Theme: SOME THINK BIG

An independently organised TED-like event organised at Thrissur, India. With TEDxPunkunnam, we aim to create a dynamic and inclusive environment where attendees can immerse themselves in a half-day of thought-provoking talks, stimulating discussions, and networking opportunities. We aim to highlight Thrissur's unique blend of tradition and modernity, showcasing local innovations, cultural heritage, and pressing issues that resonate locally and globally.

From groundbreaking scientific research and innovative technological solutions to compelling personal stories and artistic expressions, each talk will centre around a powerful idea worth spreading. We prioritise speakers from the local community who bring fresh perspectives and untold stories, providing a platform for often unheard voices.

HiLite Mall Thrissur
Kuttanellur Bypass Bridge, Service Rd
Hill Gardens Housing Colony
Thrissur, Kerala, 680014
India

Ashin P Krishna

Tech Innovator

Inspired by a moment in the bathroom and fuelled by a lifelong passion for innovation, Kozhikode’s Ashin P Krishna (23 year old) is transforming coconut farming with his smartest and fastest coconut harvesting robot. His journey from curious schoolboy to tech entrepreneur is a story of grit, regret, reinvention, and a drive to make a tangible social impact.

Brian Mac Mahon

Venture Capitalist

Brian Mac Mahon is a serial entrepreneur as well as the most active startup investor in Southern California who has owned companies in over 35 countries. He specializes in helping entrepreneurs to become more successful in their businesses by using all the tools available to him as owner of a large peer to peer peak performance academy. Brian is committed to investing in founders from all backgrounds and industries based on the merit of the execution of their value proposition only. In 2018 & 2019, he brought 400 companies through his startup accelerator program and made a total of 79 investments.

Elavarasi Jayakanth

Women Entrepreneur

From humble beginnings as the daughter of street vendor, she faced numerous hardships, including financial struggles and business setbacks. Despite dropping out of school early, she fought against the odds to continue her education and later ventured into the family trade. A series of burglaries nearly shattered her dreams, but she refused to give up. She rebuilt her business from scratch, launching Aswathy Hot Chips

Jeff Goldberg

Film Director

Hailing from New York and with a decade stint in Paris, France and now 12 years in India, Jeff’s work as a filmmaker has witnessed his films and screenplays garner official selections and awards at some of the finest film festivals in the world. Jeff continues to write, direct and act for the stage as well.

Nihal Sarin

Chess Grandmaster

Nihal is an Indian chess grandmaster and chess prodigy. In 2018, he passed the Elo rating of 2600 at 14 years old, which at the time made him the third youngest player in history to do so. As a junior player, Nihal was the World Under-10 champion in 2014 and placed second in the 2015 World Under-12 championship.

Sheeba Ameer

Social Activist

Sheeba Ameer is the founder of Solace, a pioneering support system for children with long-term illnesses. Her journey began with the seven-year battle to care for her daughter diagnosed with leukemia—a deeply personal experience that led her to build what she wished existed: a community of care. Solace now supports hundreds of families, offering medical, emotional, and financial aid. Recognized nationally, Sheeba has received the CNN Real Hero Award, Vanitha Woman of the Year, and the Ramankutty Achan Award for her social impact. With unshakable empathy and resolve, Sheeba Ameer turned personal grief into a movement of healing and hope for countless others.

Shintaro Tanaka

Farmer and Hotelier

Shintaro, introduces Keralites to some authentic flavours of Japan, notably its handcrafted Udon noodles. This is not Shintaro’s first rodeo. He used to run two cafes back in his village of Ogawa. His journey from organic farming to café ownership in India was inspired by a profound admiration for the country, sparked by the film Gandhi by Richard Attenborough. In 2007, at the age of 20, Shintaro fulfilled his long-held dream of visiting India. In 2023, he came to Kerala for a cycling journey and solidified his decision to make it the home of his cafe, OGAWA

Sudarsan Tamang

Youth Icon

Dr Tamang, recognized as a Youth Icon by the Election Commission of India, he is the founder of Project Life, promoting healthy living and community support—most notably during the 2023 Teesta flash floods. He is a nanotechnology scientist from Darjeeling, combines science, social impact, and the arts. A passionate long-distance runner, he has won the Darjeeling Police 10K (2022) and Tata Steel Kolkata 10K (2023), and placed second in the Ageas Federal Kolkata Half Marathon (2021). He holds a spot in the India Book of Records for running 185 km from Gangtok to Gurudongmar at 17,800 feet, and completed the K2G ultra-run from Kolkata to Gangtok. Also a prolific songwriter, Sudarsan has penned over 60 songs for Indo-Nepali rock bands.