TEDxLakeheadU

TEDxLakeheadU 2026: The Global Stage, Locally Grounded

TEDxLakeheadU is returning to Thunder Bay to bridge the gap between our local community and the global frontier of ideas. This isn’t just a series of talks; it is a meticulously curated experience designed to empower students, alumni, and residents to see themselves as part of a world-class intellectual movement. We are bringing international perspectives directly to our doorstep, proving that groundbreaking innovation doesn’t just happen in tech hubs—it starts right here.
Event Logistics

When: May 23, 2026

Where: Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario.

The Experience: 7 Global TEDx Talks, 2 Hands-on Workshops, 1 Expert Panel Discussion, and an exclusive Networking Session to connect one-on-one with the visionaries.

Visit our website : https://www.tedxlakeheadu.ca/

Book your tickets at : https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/tedx-lakeheadu-2026-growth

The Visionary Lineup

Arron Lin (Toronto, ON): A VP of Innovation at RBCx who works at the intersection of finance and human behavior.
Talk: The Myth of the Frictionless Experience

James McCormack(Thunder Bay, ON): A Thunder Bay-born CEO and applied AI practitioner focused on healthcare transformation.
Talk: From Assistant to Agent: The Human Cost of AI in Healthcare

Bean Gill(Calgary, AB): A fearless advocate and co-founder of ReYu Paralysis Recovery Centre challenging the stigma of disability.
Talk: The Myth of Permanence: Harnessing Neuroplasticity to Rewire the Impossible

Ava Penney(Thunder Bay, ON): A student author and researcher investigating how digital patterns cause “Social Erosion.”
Talk: Social Erosion: The Weathering of the Human Identity

Dr. Chitra Anand(Toronto, ON): A transformation strategist, author, and advisor specializing in systems thinking and intrapreneurship.
Talk: The Mechanics of Intrapreneurship

Stephen Ritz(South Bronx, NY): An award-winning educator and founder of Green Bronx Machine who pioneered the edible classroom.
Talk: Urban Agriculture as a Public Health Tool

Brian Lenahan(Hamilton, ON): The Founder and Chair of the Quantum Strategy Institute and a prominent strategist in emerging tech.
Talk: When One Door Closes: The Transition from AI to Quantum

Why It Matters
Our mission is to foster radical collaboration. By bringing together world-class experts we are providing Thunder Bay community with the tools, networks, and inspiration to lead. This event is the spark for local initiatives that will grow into global solutions.