TEDxSuzhou Women

Speakers

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

• Kenan Zhang

  A Ph.D. in Engineering, graduated from Cardiff University (UK) and Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Dr. Zhang Kenan has long focused on zero-carbon architecture, renewable energy, building-integrated energy systems, and ESG system construction. She has led multiple national-level low-carbon projects, promoted the integrated application of "Generation-Grid-Load-Storage-Intelligence," and actively engaged in public science communication. Her story is about how an "I" integrates into the Earth, the greatest "we" — technology is not cold; it can become the language of reconciliation between humanity and nature.

• Sujuan Du

  At East China University of Political Science and Law, she has been voted "Top Ten Teacher" by students for 18 consecutive years. On Bilibili, she is @杜素娟聊文学 (Du Sujuan Talks Literature) — with over 30 million views, affectionately nicknamed "Internet Mom" by netizens. She uses classical literature to interpret the confusions of contemporary young people: involution, aimlessness, relationship anxiety… Every sentence feels like a gentle embrace. For three consecutive years, she has won Bilibili's "Golden Knowledge Award" and "Annual Treasure Teacher" in the Knowledge Zone. This time, she will take the TEDx stage to tell us: how can literature transform "I" into "we," and how can it heal the loneliness of this era?

• Tianyi Zhou

  He proposed and practiced the concept of "Portable New Media Scenarios," integrating inflatable models, light and shadow, mechanics, and interactive installations into an emotional-space system that can tour across cities. Zhou Tianyi's works explore the dynamic relationship between light, air, and structure, turning public art into a flowing theater of "we" in the city. As the only male among the six speakers, he will bring a perspective on "softness": why, in an increasingly hard era, people instinctively gravitate toward softness.

• Xiaoyan Cao

  With over 15 years of experience in new-energy composite material R&D, she has undertaken more than ten national and provincial-level scientific and technological projects, and filed nearly 100 patents. Dr. Cao Xiaoyan leads her team in breaking through world-class challenges in nano-functional composite materials for battery thermal-runaway protection, with full-scenario adaptability far exceeding national standards. Her founded company has been recognized as a National High-Tech Enterprise and a Specialized and Innovative SME, and won second prize in the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. In the male-dominated new-energy sector, she proves with hardcore technology: the power of "we" has never been about gender — only about conviction.

• Yidi Chen

  Selected as one of Vogue Business 2025's Global Top 100 Innovation Leaders, Chen Yidi is dedicated to breaking down barriers between design, technology, and manufacturing, driving next-generation materials such as bio-plastics and recycled fibers toward commerce and daily life. Her collaborative footprint spans international brands and Shanghai Fashion Week, and has been featured in WWD, Jing Daily, and Wallpaper multiple times. In her view, the future of materials is the future of "we" — a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable community.