NOVA

When: Saturday, August 29, 2026 (11 a.m. - 4 p.m. EDT)
Where: Connelly Auditorium in the Dorrance H. Hamilton Building*

Thomas Jefferson University
1001 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

*The Dorrance H. Hamilton Building is located on the corner of 11th and Locust Streets. Entrance to the building faces Lubert Plaza, behind Scott Memorial Library. Note: Parking on Center City campus may be limited, public transportation is highly encouraged.

Join us on August 29th as we embark on a journey to explore the nuance of NOVAVisit TEDx.com about this year's theme. Anyone interested in attending can register below. 

Event Preview

NOVA captures the moment when the familiar gives way to light, possibility, and renewal. It represents transformation, an evolution from resistance to resilience, from collapse to creation, where conviction becomes our catalyst and humanity our guide.

At its core, NOVA explores what it means to rediscover the essence of being human: to feel deeply, to question with courage, and to rebuild with intention. Through stories of generosity, resilience, and curiosity, the theme invites us to uncover the forces that drive change, the sparks that ignite empathy, the hands that bridge difference, and the ideas that reimagine what is possible.

In a world defined by constant motion, NOVA reminds us that true evolution begins not with invention, but with understanding. It is a call to illuminate, to let compassion shape our choices, connection ground our progress, and humanity light the path forward.

From quiet sparks, a brighter truth is born,
NOVA: being shaped by what we form.

Interested in speaking at this year's conference?

Speaker applications are open until Sunday, February 22, 2026.

If you have any questions, please reach out to tedxjefferson@gmail.com

Sponsorship statement:  As we embark on this journey to curate another exceptional event, we are reaching out to you to ask for your support in ensuring that future speakers have the same opportunity to share their ideas and insights on a global stage. Your generous contributions, whether through donations, sponsorships, or any form of assistance, would be immensely appreciated and instrumental in our efforts to uphold the TEDxJeffersonU mission of spreading ideas worth sharing. As a sponsor, we will publicly announce your sponsorship as well as acknowledge your sponsorship in the event program.

If you are interested in sponsoring or donating to TEDxJeffersonU, please visit our iDonate page:

Event Organizers

Aayushi Patel 

Co-organizer

Sukhraj Goraya

Co-organizer

Lastly, via the links below, take a look at our previous TEDxJeffersonU events and delve into the inspiring talks that emerged from the conference.