In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia
89 B, Vitosha Blvd
Sofia, Sofia-Grad, 1463
Bulgaria

Alexandar Dutsov

Conservation Biologist

His path as a biologist began with birds: recognition, ringing, study of migration routes. Later he devoted himself to the research of wolves. And today, he looks after the biggest Bulgarian predator, the brown bear. Alexandar lived and worked in the heart of the Balkans, Pirin, and the Rhodopes, where he carried out the first genetic analysis of the bear population in Bulgaria. He created a National Bear Rescue Squad to return lost bears back to the forest and prevent dangers for them and for people. His big goal is the survival of the biological diversity of the species. Today, Alexandar is a Senior Biodiversity Expert at WWF Bulgaria, an active member and former Chairman of the Board of the Balkan Wildlife Association. He works on the conservation of the brown bear population in Bulgaria, including damage prevention to both wild animals and people.

Javier Cacho Gomez

Scientist & Explorer

A storyteller - that is s how he modestly defines himself. Javier Cacho was one of the first scientists to examine the destruction of the ozone layer of the stratosphere (the so-called "ozone hole") and a long-time polar explorer. He went to Antarctica as a participant in the first Spanish expedition. Then and there, Javier fell in love with what he discovered: the vastness of nature, the coexistence in Antarctica. The spirit of cooperation and solidarity in a territory without state borders. Javier participated in 7 expeditions to Antarctica, as a researcher of the ozone layer and a commander of the Spanish base on Livingston Island, and 2 in the Arctic. He wrote 6 books about the history of the discovery of the ice continent, most of them published in Bulgarian. Javier Cacho is a scientist, a researcher, an author, and the head of several scientific institutions. His most recent position was Director of the Outreach Department of the National Institute of Space Technology of Spain.

Katharina Gangl

Behavioural Economist

It all started with a book. At the age of 14, Katharina read “The Global Trap” by Hans-Peter Martin. Growing up in the countryside of Austria, she had been sheltered from the unfairness in the world. Now she vowed to help solve the world’s problems. And Katharina became a behavioural scientist. Sometimes we want to behave in a certain way – to lose weight, recycle, behave in a more sustainable way, but we struggle. Katarina customizes solutions to trigger behavioral changes. Now a University teacher, she addresses openly the impact of our economic system on the environment and society. Leading the Research Group at the Institute for Advanced Studies, Katharina advises the Austrian Chancellery how to craft campaigns to reduce energy consumption and restore trust in public authorities. Katharina's unwavering commitment to making a difference has earned her a seat at the table where positive change happens.

Sergey Petrov

Beekeeper & Entrepreneur

While studying to be an aeronautical engineer, he came across the Space Challenges program and was asked to photograph Bulgaria from space with a budget of only BGN 500. How did he do it? With a helium balloon! This is how Sergey Petrov learned about entrepreneurship. He was later accepted into NASA's Singularity University and was given an even bigger challenge: to improve the lives of 1 billion people over the next 10 years. Sergey realised that the biggest issue for feeding future generations is pollination. He focused on the protection and sustainable breeding of bees. Today his “intelligent hive” is used on 5 continents. In Bulgaria he created the platform "Real Honey" and the program "Adopt a Hive" to support beekeepers and to connect them with consumers. Sergey also initiated a modern beekeeper training. He partners with several European universities to introduce high-tech to the world of beekeeping, and to measure how bees work. His cause: "Preserve our planet's biodiversity".

Vittoria Lorenzetti

Documentary Photographer

The wall in her grandmother's house, abundantly covered with dozens of photographs - that's the most vivid childhood memory of Vittoria. She was destined to become a photographer and depict the world. She has been registering the stories of women and children, victims of sexual violence in India. Her reportage, "Unsafe: Behind India's Rape Crisis", amplified these voices and raised awareness. Recipient of the Italian Sustainability Photo Award, Vittoria's project, "A Sustainable Way to the Sky," unveiled the delicate balance between high-altitude living and environmental stewardship. Now immersed in the Amazon basin, at the border of Colombia, Brazil, and Peru, Vittoria portrays the lives of indigenous peoples and their relationship with water and the forest, and the foundation of sustainability - nature, spirit, and plants. Vittoria’s work has been featured in Vanity Fair, BBC Science Focus, Leben Jetzt Magazine, Harvard Business Manager, K Magazine, and Luz Agency.

Vladimir Borachev

Coach, author and lecturer

He was the captain of a baseball team. He managed numerous successful teams within Xerox and Avon in the region of Central and Eastern Europe, Egypt and Turkey. While his professional path was on the rise, he was introduced to mentoring and found inspiration in supporting others to be successful managers and become better as leaders and humans. Vladimir Borachev replaced his very successful corporate career with the profession of a coach. He is accredited by the International Coaching Federation and is currently among the most successful Bulgarians in this field. Working as a coach gives him freedom and brings him immense satisfaction. Vladimir has planted 1,300 trees. He travels the world enjoying many hobbies - mountaineering, gardening, photography, cars, culinary tourism. He is also looking after a cat. Vladimir Borachev is the author of the book "Journey for Leaders" and is a lecturer in the EMBA program at the American University in Bulgaria.