Month: June 2012

Tal is an experienced Chartered Engineer and entrepreneur. Born with a genetic disorder called Marfan Syndrome, Tal branched out into bio-engineering in 2000 in response to his own dilated aorta. Faced with the dilemma of choosing between a risky operation and an early death, he used his engineering knowledge to invent the ExoVasc®, a revolutionary cardiac implant and in 2004 he became the first patient to have it implanted. His company now funds the research and development of devices that will make a difference to the lives of people with aortic dilation and allow them to live free from worry and without the need to undergo major surgery and lifelong drug therapy. Tal spoke at TEDxKraków, an independently organised TED event which took place on 20 October 2011 at the Manggha Centre for Japanese Art and Technology in Kraków, Poland. Our theme was “The New Normal” and we asked our speakers to tell us about what we might just have to get used to once the dust settles from the various ongoing geopolitical, financial and environmental crises. 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, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. 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 …