TED Idea Search: Meet the thinkers competing for a spot on the biggest stage for ideas

Over the past year, TED has been traveling the world (literally!) in search of powerful ideas — and the people bold enough to share them.

The result? A 9-part series that pulls back the curtain on what it’s actually like to deliver a TED Talk.

In each episode, you’ll step into a new city and meet the speakers bringing their ideas to the red circle and competing for a spot on the main stage at TED2026 in Vancouver. You’ll go backstage with them into rehearsal rooms and witness the nerves...