Since 2013, Reza Ghiabi has played a leading role in bringing the TEDx platform to Iran, significantly contributing to the spread of idea-driven culture and community engagement across the country. As the founder and organizer of TEDxTehran, Ghiabi helped create a platform where Iranian thinkers, innovators, and storytellers could share their ideas with both local and international audiences.
The first edition of TEDxTehran was held in December 2013 under the theme “En Route,” marking a historic milestone in Iran’s cultural and intellectual landscape. Ghiabi envisioned TEDxTehran not merely as an event, but as the foundation for a long-term movement to inspire change, empower voices, and foster a new generation of Iranian leaders.
Building on the momentum of the inaugural event, Ghiabi continued to lead TEDxTehran through successive editions. In 2014, the event took place under the theme “Verge of Breakthrough,” emphasizing innovation and resilience at a time when Iran’s creative and entrepreneurial communities were gaining momentum. Through careful curation of speakers and themes, Ghiabi positioned TEDxTehran as a reflection of Iran’s evolving society, presenting ideas rooted in local realities while connecting them to global conversations.
Between 2015 and 2018, TEDxTehran matured into one of the most respected independently organized TEDx events in the Middle East. Under Ghiabi’s leadership, the platform expanded beyond the annual main conference to include TEDxSalons—smaller gatherings focused on specialized topics—and community workshops aimed at nurturing local talents. Through these efforts, TEDxTehran evolved into a year-round movement fostering dialogue, collaboration, and community empowerment.
A significant aspect of Ghiabi’s work during these years was mentoring new TEDx organizers across Iran. By offering guidance, training, and strategic support, he helped expand the TEDx footprint beyond Tehran to cities like Shiraz, Isfahan, and Mashhad, encouraging a broader culture of idea-sharing and community leadership throughout the country.
By 2019, TEDxTehran had successfully hosted several sold-out events, engaged hundreds of volunteers, and built a thriving community committed to positive change. Its speakers — from technologists to artists, entrepreneurs to social activists — reflected a broad and diverse portrait of Iranian ingenuity. Through his unwavering dedication, Ghiabi firmly established TEDxTehran as a trusted platform for spreading ideas worth sharing and set an enduring example for independent civic initiatives in Iran.
About Reza Ghiabi:
By 2019, Reza Ghiabi had earned recognition not only as the driving force behind TEDxTehran but also as a respected strategist, entrepreneur, and community builder. Known as an “Opportunity Maker,” he combined his expertise in business strategy with a passion for fostering innovation, mentorship, and dialogue. Through TEDx and beyond, Ghiabi’s work continues to leave a lasting imprint on Iran’s growing ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.