8th Edition
TEDxEMI
January 17, 2026 • 13:00 GMT+1
École Mohammadia d'Ingénieurs, Rabat
What is TEDx?
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection.
These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.
TEDx's mission is to foster learning, inspiration and wonder—and provoke conversations that matter in our local community.
About EMI
École Mohammadia d'Ingénieurs (EMI) is the premier engineering school in Morocco, founded in 1959. As a pioneer in technical education, EMI has consistently produced leaders who drive innovation and development across various sectors.
Hosting TEDx events at EMI is a natural extension of our school's commitment to excellence and intellectual growth. It provides our students and the wider community with a platform to engage with transformative ideas and visionary thinkers.
The Theme
VIA NOVA
"Via Nova" — The New Path. Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, it's a commitment to rebirth, transformation, and the courage to explore the unknown.
In an era of rapid change, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The old ways of thinking and doing are being challenged, making room for new perspectives that can reshape our future. "Via Nova" explores these emerging paths.
Just as the phoenix represents a continuous cycle of renewal, we invite our speakers and audience to embark on a journey of discovery. What are the new ways of living, working, and connecting that will define the next decade?
Innovation
Breaking barriers and creating solutions for a better tomorrow.
Perspective
Seeing the world through new lenses to find hidden opportunities.
Pioneering
Leading the charge into uncharted territories with confidence.
Via Nova
THE FEATHERS
"8 cardinal feathers of the phoenix, each a stage in the journey of rebirth."
CHAPTER I — AWAKENING THE PATH
The Invisible
Perception
The journey begins where sight ends. The most powerful forces escape the eye, yet they govern everything. Direction resides beneath the surface.
Hicham LAHLOU
Identity feather
In a world full of copycats, designing our own objects is a refusal to live in someone else’s scenery. It’s our way of leaving a mark on the world, turning perseverance into an act of identity with every creation. Hicham Lahlou embodies this vision as a pioneer of contemporary Moroccan design: founder of Africa Design Organization, first African designer featured on major international stages, collaborator with global brands and institutions, and a driving force behind positioning design as a cultural, economic, and political act in Africa.
Truth
Truth
The moment of confrontation. Chaos, imperfection, and contradiction are not obstacles to creation—they are its raw material. The phoenix no longer rejects its ashes. It claims them.
CHAPTER II — SUSTAINING THE FLAME
Ali BENSOUDA
Transformation feather
When tradition refuses to fade , and technology chooses to listen , Africa raises not by erasing its past , but by turning it into power . Ali Bensouda, the co-founder of Outlierz Ventures and Venture Partner for Morocco , stands at that intersection , where technology reshapes Africa's old industry . From the early roots of old schools sectors to the heart of modernity and innovation . With our guest we'll discover how can tech awaken Africa's industry from it's prolonged slumber , by honoring its roots while unlocking new possibilities . On the TED stage, every word matters and every idea hums with the potential to change our reality .
Courage
Endurance
Courage is not a spectacle. It's perseverance far from applause—moving forward without guarantees when recognition is absent. Endurance is a discipline.
Agility
Adaptation
The future doesn't wait. In our era, advantage no longer belongs to the biggest, but to those who learn the fastest. The phoenix learns to move, pivot, and evolve.
CHAPTER III — CARRYING THE FIRE FORWARD
Bridges
Connection
Success reaches its limit when it remains solitary. Building bridges where walls once stood. Meaning multiplies when shared—the link is a responsibility.
Sovereignty
Legacy & Structure
Sovereignty is not decreed—it is built. Transforming momentum into system: vision becomes structure, ambition becomes permanence. The phoenix no longer burns. It illuminates.
Speakers to be revealed soon
Partners
Supported By
Organizers
The Great Debaters EMI
Brought to you by The Great Debaters EMI. We are a community of passionate individuals dedicated to the art of rhetoric, critical thinking, and impactful communication, committed to bringing "ideas worth spreading" to our campus.
Don't Miss Out
Be part of the "Via Nova" journey. Reserve your seat today and join the conversation.
Register Now