ACADEMICS and students from the University of Bolton will be taking to the stage to inspire others.

The university has been granted a special licence to hold the first TEDx University of Bolton conference on Tuesday, March 8.

The student-led conference is designed to bring together innovative thinkers from across the university and larger community to explore ideas, says the university, 'for our collective future'.

The event’s theme ‘Crossing Paths — Intersecting Ideas’ encompasses ideas and approaches which are said to represent some of TEDx’s core values of forward-thinking, innovation and inspiration.

Students, academics and members of the local community will make up the audience.

A university spokesman said: "TED and TEDx give important ideas a voice. The sort of ideas that catch our curiosity; insight that challenges our attitudes and inspires new ones. The uniqueness of TED and TEDx is to do this without a political, religious or commercial agenda and to spread ideas to a far-reaching and growing audience. TED and TEDx events are held in this spirit."

TED is a non-profit organisation devoted to 'Ideas Worth Spreading'. Starting as a conference in California more than 30 years ago, TED has grown to support those world-changing ideas with many initiatives. At TEDx events, a combination of live presenters and TED Talks videos spark deep conversation and connections at the local level.

The annual TED conference invites the world's leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes or less. Speakers have included co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates; renowned primatologist, Jane Goodall; American author, Elizabeth Gilbert; founder of Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson and Nobel Prize winner, Daniel Kahneman.

Ticket sales and speakers will be announced later this month TEDxUniversityofBolton website tedxuob.com.

Follow updates and announcements about TEDxUniversityofBolton on Twitter @tedxuobolton