Past TEDx event

TEDxCUQ Ulster University

Built by Choice

Took placeFebruary 4, 20265:00 PM - 7:30 PM (GMT+3)
LocationLusail, Ad Dawḩah, Qatar
FormatUniversity
From the heart of Qatar’s innovation ecosystem, TEDxCUQ Ulster University invites you to explore how the future is not shaped by chance, but by conscious human decisions. Built by Choice is a reflection on responsibility, intention, and leadership in a world defined by rapid technological, social, and cultural transformation. Every system we create, every platform we build, and every innovation we introduce is the result of deliberate choices that carry long-term impact. Bringing together founders, innovators, technologists, healthcare leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs from across Qatar and beyond, this TEDx event will examine how purposeful decision-making shapes progress. Our speakers will challenge assumptions around technology, ethics, creativity, and human-centered design, offering real-world perspectives on what it truly means to build for the future. From artificial intelligence and digital platforms to healthcare innovation, creative industries, and cultural influence, Built by Choice highlights the moments where intention matters most. It explores how values, responsibility, and vision guide the choices that define societies, industries, and lives. At TEDxCUQ, we progress not as something that simply happens, but as something we consciously design.

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

  • Amr Metwally

    Healthcare Innovation Strategist

    Amr Metwally is a healthcare innovation leader, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker with over 20 years of experience in healthcare and digital transformation. He has led projects exceeding USD 7 billion, translating innovation into system-level impact. Twice recognized as Chief Innovation Officer of the Year, Amr is an entrepreneur with multiple successful exits, bringing expertise in building and scaling ventures from concept to impact. An HEC Paris EMBA alumnus, he serves on HEC Paris selection committees. Currently in executive healthcare innovation leadership, Amr is a frequent international keynote speaker, having presented in over 20 countries on leadership, innovation, and decision-making under uncertainty.

  • Dr. Bushra Shammout

    Investor and Senior Advisor at Transform vc

    Dr. Bushra Shammout is a distinguished professional with expertise spanning academia and venture capital. She co-founded a university biotech spinout and serves as Senior VC Advisor at Transform VC, specializing in deep-tech due diligence, commercialization strategy, and scaling frontier research. Dr. Shammout is deeply committed to strengthening human security through science-driven policy and emerging technologies, focusing on critical issues such as youth unemployment, climate change, and public health. Her extensive experience includes fellowships with the Atlantic Council (Millennium Fellow), the Council on Strategic Risks (Midcareer Biosecurity Fellow), and UNODA (Biosecurity Fellow), where she contributes to AI governance and dual-use risk mitigation across critical infrastructure and emerging scientific domains.

  • Homara Choudhary

    Presenter & UN Moderator - Homara Media LLC

    Homara Choudhary is an international broadcaster, moderator, and founder of Homara Media LLC. With over 20 years’ experience across the BBC, ITV News, Euronews, and Al Jazeera English, she is known for guiding conversations that connect power, policy, and people. Today, she hosts and produces high-level dialogues for global summits and institutions, helping leaders communicate with clarity, credibility, and purpose. Her work sits at the intersection of storytelling and strategy, translating complex ideas into human truths that move audiences. Homara is currently completing an MA in International Affairs at King’s College London.

  • Ibrahim Baker

    Co-Founder - Manjam Capital

    Ibrahim Baker is a strategic advisor specializing in change management, digital transformation, and ethical innovation. His work focuses on helping organizations navigate complexity by placing human values at the center of decision-making, particularly in finance, technology, and emerging systems. With experience working across diverse markets and institutions, Ibrahim bridges strategy, leadership, and systems thinking to address how choices made today shape long-term outcomes. He is particularly interested in the human impact of transformation, and in how leaders can balance progress with responsibility. His perspective combines practical experience with a reflective approach to leadership in an increasingly fast-changing world.

  • Katina Aghayan

    CEO - Kingdom Konsult

    Katina Aghayan is the Founder and CEO of Kingdom Konsult, a boutique consultancy . She is a visionary leader committed to shaping global transformation through sustainability and the circular economy . Her firm delivers an end-to-end sustainability approach, integrating strategy and operations for businesses and governments . She is also a Board Member of the ICC Qatar Low-Carbon Energy Transition Working Group

  • Nour Al Hassan

    CEO - Tarjama AI

    Nour Al Hassan is the Founder & CEO of Arabic AI and Tarjama&, and a Jordanian entrepreneur based in the UAE since 2011. She founded Tarjama& in 2008 after identifying a major gap in how Arabic content was created, managed, and scaled for businesses across the region. Nour holds a Bachelor of Laws from Al Ahliyya Amman University and completed executive education in AI and emerging technologies at MBZUAI and Singularity University. She has been recognized by Forbes Middle East, Entrepreneur Middle East, Arabian Business, The CEO Magazine, and EY Entrepreneur of the Year. Under her leadership, Tarjama& grew into a global Arabic language technology provider serving Fortune 500 clients across the GCC and MENA, with presence in Europe, the US, and Asia. The group evolved into Arabic.AI, has raised $25M, employs over 250 staff, and works with a global network of 160K professionals. Nour’s mission is to position Arabic as a first-class language in global AI.

Organizing team