon, whose recent work memorialized the names and stories of US soldiers killed in the Iraq war, decided he should create a companion monument, to the Iraqi civilians caught in the war's crossfire. Learn how he built a secret monument to place these names in the official record. // Matt Kenyon is a new media artist and designer. Kenyon’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally in such venues as the Museum of Modern Art, New York, MOCAD Detroit, Science Gallery Dublin, Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona, and the International Print Center. He is a TED Fellow, a MacDowell Fellow, and his work has been awarded the FILE Prix Lux. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Wired, and Gizmodo, and has also appeared in edited volumes such as A Touch of Code (Gestalten Press) and Adversarial Design (MIT Press). He lives and works in Buffalo, New York, where he is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art at the University at Buffalo, and part of PLATFORM, UB's socially engaged design studio. Visit www.swamp.nu for more about Matt Kenyon and his work. // New media artist // design, science, war

2021

Brazil

Applied Mathematics, Programming, Signal Processing, Statistics

2012

Applied mathematician // Mathematician whose research includes a breakthrough technique to monitor – and potentially screen for – Parkinson's disease through voice recordings alone // A data scientist with a background in math and stats, Max helps accelerate the search for cures for diseases such as Parkinson's by inventing radically simple, non-invasive technologies to measure symptoms outside the clinic. He developed algorithms that quantify Parkinson's symptoms using 30-second voice recordings, displacing expensive in-clinic physical exams. These algorithms detect Parkinson's signs in newly diagnosed patients to 98% accuracy, and work over the mobile phone network. Max is working to apply these algorithms to the environmental causes of disease: genetics is making extraordinary progress, but explains only a small part of the medical picture. By making these algorithms accessible to the global population where mobile phones currently have 75% reach, they could help fill in the massive hole in medical understanding about why one person gets ill but others do not. // Parkinson's disease affects 6.3 million people worldwide, causing weakness and tremors, but there's no objective way to detect it early on. Yet. Applied mathematician and TED Fellow Max Little is testing a simple, cheap tool that in trials is able to detect Parkinson's with 99 percent accuracy -- in a 30-second phone call. // A data scientist with a background in math and stats, Max helps accelerate the search for cures for diseases such as Parkinson's by inventing radically simple, non-invasive technologies to measure symptoms outside the clinic. He developed algorithms that quantify Parkinson's symptoms using 30-second voice recordings, displacing expensive in-clinic physical exams. These algorithms detect Parkinson's signs in newly diagnosed patients to 98% accuracy, and work over the mobile phone network. Max is working to apply these algorithms to the environmental causes of disease: genetics is making extraordinary progress, but explains only a small part of the medical picture. By making these algorithms accessible to the global population where mobile phones currently have 75% reach, they could help fill in the massive hole in medical understanding about why one person gets ill but others do not. // Applied mathematician // research, technology, mobile phones, statistics, signal processing, monitoring, data, programming, disease, applied mathematics

Aquatic ecosystems, Coral reefs, Geospatial analysis, Giant clams, Marine conservation, Marine plastic pollution, Oceanography, Resource conservation, Science communication

2017

Singapore

Mothers in Science; DHI; Large Marine Vertebrates (LAMAVE) Philippines, PHYSALUS; National University of Singapore

