In a new kind of TEDx event, student speakers will take the stage this Thursday at Tech’s first-ever TEDxStudent.

The two-hour event will showcase 10 students who will discuss their own ideas related to the TED theme of “ideas worth spreading.”

“TEDxStudent was born from the idea that each and every student on this campus has a story,” said Sameera Omar, one of the event organizers. “We wanted to create an environment that allowed students to voice these passions and thought-provoking insights to their own peers in the hopes of building a more connected and empathetic culture.”

TED (short for technology, entertainment and design) has gained traction internationally through conferences featuring short, engaging presentations by leaders in a variety of fields. Videos of the “TED Talks” are then made available online for the masses. The TEDx program is designed to bring the TED experience to more narrowly defined communities and enable them to organize events that emulate the global and national conferences.

Omar hopes the student talks leave attendees feeling “fuller than when they entered.”

“The application process was really competitive, and the presenters have come a long way in refining and enhancing their talks," she said. “Everyone has a passion and an idea for something — whether it's been recognized or not — but students often forget the sheer amount of power they embody to inspire those around them.”

TEDxStudent, sponsored by TEDxGeorgiaTech and SEED Initiative, begins at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Student Center Theater. It is free and open to all members of the campus community and beyond.