PROGRAM

Meet the most promising startups from Germany, exhibiting at the German Haus throughout the day. Dive into a showcase of excellence featuring Quantum & DeepTech, AI-driven Semiconductors, and Smart Infrastructure. Discover how German innovation is transforming Energy, Mobility, Life Sciences, and the Consumer Tech landscape.

Startups:

Presented by:
Startup Germany

Moderation:
Zackes Brustig

Germany is rapidly becoming a global destination for deep tech, sustainability, and research-driven startups. This panel brings together leaders from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, German Accelerator, Delivery Hero, and the de:hub Initiative to discuss why founders and investors from around the world are choosing Europe – and Germany in particular – to build and scale their companies, leveraging world-class research, strong industry ties, and a fast-growing venture ecosystem.

Moderation:
Zackes Brustig

Step into a live recording of the KI Köpfe podcast, captured in real time at German Haus during SXSW. Be more than just a listener—become part of the atmosphere as our audience. Join Dr. Paul Elvers (Funke Media Group), Robert Heinrich (German Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation), and Flora Geske (SUMM AI) for a candid conversation on how AI is reshaping media, government, and accessible communication. Stay tuned after the recording to continue the discussion off-mic and connect with the speakers.

Speakers:
Dr. Paul Elvers, Head of AI, Funke Media Group
Robert Heinrich, Deputy Director General, German Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation
Flora Geske, CEO & Co-Founder, Summ AI

Edge AI is moving from promise to reality as intelligence shifts onto devices and into local networks. This session contrasts two perspectives: consumer driven on device experiences versus upgrading existing industries with secure, reliable connectivity for distributed systems. We will explore where both approaches meet, what “trust” really means at the edge, and what it will take for edge native AI to become the default.

Moderation:
Zackes Brustig

Presented by:
Startup Germany

As the sun sets over Austin, join us for a deep dive into the transatlantic AI landscape, from the ambition of frontier models to high-precision AI designed for industrial adoption. In a candid conversation featuring OpenAI, DeepL, and the German Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation, we unpack the critical tensions: regulation versus speed, and strategic autonomy versus global partnerships. Expect bold takes on fixing policy “bugs,” shifting cultural mindsets, and how talent, trust, and ambition can flow seamlessly between Germany and the US.

Presented by:
Startup Germany

Germany’s boldest AI innovators take the stage at SXSW, ready to make waves in the U.S. market. As part of German Accelerator’s U.S. Market Discovery AI program, founders pitch next-generation solutions built for lasting impact. Discover breakthrough and get a front-row seat to the future of AI.

Register here!

Presented by:
German Accelerator

Join us for the Startup Germany Night, the central meeting point for Germany’s startup scene and its global partners in Austin. After a productive day at SXSW, we invite you to unwind in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Connect with founders, investors, and ecosystem builders from both sides of the Atlantic. Discover the bold ideas driving the next wave of innovation while enjoying first-class DJ sets and a premium selection of drinks. Experience firsthand why Germany remains a world-class launchpad for scalable solutions and lasting partnerships.

Register here!

Moderation:
Zackes Brustig

Speakers:
Kai Hennig, Consul General, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Houston, Texas
Carlos Ealy, Assistant Secretary of State, Texas

Music:
DJ FABIAN KROSS (GER)
JOPLYN (GER)

Presented by:
Startup Germany

Join us today for an on-site exhibition featuring Germany’s most promising startups, showcasing live solutions dedicated to shaping a smarter, healthier, and more sustainable future. This interactive showcase highlights excellence in Digital Health, AgTech, and Mental Wellbeing, alongside cutting-edge GovTech and CivicTech exhibits that redefine public dialogue. Visit the booths to discover how German innovation is leading the way in GreenTech, AgTech, HR Tech, and FinTech using AI and automation to solve the most pressing challenges of our time. Meet the founders and experience their technology firsthand throughout the day.