Mei Lin Neo is a Marine Ecologist, Science Communicator, TED Fellow, WEF Young Scientist, and advocate for Mothers in Science. She is known as the "Giant Clam Girl" due to her research on giant clams, which are the world's largest living marine bivalves. Mei Lin's work involves advancing mariculture for tropical marine organisms, including sea snails. Her research team has achieved significant milestones in the reproduction and husbandry of cowries, a type of sea snail. Mei Lin is actively involved in various conferences, symposiums, and workshops related to marine conservation, science communication, and sustainability. She has also been featured in media outlets for her work, such as documentaries, publications, and public speaking engagements. Additionally, Mei Lin is engaged in educational outreach, sharing her passion for marine conservation and the natural world with a global audience. // Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore• Responsible for the development and management of numerous research projects focusing on the conservation research of the giant clams, invertebrate larval reproduction and ecology (i.e. giant clams, sea urchins), science communication and citizen science, marine plastic pollution, etc.• Oversees the science communication efforts at the institute, through developing outreach and education programmes, co-organising school camps, giving public talks, etc. // Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore• Responsible for the project “Giant clam (family Tridacnidae) conservation in Singapore: Re-introducing Tridacna gigas, the world’s largest living bivalve mollusc”.• Carried out research resulting in the transplantation of cultured giant clams onto Singapore’s reefs for restocking purposes.• Developed outreach materials to share about the giant clam species and its natural history in Singapore.• Participated in outreach talks to promote awareness of giant clam conservation research in Singapore. // Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of SingaporeBased at the St John's Island National Marine Laboratory (sjinml.nus.edu.sg) // • Climate Change Project.• To conduct comprehensive search for journal and grey publications, and summarise key information gleaned from publication search.• To support the technical team.• To assist in creating a climate change database. // • Whale shark project – conducted field research to examine the effects of provisioning on whale shark behaviour in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines.• Education campaigns for local elementary schools.• Community mural painting. // • Tutored undergraduate modules in Biodiversity (LSM1103), Animal Behaviour (LSM1301), Ecology and Environment (LSM2251), Ecology of Aquatic Environments (LSM3254), Life Form and Function (LSM3261), Marine Biology (LSM4261), Field Studies in Biodiversity (LSM4263), and Topics in Aquatic Biodiversity (LSM4266).• Mentored and supervised students in the Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory for Honours and UROPS research projects. // • Restocking of giant clams in Singapore // Mothers in Science; DHI; Large Marine Vertebrates (LAMAVE) Philippines, PHYSALUS; National University of Singapore // Mei Lin Neo is a dedicated marine scientist with a focus on conservation research, particularly in the areas of giant clam species, invertebrate larval reproduction, and marine plastic pollution. With a background in leading research projects at the Tropical Marine Science Institute at the National University of Singapore, Mei Lin has been instrumental in initiatives such as the reintroduction of Tridacna gigas, the world's largest bivalve mollusc, to Singaporean reefs. Mei Lin's expertise also extends to science communication and citizen science, where she has developed outreach programs and educational materials to raise awareness about marine conservation. With a strong commitment to academia, Mei Lin has also contributed to teaching and mentoring undergraduate students in various biology and ecology modules. // Right now, I’m using various science communication tools to engage with local communities on marine conservation. My work still heavily revolves around the conservation of giant clams, and using them as a model to drive meaningful conservation impacts. // Mei Lin Neo is a Marine Ecologist and Science Communicator known for her research on giant clams and other tropical marine organisms. Her work focuses on advancing mariculture techniques and conservation efforts for these species, including sea snails. Mei Lin has made significant contributions to the reproduction and husbandry of cowries, a type of sea snail, and has been actively involved in marine conservation initiatives. She is dedicated to science communication and educational outreach, using various platforms to engage with global audiences on marine conservation issues. Mei Lin's expertise also extends to citizen science and mentoring undergraduate students in biology and ecology. // Marine biologist // Affectionately called the 'giant clam girl', Mei Lin is studying the endangered giant clams of the Indo-Pacific oceans, and promoting ways to protect these rare marine species from going extinct. Beginning her work ten years ago in Singapore, she spearheaded the Singapore's giant clam breeding and restocking program in 2011 during her Ph.D. Mei Lin now oversees the transplantation of baby clams in Singapore's reefs, and monitors their growth and survivorship. She hopes to use science communication to inspire others to join her in protecting the oceans. Mei Lin has received several honors and awards for her research efforts such as the World Future Foundation PhD Prize in Environment and Sustainability (2014), the L'Oréal for Women in Science National Fellowship (2015), The Singapore's Women Weekly Great Women of our Time honoree (2015), Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 (2016), a Young Scientist at the World Economic Forum (2016, 2017), AsianScientist 100 (2017). Mei Lin is recently named a TED Fellow (2017)! // When you think about the deep blue sea, you might instantly think of whales or coral reefs. But spare a thought for giant clams, the world's largest living shellfish. These incredible creatures can live to 100, grow up to four and a half feet long and weigh as much as three baby elephants. In this charming talk, marine biologist Mei Lin Neo shares why she's obsessively trying to turn these legendary sea creatures into heroes of the oceans. // Mei Lin Neo is a Marine Ecologist and Science Communicator known for her research on giant clams and other tropical marine organisms. Her work focuses on advancing mariculture techniques and conservation efforts for these species, including sea snails. Mei Lin has made significant contributions to the reproduction and husbandry of cowries, a type of sea snail, and has been actively involved in marine conservation initiatives. She is dedicated to science communication and educational outreach, using various platforms to engage with global audiences on marine conservation issues. Mei Lin's expertise also extends to citizen science and mentoring undergraduate students in biology and ecology. // Marine biologist // water, education, biodiversity, water quality, mariculture, coastal, data, geospatial analysis, research, climate, design, citizen scientist, marine biology, resource conservation, coral reefs, species, coral, aquatic, women, oceans, pollution, marine plastic pollution, giant clams, education and outreach, marine research, marine conservation, advocacy, environmental impact, island, campaigns, conservation, plastic, plastic pollution, science communication, whale shark, science, oceanography, local communities, communication, aquatic ecosystems, ecology, marine ecology, marine laboratory // Singapore

Singapore