Curious minds welcome: Prague’s latest TEDx event aims to turn ideas into action

Prague’s international community thrives on new ideas, and few events capture that spirit better than what’s set to commence at TEDxVSE University. This year’s edition invites expats, students, professionals, and more to explore how bold thinking can become real-world change, with a call to action for curious minds to take these experiences further.

On Nov. 25, the Prague University of Economics and Business (VŠE) will host this engaging event. From 4:30 to 11 p.m., VŠE’s Žižkov campus will transform into a hub for thinkers, innovators, and professionals exploring the theme From Theory to Market. The event is supported by Prague 3, which has also granted its official patronage.

Held entirely in English, the event invites attendees to see how ideas evolve from research and make real-world impact, and why Prague’s international community stands to benefit from being part of that exchange. Here’s what to expect.

The lineup features over a dozen voices from across academia and various industries, each addressing how innovation, courage, and adaptability shape our world. Among them is Nela Ďopanová, whose personal story of overcoming a physical limitation led her to build a company that helps more than 80 organizations foster healthier corporate cultures. Her insights resonate with anyone balancing ambition and well-being in today’s work environment.

Those interested in global dynamics will find Jeremy Alan Garlick’s perspective particularly compelling. His work in international relations and evolutionary psychology examines why nations enter conflict, and how understanding human behavior could prevent it. Similarly, Associate Professor Pavel Hnát will connect economics, politics, and technology to show how global systems influence daily life in Europe.

For entrepreneurs, Martin Jahoda’s experience leading Emco, a Czech family business, offers practical lessons in managing doubt and responsibility in traditional industries. Jakub Jedlinský will explore why economists often fail to predict crises, and what we can learn from natural sciences. 

Other speakers, such as psychologist Daniela Pauknerová and Vice-Rector Ota Novotný, will tackle leadership, emotion, and the human side of education. Each talk, capped at 15 minutes, follows TED’s signature format: concise, engaging, and grounded in experience. You can see the full lineup here.

Unlike formal conferences, TEDxVSE University creates a relaxed yet stimulating space where attendees can connect without pretense. There will be opportunities for organic networking, interactive informational zones, and thought-provoking discussions that go beyond theory. The Miners coffee team will provide a caffeine boost throughout the evening, encouraging conversations that spill naturally from the lecture hall to the café tables.

This mix of ideas and community offers a chance to meet like-minded people, including students, academics, and professionals, who share an international mindset and curiosity about Czechia’s evolving innovation scene. It’s also a way to engage with the country’s leading business university and gain insight into Czech approaches to technology, economics, and leadership in a format that’s entirely accessible to English speakers.

In a city known for its mix of tradition and transformation, TEDxVSE University captures what makes Prague an inspiring place to live and work. It brings together people who believe ideas should not stay confined to classrooms or boardrooms but should move into the world and make a difference. For expats navigating life and careers in Czechia, this event offers more than talks—it offers connection, perspective, and the reminder that innovation often starts with conversation.