“SXSW Street Art by Bradford Maxfield” by Nan Palermo is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Its that time of year again! South-by-Southwest (SXSW) interactive is back with a host of programming to bring together globally-minded entrepreneurs, businesses and trade officials in Austin, TX from March 10 -18.
Below is a guide to events aimed at globally-engaged entrepreneurs within the official SXSW program catalogue, in chronological order, as well as a taste of some unofficial events held by various foreign delegations to showcase the talents coming out of their respective countries.
We will be contributing to Austin’s global community as we have over the past few years – by hosting a private brunch with Intuit and Google to connect global startups with policymakers and corporations to explore how governments can work with startup communities to enable their global success.
Global Innovation Forum Executive Director Jake Colvin will also participate in a discussion on Tech Advocates and Trump: Best Strategies So Far, on March 16 from 3:30 – 4:30 pm with the Consumer Technology Association, Entertainment Software Association and Ericsson to share thoughts on the most effective strategies for how the tech industry should engage with the new administration.
Who are we missing? Contact us with additions or tweet at us using #sxswglobal.
A Roundup of Foreign Delegations at SXSW
The German Haus returns to Austin for another year. With five days full of events, you can have a beer while mingling with the newest talent out of Germany. While you are there, take a short trip to the alpine wonderland during Austria Day, where you can meet the brightest young startup stars in the Austrian sky.
Once again, Casa Mexico comes up to Austin with an impressive display of music, food, art, technology and much more. Enjoy three jam-packed days of timely panel discussions.
The EU@SXSW kicks things off with a chance to meet David O’Sulliavn, EU Ambassador to the US, while listening to some live Irish music.
The Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Music Industry Federation bring you Aperitivo Italiano. Enjoy live music and Italian appetizers.
Come and immerse yourself in Northern Ireland’s most innovative tech companies at the Great Britain House.
Join the Southern Sweden Creative’s for a rooftop reception hosted by the Swedish- American Chambers of Commerce. Considered the best-located rooftop in Austin, enjoy refreshments while meeting inspiring people in the Swedish gaming, music, interactive and film industries.
48 Global Events from the Official SXSW Program
Friday, March 10
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
In an ever shrinking world, a new community of around 500 million Muslims ages 18 – 25 are using online platforms to carve out spaces that shatters geographical, cultural and stereotypical barriers. With this much disposable income at stake, learn how to address and function within this market place that is heavily based on identity.
12:30 – 13:30 pm
Find out how technology in Canada is enabling a revolution on the reporting and the understanding of chronic disease in real-time. A process that has largely relied on self-reporting is now undergoing a major transformation that could change the way disease is addressed.
3:30 – 4:30 pm
Join in on a discussion led by three Cuban startups on how the island operates largely through offline technology. This showcase of Cuban offline technology could offer different solutions in a world that is far more offline than we think.
3:30 – 4:30 pm
In a conversation led by Kaan Akin, the owner of the accelerator Hackquaters in Istanbul, hear about his discoveries and solutions surrounding the development and the status of tech in a developing world. He offers a perspective distinct to that of his environment, one that differs from trends in the United States and Western Europe.
3:30 – 4:30 pm
An invitation to all Australians (and Kiwis) in tech and in the startup world. Join in on an informal conversation aimed at networking and sharing ideas.
3:30 – 4:30 pm
In this new era of changing U.S. and Cuban relations, attend a discussion that will share the challenges and the way forward within the Cuban startup ecosystem. Incúbate, an innovative program to support the needs of Cuban startups, was conceived as a way to tackle these unique challenges. Hear insights from the first few Incubate workshops that shine a light on the various opportunities Cuba has to offer, that span further than simply tourism.
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Did you know that there are more Africans with a mobile phone than access to electricity? Africa is the world leader in frugal and out of necessity technology. Come and learn for Africans themselves about their innovative solutions to a unique set of challenges faced by 1.5 billion people worldwide.
5:00 – 6:00 pm
In an environment with scarce resources and a less dynamic economy, how can Latin American entrepreneurs create an atmosphere that is conducive to startups and their success? Hear about the different ways these obstacles have been challenged to create innovative companies in Mexico, Brazil and Colombia.
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Mobile applications and social media are booming in Africa. Now, imagine a platform with the ability to combine both of these features with an e-commerce and a broadcasting capability. Find out how this is changing the dynamics of South Africa’s entertainment industry through the Chinese application WeChat. Join Gareth Cliff and find out first hand how CliffCentral.com has become the biggest podcast in Africa with a large range of different features.