Startups:
Biohugs – Digital Health
SUMM AI – AI, GovTech
Scriptbee – AI. Automation
Alganize – AgTech / BioTech
Neurolonic – Digital Mental Health
enna systems – Digital Health; AgeTech
Resonance Spaces – CivicTech / EdTech (AI-powered dialogue & debate learning)
Nexus Politics – Civic/GovTech
Revoltech – GreenTech
Pliant – FinTech
Healyan – Digital Health, AI,
clockin – HR Tech

Presented by:
Startup Germany

Start your morning at the German Haus with the innovators shaping the future of content and infrastructure. Fuel up with fresh coffee and light bites while connecting with the international media scene, tech pioneers, and the de:hub community. Whether you’re looking for partners in synthetic media or exploring the latest in streaming infrastructure, this is where the conversation begins.
Enjoy two short, snackable stage talks with our experts and guests from innovative MediaTech ecosystems, dealing with entry barriers and chances to overcome them through innovation.

Register here!

Moderation:
Zackes Brustik

Speakers:
Erdinç Koç, Head of MTH Accelerator, MediaTech Hub Potsdam

Robert Heinrich, Deputy Director General, German Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation

Cornelia Steinbock, Co-Founder, Xounds

Tanner Jones, CEO Vulcan Technologies

Presented by:
de:hub Initiative

Presented by:
European Union

Experience the frontier of German innovation where technology meets human potential. This session moves beyond traditional boundaries to showcase startups that are redefining how we live, heal, and interact.

Block 1: NeuroTech & Next-Gen Therapy Explore the future of care, from biosignal-based biofeedback and non-pharmacological neuromodulation to music-driven rehabilitation and immersive audio designed for emotional regulation and sleep.

Block 2: People Empowered by Tech Discover tools that strengthen society: accessible digital government, civic participation, and inclusive communication. These innovators are building smarter ways to connect people, careers, and communities.
Join us to witness these bold solutions firsthand and engage directly with the founders during the subsequent meet-and-greet.

Moderation:
Zackes Brustik

Speakers:

Presented by:
Startup Germany

Join us at the German Haus to explore the intersection of Generative AI, ethical data leadership, and global innovation. Our stage conversation bridges the gap between visionary tech and real-world impact, sparking high-level insights and international collaboration. Afterward, enjoy a vibrant networking lunch featuring excellent food and curated beats—a relaxed space designed to turn inspired ideas into lasting connections.

Register here!

Speaker:
Christian Byza, CEO & Co-Founder of Purple AI

Presented by:
de:hub Initiative

Dia duit, Good afternoon and Hallo – We’re bringing together the biggest houses at SXSW in an unprecedented pitch battle!
Welcome to this special pitch competition between Ireland, the UK and Germany! Each country puts forward three top notch industry disruptors to face one another in this fight over the price for the best pitch and the boldest idea. Expect fast pitches, real debate, and the kind of cross-border energy SXSW is made for, then stay for the winner reveal and the networking that follows.

Register here!

Presented by:
de:hub Initiative

Regional hubs do more than produce great startups: they act as global launchpads when ecosystems connect across borders. This panel explores the pillars of “real” support for DeepTech founders, moving beyond general advice to focus on procurement access, talent acquisition, and seamless soft-landing pathways between Germany and Texas.
Our experts will deliver a practical playbook on ecosystem collaboration, designed to ensure startups spend less time navigating networks and more time shipping products. Join us to discover how we are building a streamlined corridor for transatlantic growth.

Moderation:
Zackes Brustig

Speakers:
Philippa Köhnk, Managing Director, BRYCK Startup Alliance
Robin Cammarota, Director of Programs, American Council on Germany
Sterling Cohen, Ventures Associate Semiconductor and Aerospace & Defense, Plug and Play Ventures

Presented by:
Startup Germany

Expanding into the US is a multifaceted challenge where speed, positioning, and sales culture are just as critical as the product itself. While US capital can provide a significant boost, it also shifts the expectations and stakes for any founder. This panel breaks down the primary hurdles for German startups, analyzing when US funding acts as a catalyst and when it might create unforeseen complexities. We provide a strategic roadmap for entering the market lean and effectively. discussing how to build a presence that resonates across the Atlantic, with or without a Silicon Valley headquarters.

