presentation design / IllustrationTED2025: Humanity Reimagined
Visual storytelling for a TED2025 talk on food waste innovation.
Work Led & Delivered:
Visual identity of the talk & presentation design
Illustrations
Infographics
When Apeel Sciences co-founder Jenny Du was invited to speak at
TED2025: Humanity Reimagined, it became a landmark project for the team.
Her talk explored how nature-inspired innovations can address global food waste,
showcasing Apeel’s plant-based technology that extends the shelf life of
produce without the need for plastic or refrigeration.
Photo: Jasmina Tomic / TED
The Approach
We developed the visual identity of the talk, creating presentation design, supporting graphics, illustrations, and infographics, all tied together by a cohesive visual language. Our aim was to use simple yet impactful visuals that placed information in a relatable context for the audience, translating complex science and data into clear, emotionally resonant storytelling.
Because TED’s strict design standards required minimal use of Apeel’s own branding, we crafted a visual system that subtly echoed Apeel’s aesthetic while keeping the focus firmly on the content, ensuring it commanded the spotlight it deserved.
The Impact
The talk reached a global audience of millions, carrying a powerful message of hope and innovation. As Jenny shared in her own words: “We’re optimistic that our one small innovation using common ingredients inspired by the ancient wisdom of plants is playing its part in having an impact, reinventing the food system, and helping it create abundance for it.”
Her talk on YouTube surpassed 300,000 views within the first two weeks of publication, amplifying awareness of Apeel’s mission and technology on an unprecedented scale.
Press
TED: The science of making fruits and veggies last longer
TED Blog: Babies, brains and breakthroughs: Day 4 of TED2025
GoodGoodGood: In TED Talk, chemist debuts 'natural peel' that extends the life of produce without 'refrigeration, pesticides, waxes, or plastics'
YouTube: The Science of Making Fruits and Veggies Last Longer
Photo: Jasmina Tomic / TED
“Your slides are so well-designed
and the colors are beautiful - I love them!”
Helena Bowen // Speaker Coach, Speechwriter
Photo: Jasmina Tomic / TED
“Alena is our creative master mind, so all of the
credit really goes to her, while the rest of the team supported with data!! :)”
Jenny Du // SVP External Affairs & Co-Founder, Apeel Sciences
– This project was completed while Alena was Associate creative director at Apeel Sciences –