Moses Znaimer’s Ideacity returned for its 17^th Year with the theme of the Number 17.  Ted-style talks of 17 minutes in length showcased issues ranging from eating bug food Hakuna Matata style to the moral debate of sex with robots (yes, there is a debate over whether Stepford Wives are a good idea for lonely souls).

Here are a few highlights.

Diamonds:

Maarten de Witte aka the Diamond Wizard spoke about his work in creating man-made diamonds. A master diamond cutter, de Witte has over 40 years in the gem trade.  Eco and ethical concerns, along with technology advances, have made man made diamonds a viable alternative to traditional diamonds. Manufacturers claim their patented man made diamonds are “identical” to mined diamonds in their physical and optical properties.  Naturally, lab-grown diamonds are a threat to the natural market and share price of diamond mines.  They also provide new opportunities for the industry and for gemology training.

Dignity:

Dutch architect Barbara Alink has invented to Alinker bike. A vehicle for social change, this tricycle is essentially a mobility aid enabling the user to move while at a comparable height to all those he or she encounters.  On the Alinker, you can be “upright and actively moving, be at eye-level, have your hands free, have no stress on the lower limbs, sit with good posture, be stable and feel safe.” It’s also fun and easy to use.

Diet:

Hakuna Mataka, anyone?  The Ontario Science Centre hosted a power snack break of food made from bugs.  Billed as “high in protein and low in environmental impact,” the claim was “mealworms and other insects are the next wave in high-powered health food.”  Many of the speakers at IdeaCity spoke about the health benefits of a vegan diet, as well as ways to live a lifestyle the was eco-friendly.  Eating bugs in the brownies and cookies provided during the snack break was a way this conference showcased first-hand the unlimited options of the future.