How quantum technologies may impact your life | Dr. David Awschalom | TEDxChicago
Physicist David Awschalom takes us on a fast-paced journey from Star Trek to quantum teleportation, showing how what once seemed like science fiction is quickly becoming reality. Equal parts inspiring and mind-bending, he reveals how uncertainty—the quirky heart of quantum physics—is actually a powerful engine of discovery, fueling breakthroughs in computing, medicine, and secure communication. This talk makes clear that our quantum future is not just coming—it’s already here.#quantum #quantumtechnology #teleportation, #quantumcomputing, #sensing, #quantuminternet, #cybersecurity Dr. David Awschalom is an experimental physicist and pioneer in quantum technology. He is the University of Chicago’s Liew Family Professor of Molecular Engineering and Physics, a senior scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, and the founding director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange- an intellectual hub that advances quantum information science research, prepares the quantum workforce, and drives the quantum economy in collaboration with leading universities, national laboratories and more than 50 corporate, international, and nonprofit partners.Dr. Awschalom is the inaugural director of Q-NEXT, a U.S. Department of Energy Quantum Information Science Research Center. He is a member of the U.S. National Academies of Science and Engineering and has received a U.S. Secretary of Energy Achievement award. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 7:11The Art of Creativity in the Age of AI | Jasmine Sefakor Nutor | TEDxAshesiUniversitySefakor reflects on how artificial intelligence reshapes creativity and human imagination. She questions the future of originality and innovation in an AI-driven world. Jasmine Sefakor Nutor is a Biomedical Science student at the University of Sheffield and a Research Intern at Ashesi University. Her curiosity spans both science and society, from her passion for global health and strengthening health systems to her love for African historical fiction, where she explores the complexities of community and identity. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 10:15Having A Second Look | Faridah Masika | TEDxAga Khan HS Kampala YouthThis thought-provoking talk challenges the way we judge others at first glance. Through striking research, real-life examples, and chilling stories like that of Ted Bundy, she reveals how snap judgments can cost opportunities, relationships, and even lives. “Have a Second Look” is a powerful reminder that beyond the first impression lies a deeper truth one that can only be seen when we pause, question, and choose understanding over assumption. DOB 19/12/07 A student from Nabisunsa High School This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 4:55Plastic Pollution | Scarlet Vielliard | TEDxAga Khan HS Kampala YouthThis compelling speech sheds light on the urgent crisis of pollution and its devastating impact on our planet. With vivid examples, powerful statistics, and relatable references from films like The Lorax, Ice Age, and Wall-E then a call-to-action urges everyone to embrace recycling, innovation, and accountability to protect the Earth before it’s too late. A high school student from Kampala International School This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 7:26Planea | Jesús Gómez | TEDxCESINEJesús Gómez nos muestra las claves de planificar como el primer paso del método Kaizen. Una actitud, un compromiso diario con el crecimiento, la constancia y la excelencia, tanto a nivel individual como colectivo. La mejora constante es posible si sigues los 4 pasos. Planea, Haz, Comprueba y Actúa. Me llamo Jesús Gómez y soy un joven emprendedor que ha pasado buena parte de su vida planificando. He trabajado en distintos sectores, tomando decisiones, trazando rutas, ajustando pasos… y equivocándome también, claro. Porque si algo he aprendido es que ningún plan sobrevive intacto al camino. Y eso, lejos de ser un problema, es parte del viaje.Planificar no es encajar la vida en un molde, sino preparar el terreno para que todo lo inesperado tenga un lugar donde florecer. Que tan importante como tener un objetivo es saber adaptarlo. Y que detrás de cada error suele haber una lección que no estaba en el plan, pero sí en el destino. Porque cambiar de rumbo también es avanzar. No vengo a vender certezas, sino a compartir procesos. A decir en voz alta que planear está bien, pero replantear también. Y que la vida, con sus curvas y sus giros, siempre será más grande que cualquier esquema. Gracias por estar aquí. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 14:59Why Science Needs an Image Update | Mykyta Osadchyi | TEDxUNINA Federico IIWhat if science felt more human? In this talk, Mykyta, a science communicator from Ukraine, shares his journey from biology to media, revealing why science needs a new image. Through humor, empathy, and storytelling, he shows how blending intellect and emotion can rebuild trust in science and inspire curiosity in everyone. Mykyta is a science communicator and content creator from Kyiv, Ukraine. He’s been working with the BBC producing science and education reels for Instagram and right now he’s doing his master’s in science communication at University College London. There’s nothing he’d love to do more than to make science and nature documentaries that shed light on real-world issues facing our planet and the people on it. He’s particularly interested in the topics of science misinformation and nature conservation. He’s quite a big fan of oak trees. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 10:48I Didn’t Listen: Redefining Communication | Elsie Avevor | TEDxAshesiUniversityElsie explores the “blurry lines” between communication, identity, and inclusion. She shows how redefining listening can transform barriers into bridges for accessibility and understanding. Elsie Avevor is a Sign Language Interpreter and accessibility advocate passionate about bridging the gaps in communication and inclusion. With her unique journey across interpreting, academia, and advocacy, she has learned to embrace the “blurry lines” that often shape our identities and experiences. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx