Cliff Kapono

Professional surfer, scientist

cliffkapono.com Instagram: @cliff_Kapono

Why you should listen

Cliff Kapono is a Hawai'i-based professional surfer who rides the best waves around the world and tries to figure out better ways to protect them. A professor at Arizona State University, he has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications on molecular bioscience and produced a handful of award-winning short films on topics including Indigenous activism, ocean conservation, global food security and augmented reality. At TED2024, he spoke alongside TED Fellow Keolu Fox.

Cliff Kapono’s TED talk

10:03

Cliff Kapono and Keolu Fox

Could we replace data centers with … plant DNA?

Posted Oct 2024

More news and ideas from Cliff Kapono

Live from TED2024

Explorers: Notes on Session 8 of TED2024

April 18, 2024

From redefining the boundaries of artificial intelligence to unraveling the mysteries of the human genome, Session 8 of TED2024 inspired us to reimagine our relationship with technology and its impact on society. This session’s explorers offered profound insights into the intersection of technology and human experience — and envisioned a future where innovation fosters greater […]