Every breakthrough has a hidden story. In TEDxPurdueU’s main event of 18-minute TED talks, Unseen celebrates the people behind the work, the ideas ahead of their time, and the voices shaping culture, science, and society without recognition. From unsung contributors to quietly radical thinking, it reveals what history overlooked and what we still ignore—showing that the most powerful forces are often the ones we fail to notice.
For 2026, TEDxPurdueU invites heroes of all kinds to embark on their own Odyssey—a journey of adventure, challenge, and transformation. From innovation and science to creativity and culture, each odyssey is unique.
Whether it’s a return, a discovery, or something entirely new, TEDxPurdueU offers a platform to explore and share these powerful stories.
TEDxPurdueU is an independently organized event by Purdue University students.
TEDxPurdueU: Parallax explores dynamic interplay of perspectives, from science & technology to human psychology & societal discourse.
A first-hand account of Lafayette, Indiana native’s experience in Gander, Newfoundland on September 11. This and other stories like hers inspired the hit Broadway musical Come From Away.
Renowned cellist, recording artist and humanitarian Yo-Yo Ma and PBS NewsHour correspondent Jeffrey Brown will join Purdue University President Mung Chiang for a special Presidential Lecture Series conversation Sept. 29 in Elliott Hall of Music.
Purdue University President Mung Chiang and the Purdue Presidential Lecture Series present the renowned cellist, recording artist, and humanitarian leader Yo-Yo Ma in a special engagement moderated by PBS NewsHour correspondent Jeffrey Brown.
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 50 years of hip-hop with Grandmaster Flash. Witness the iconic DJ’s pioneering turntable techniques and learn about his role in shaping the genre. Experience a free lecture and demonstration on November 4th at 7:30 PM at Loeb Playhouse. Don’t miss this chance to be part of hip-hop history.
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 50 years of hip-hop with Grandmaster Flash. Witness the iconic DJ’s pioneering turntable techniques and learn about his role in shaping the genre. Experience a free lecture and demonstration on November 4th at 7:30 PM at Loeb Playhouse. Don’t miss this chance to be part of hip-hop history.
Grandmaster Flash’s hit, “The Message,” forever changed hip-hop 40-plus years ago when it debuted as the first socially conscious rap track.
Featuring national, regional and local thought leaders, the 2024 TEDxPurdueU will explore how recurrence influences our lives at a deeper level.
The 2023 TEDxPurdueU will contain a “Terrarium” of ideas and research that explore technology, entertainment, culture, sustainability, and environmentalism.
Building off ideas and collaborating equally, the robot marimba player listens to bandmates live to present original compositions influenced by jazz & hip-hop.