Moderation:
Zackes Brustig

Speakers:
Christian Weniger, Venture Capitalist, Sloan Fellow at Stanford University
Till Kaestner, Co-Founder, tapgig

Presented by:
Startup Germany

“Hello, how can I help you?” Standard questions that once started human conversations are now chatbot prompts. As AI embeds in workplaces worldwide, how are these tools transforming professional interactions and workplace culture? What risks are encoded in systems mediating communication between colleagues and customers? Who benefits as AI reshapes the workforce? This panel examines the EU’s framework for compliant AI deployment, emerging hiring trends, and shifting skill demands. From voice interfaces to decision-making algorithms, discover how workplace AI is being designed, and what it means for workers, employers, and society at large.

Speakers:
Deniz Houston, Digital Policy Officer, EU Delegation to the U.S.
Elmar de Leuwe, Co-founder, Women in AI Governance

Presented by:
European Union

Growing up, we were told to learn math because calculators weren’t everywhere. Today, most of us carry little black screens that guide our navigation, entertainment, social lives, and for many, our careers. In a world where digital dependence is unavoidable, young people are growing up with technology as the air they breathe, often pursuing careers as creators, influencers, or digital entrepreneurs – many doing five jobs at once. What does this mean for mental health, creator rights, and the value of human connection? And what can be done to protect this critical connection? Join EU Deputy Ambassador Ruth Bajada and Shira Lazar, Emmy-nominated host and founder of What’s Trending and Creators 4 Mental Health, for a fireside chat exploring how we navigate life, work, and relationships in a world we can almost never truly “opt out” of, and how the EU’s decade of innovation in digital governance is helping shape the future we all live in.

Speakers:
Ruth Bajada, Deputy Ambassador of the EU to the U.S.
Shira Lazar, Emmy-nominated host and founder of What’s Trending and Creators 4 Mental Health

Presented by:
European Union

Keep the conversation going with the European Union at Speakeasy! Join us after the fireside chat for a relaxed SXSW networking reception bringing together creators, innovators, policymakers, and digital thinkers from Europe and the United States shaping the future of tech and culture. Expect smart conversations, new connections, and an IRL space to talk about the creator economy, digital policy, and where Europe fits into the global tech landscape, all with good vibes, music, drinks, and EU flair.

Presented by:
European Union

Presented by:
European Union

The German Music Export is co-hosting an official Music Showase together with the EU @ SXSW. More details will follow soon.

Line-Up:
08:00 – 08:40 PM: AIKO (CZE)
09:00 – 09:40 PM: ALINA PASH (UKR)
10:00 – 10:40 PM: THE DHARMA CHAIN (GER)
11:00 – 11:40 PM: NILIPEK. (GER)

Presented by:
European Union & German Music Export

Berlin is a creative city with real career pathways-across design, music, film, gaming, media, and creative tech. In 45 minutes, we’ll break down what the work culture looks like on the ground: international teams, community-driven networks, and fast, collaborative ways of building projects.
Walk away with concrete entry points, practical resources, and a clear sense of how to plug into Berlin’s ecosystem – served with tacos.

Speakers:
Rouven Sperling, Manager Talent, Berlin Partner
Carl-Philipp Wackernagel, Head of Marketing, Berlin Partner
John O’Neill, Global Innovation Lab at Texas Global, The University of Texas at Austin

Presented by:
Berlin Partner & The University of Texas at Austin

Drawing on the NTER 2026 – Nighttime Economy Report, this panel explores how nightlife and the nighttime economy function as critical urban infrastructure – driving talent attraction, cultural innovation, investment, and economic resilience.
Using international case studies from Europe and North America, the discussion connects culture, technology, governance, and capital. We will dive into nighttime governance, global strategies, community-led nightlife, inclusion, cultural infrastructure, and data-driven measurement of the nighttime economy.

