We often imagine the future as something grand and distant. However, TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth 2026, themed “Seeds for Tomorrow,” chose to start the journey into the future from a small seed. We celebrate the strength of today’s youth. In our uncertain world, their resilience and creativity are a rising power, ready for success.

In fact, the seeds for this year’s gathering were sown from April, with a series of TEDxAdventures events. On 11 April, YCYW students visited TSMC China Company Limited, and experienced first-hand how cutting-edge semiconductor technology drives the digital world. On 17 April, they visited Google’s Shanghai office, and had insightful conversations with University of Michigan alumni, gaining fresh perspectives from leaders in global technology and academia.

TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth 2026 will reach its climax on 10 May 2026 in Shanghai. The event will have no empty slogans, but showcase the sprouting seeds of ideas, each reflecting our students’ concrete visions for the future.

These “seeds” range from ingenious designs for future cities, and thoughtful reflections on the ethics of artificial intelligence, to personal stories about regaining confidence after failures. The “seeds” bridge the gap between grand scientific inquiries—such as the mysteries of particle physics and nanotechnology—and intimate efforts of everyday life to nuture friendships and build trust.

Through bold self-expression, moving musical performances, avant-garde art installations, and interactive STEAM projects, our students are sending a clear message: The future is not something to passively wait for; it is something to actively create.

Beyond the TEDx stage, you can explore an interactive medical exhibition that reveals both the fragility and precision of life; play games inspired by particle physics to sense the wonders of the cosmos; or join creative workshops led by younger students, whose curiosity represents the transformative power of creativity itself.

On 10 May 2026, please join us at Shanghai Wanping Theatre. Together, let’s witness how the actions of students today, could nurture every tiny “seed for tomorrow” into a thriving forest.

Sunday, 10 May, 2026: Main Event Day

10:00 AM—11:00 AM: 

Opening Ceremony & Talk Session 1

11:30 AM—12:30 PM: 

Talk Session 2

2:30 PM—3:30 PM:

 Talk Session 3

4:00 PM—5:00 PM: 

Talk Session 4 & Closing Ceremony

Seeds for Tomorrow

• Inspiring talks from students in Y2 to Y13.

• Future-focused visions—Pondering future cities, long-term responsibilities, uncertainty, innovation, and the world that young people want to shape.

• Grand scientific ideas made accessible—Exploring particle physics, nanotechnology, land medical breakthroughs.

• Life in our technology-driven world—Examining AI, algorithms, social media, digital communication, and online identity.

• The power of human connections—Focusing on friendship, conflict resolution, empathy, trust, and the ethical impact of our words and actions.

• Stories of personal growth—Reflecting on perseverance, failure, confidence, fear, and learning from experience.

• Creativity as a force for change—Evaluating the roles of music, art, and storytelling in education, self-expression, healing, and cross-cultural understanding.

Interactive Exhibitions & Workshops (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

• Interactive medical and healthcare exhibitions — Hands-on insights into disciplines, such as Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Psychology, Biomedical Sciences, and Veterinary Science.

• Interactive science experiences — Including a cloud chamber, linear accelerator, particle games, and other exciting demonstrations that bring science to life.

• Inspiring STEAM exhibitions— A range of creative, hands-on exhibits and activities led by younger students.

• A flower arrangement workshop to Celebrate Mother's Day.

YCYW Joint Art Exhibition

A creative art carnival – Featuring fashion designs, paintings, sculptures, art installations, and 3D printed models.

Music and Performances

• YCIS Puxi Primary Summer Concert (9:30 AM—11:00 AM)

• Incidental music and performances throughout the day (11:00 AM—5:00 PM)

The full schedule of the day will be updated on: https://tedxycyw.com

All events are free and open to the public. We invite you to attend with your family and friends. Please scan the QR code on the poster to register.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at edfutures@ycyw.cn.