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)

Physicist and astrophysicist Lech Mankiewicz, works on robotic telescopes in his pursuit of the mysteries of the Universe. With both his feet firmly on the ground, however, he encourages educators and parents to embrace technology in schools. He has also enabled Polish teenagers to discover several planetoids, one of which has been named after him.