Stephen Akinremi

Business leader, Entrepreneur, Environmentalist, Scientist

I am a seismologist and I model seismic hazard and simulate synthetic seismic waveforms. My previous research work focused on imaging the crust and upper mantle beneath the Netherlands and Botswana. I'm an entrepreneur as well. I run Akin Visuals, a scientific visualization and illustration studio that helps researchers communicate complex science clearly. I'm also building VersDirect, an agrologistics venture in Osogbo, Nigeria. Earlier, I co-founded a startup, BigBite in Osogbo. Since 2019, I have organized and curated TEDxOsogbo. I'm passionate about unearthing unheard voices, sharing local ideas worth spreading globally, and starting conversations about the issues facing my community, with a focus on practical solutions. As a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) volunteer, I work to help young people understand the SDGs, engage with them, and influence how they are put into practice in their own communities.

Using earth science to make communities safer and more resilient, and making science understandable to everyone. I also love music and art, the environment, entrepreneurship, and volunteering.

Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Investing in people at the grassroots is how we build societies that develop sustainably. Education should also reach beyond the four walls of the classroom: knowledge only matters when it is linked to real contributions to society.

Business Development, Geoscience, Leadership, Strategy

I have followed TED Talks for many years, and the ideas I've found there have shaped how I think and what I care about. My first TEDx experience was in 2017 as an organizing team member for TEDxOkumagbaAve. I have also volunteered at and attended TEDxLagos, TEDxYaba and other events. In 2019, I started TEDxOsogbo, and organizing and curating it has been one of the most rewarding things I do. In the Netherlands, I have served on the curation and speakers team for TEDxAmsterdam and TEDxTwenteU.