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Where is the next tech frontier is often a contentious and challenging question to answer. Whatever your inclination, it would be worthwhile to consider the next tech frontier right under your nose. The Caribbean, an often-overlooked region, is currently at the inception of a tech and innovation revolution led by its youth and now its government. Find out why this region might hold the answers and solutions needed to solve to the next generations of tech challenges.
Saturday, March 11
9:30 – 10:30 am
Find out through this panel discussion the ways finance and access to capital are rapidly changing thanks to technology. Fintech has revolutionized the way capital is used, accessed and where transactions take place. Find out how to navigate within this financial ecosystem from a diverse panel of experts from China, the UK, South Africa and the U.S.
9:30 – 10:30 am
Join Steve Case (co-founder of AOL) and Beth Comstock (Vice Chairman at General Electric) for a conversation surrounding Third Wave. Find out how entrepreneurs will revolutionize major industries and how this will change the world around us.
9:30 – 10:30 am
GO-JEK is an Indonesian company that provides motorcycle based on-demand solutions to combat traffic. Find out from what is now thought to be Indonesia’s first unicorn, how GO-JEK is using technology to combat weak infrastructure and change the lives of many Indonesian micro entrepreneurs.
11:00 – 12:00 pm
Who is an entrepreneur? Where do they come from? What makes entrepreneurs different today than 50 years ago? Challenge your stereotypical image of an entrepreneur and discover the different faces of global entrepreneurship today. These people come from different walks of life but all strive towards promoting economic growth, change and innovation.
12:30 – 1:30 pm
In 2015, the European Union announced the Digital Single Market Strategy (DSM) that will unify its 28 member states into one single digital space. Discover what this means for transatlantic business and the available opportunities within and outside the EU.
3:30 – 4:30 pm
Join three Peruvian social entrepreneurs in a discussion on how social entrepreneurship can not only battle poverty but also result in the discovery of untapped human capital. Using their social ventures as an example, learn how these women combatted poverty and are offering new and long term solutions to a universal problem.
3:30 – 4:30 pm
With an immense access to talent and fresh ideas, Pakistan should be on your radar as a very promising emerging startup scene. However, without adequate access to foreign capital, talent often goes untapped. Discover how this can be changed as well as the opportunities and rewards of doing business in Pakistan.
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Brexit will have a great and far reaching impact on different companies in various sectors of the economy around the world. In this conversation, hear how technology companies around Europe are dealing with the effects of Brexit as well as their future plans.
Sunday, March 12
9:30 – 10:30 am
What is a Smart City? How can Cities around the world use technology to solve equity issues? Join in on a conversation that explains how technology can change and improve interactions within a given geographical location. These solutions span an array if different industries such as real estate, healthcare and retail. Hear about how different Cities around the World are putting technology to good use.
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Want to discover the newest startups in FinTech? During this event, early stage FinTech startups will deliver their pitch to a panel of judges as well as prospective investors.
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Discover how corporations are tapping into startup ecosystems. Through hackathons, accelerator programs and pitch events, see how corporations are not only investing in their future but also fostering innovation.
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
How can technology facilitate international development? Hear representatives from the Gates Foundation, John Snow Inc and PATH elaborate on the ways technology is changing the development landscape and how technology can be used effectively.
12:30 – 1:30 pm
Are traditional nine to five jobs becoming less desirable? Is technology enabling workers to become more independent? Discover more about trends in the gig economy and the future of work.
12:30 – 1:30 pm
In today’s world, there is a unique intersection between retail, e-commerce, branding and marketing. Meet Up with individuals in these fields from all over the world and find out where the world of e-commerce is headed.
12:30 – 1:30 pm
Innovation is central in the world of today, however, access to financing is a challenge most face. Hear from the public and private sector on how International entrepreneurs and startups can access funding in Mexico.
3:30 – 4:30 pm
Imagine never having to stand in a checkout line at the supermarket ever again. Or even being able to buy a coat you see a stranger wearing in under five minutes. Advancements in augmented reality, virtual reality, bots and more could make these realities. Hear a panel of experts discuss their forecasts and predictions on how tech will change traditional commercial interactions.
3:30 – 4:30 pm
Learn from Mexican entrepreneurs in the technology industry of the United States, the do’s and don’ts for international and local entrepreneurs. Hear about their innovative solutions in U.S. tech and challenge their conclusions.
3:30 – 4:30 pm
As more of the world becomes connected through the Internet, the market and need for cyber security grows. Hear from experts within this field how international startups can tap into this growing market, offer new solutions and disrupt the status quo.
5:00 – 6:00 pm
In this day and age, where do we draw the line with regards to privacy? With particular focus on the European market, this discussion aims to highlight the new challenges to consumer rights presented by new technologies such as cloud storage services, fitness wearables, connected toy and more.
Monday, March 13
9:30 – 10:30 am
Learn about citizen diplomacy through TechWomen. A program that matches women all over the developing world with mentors from Silicone Valley companies and nonprofits. Find out about the changing faces of diplomacy and how it is achievable through technology.
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chinese technology is not only booming in their domestic landscape, but the Chinese are also investing heavily in talent around the world. Don’t get left behind. Attend this session to uncover ways to enter and integrate into the Chinese ecosystem before its too late.
12:30 – 1:30 pm
It is a well known fact the Universities are breeding grounds for the next big thing, after all, some of the biggest technology companies have been founded on university campuses. Now, imagine the result of connecting all these university student innovators and entrepreneurs globally. Join in on a discussion on the challenges and benefits of creating a global university startup and innovation platform.
12:30 – 1:30 pm
It is not news that worldwide, there are a disproportionate number of girls and women without an education. Or that women face personal and professional challenges simply due to their gender. This talk will focus on how technology can change the lives and destinies of women around the globe through simply sharing stories.
12:30 – 1:30 pm
Data collection and tracking technology has changed the way law is enforced and prevented around the world. This panel aims to highlight the effective ways governments can use crime data to create safer environments along with the challenges that will arise if these technologies are misused to target vulnerable communities.
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Technology has changed almost every single aspect of the world around us, including philanthropy. Find out how new technologies have changed the ways individuals engage in philanthropy and how this activity is being measured.
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Doing business in China, with Chinese clients, consumers and suppliers can seem like a very daunting task. This talk aims to highlight the nuances of doing business in China and to help the international company or entrepreneur on the ways to approach the Chinese market place.
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Latin America has been identified as a dynamic and largely untapped market for innovation, entrepreneurship and investment. Meet Up with and hear from Latin American entrepreneurs about the intricacies of doing business in the Latin American landscape and about the types of opportunities available.
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Entering the Asian market place has proven very difficult for many Silicon Valley companies. Attend this session to learn from their mistakes and how to navigate the business climate needed for a successful Asian expansion.
Tuesday, March 14
9:30 – 10:30 am
With its unique geographic position and its strong trade relations with established markets and the emerging markets of Asia, Australia is positioned to become a strategically located innovation hub. Learn what Australia is doing to become the business gateway to Asia.
9:30 – 10:30 am
In the past few years, Hackathons have become more popular across the world as well as across different sectors. As such, it must be asked whether this can be harness on a global scale. Instead of community or company wide hackathons, is there opportunity to harness this impact globally?
12:30 – 1:30 pm
Come and witness some of the most unusual and cutting edge products from technology startups at the University of Tokyo. This session not only showcases the dynamic talent accessible on college campuses but also starts a conversation surrounding the ways to promote and harness such innovation in universities around the world.
Wednesday, March 15
3:30 – 4:30 pm
Its one thing to build a successful and popular app in one country, however, to scale it and make it a global success is another. Find out from a panel of experts what it takes to fulfil almost every entrepreneur’s dream: going global.
3:30 – 4:30 pm
Today, record labels have more information about their listeners than ever before. This information is not only useful for producing content, but has proven to be vital for branding. Join this discussion to find out how U.S. labels can export their brands with the help of new technology.
5:00 – 6:00 pm
What are the most effective ways to promote an artist locally and internationally? Find out from industry experts how people around the world are using American marketing campaigns to benefit artist development.
Thursday, March 16
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Globally engaged female entrepreneurs can not be ignored – they are entering the international marketplace at a higher rate than your average business. The panel plans to discuss the changing roles and responsibilities for women in this digital age.
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Curious about how Trump’s immigration policies will impact the skilled workforce of the tech industry? The H-1B visa program has long been used by the tech industry to hire skilled workers from around the world. Hear about the impact of the recent Executive Orders and alleged reforms.
3:30 – 4:30 pm
Global Innovation Forum Executive Director Jake Colvin, along with several other policy influencers, will share thoughts on the most effective strategies for how the tech industry should engage with the new administration. Wondering how to get through to the Trump team? Come hear what they have to say.
5:00 – 6:00 pm
With trade under attack and a return to mercantilist stances, how will global value chains be impacted? The expert panel, including trade experts from the Obama administration, will discuss how the new Administration’s stance on trade could impact our interconnected world.