Moderation:
Lutz Leichsenring, Co-Founder, VibeLab (Berlin)

Speakers:
Kae Burke, Co-Founder, House of Yes/ Board of Directors, Nighttime Foundation (USA)
Prof. Michael Fichman, University of Pennsylvania (USA)
Meghan Wells, Special liaison for culture & economic development, City of Austin (USA)
JOPLYN, Artist & Producer (GER)

Presented by:
Berlin Partner & VibeLab

How to scale without selling out?

Berlin has a bold cultural DNA, and it has become a home for teams turning impact into real, growing companies.  This session unboxes the Berlin advantage: experimentation as a habit, open networks as infrastructure, and a human way of building that makes high performance sustainable. On stage, you’ll get a 360° view from Berlin and the U.S: across key founders, impactful investors, public leaders, corporates, and creatives, sharing different perspectives of how purpose can be turned into performance. Unboxing The Future is a Berlin-based live talk show where entertainment turns complex topics into clear takeaways, featuring live electronic music jam sessions with the guests and the audience. The room opens up quickly. The conversation gets real. The insights stick.

Join the conversation, and come jam with us!

Speakers:
Christian Strowa, Director, DAAD North America/ Director, DWIH New York
Annie Hardy, Global AI Architect and Futurist, Cisco
Genny Wood, Music Fest Programmer, SXSW
Niko Woischnik, CEO, Tech Open Air (TOA)/ Angel Investor
Anja Schneider – SOUS Berlin, Artist
Rohit Bhargava, Founder, Non-Obvious Company & Bestselling Author of 10 books

Presented by:
Berlin Partner & Unboxing The Future

Sustainable ecosystems: how they emerge, grow, and remain viable

How can structures be built that have an impact beyond individual actors, funding periods, or hype? What role do strategic community management, shared governance, trust, ownership models, talent development, physical and digital infrastructure, and long-term financing mechanisms play? The panel will examine which elements actually make an ecosystem sustainable: clear roles instead of concentration of power, cooperation logic instead of silo thinking, reinvestment models instead of short-term exploitation strategies, and a social infrastructure that enables trust and collaboration. The focus will be on ecosystems in the field of creative technologies – i.e., at the intersection of culture, technology, business, and politics. This is where it becomes particularly apparent how fragile structures can be when commercial success grows faster than governance, fundamental values, and community. In this context, SXSW functions not only as a stage, but as a real-life prototype of a globally networked, hybrid ecosystem – with all its opportunities, economies of scale, and areas of tension between community, market, and platform logic.

Moderation:
Karolin Hewelt – COO Dentsu Creative Germany & Co-Founder RCKT

Speakers:

Presented by:
Berlin Partner & medianet berlinbrandenburg

Don’t miss 15 outstanding and forward thinking Berlin companies as they take the stage for a fast paced showcase session.
Unlike a traditional startup pitch, this format gives our delegation the space to briefly present who they are, what they do, and what they are looking for in the U.S. market.
A curated jury will be onsite to highlight standout insights and select their Jury Picks, offering the audience additional perspectives on Berlin’s most promising innovations.
Are you interested in meaningful business connections, innovation partners, or the next breakthrough coming out of Berlin’s tech ecosystem?
If so, this is the perfect opportunity to get to know the Berlin delegation live on stage.

Moderation:
Carl-Philipp Wackernagel, Head of Marketing, Berlin Partner and Anna Wiese, Manager International, Berlin Partner

Jury:
Mathias Ihlenfeld, Regional Cohort Leader for the Birthing of Giants Regional Cohort Program in Austin and San Antonio
Ilja Radusch, Director Smart Mobility at Fraunhofer FOKUS/ Director Daimler Center for Automotive IT Innovations (DCAITI)
Jörg Arntz, Managing Director at IFA Berlin
Niko Woischnik, Founder, Impresario & Angel Investor/ CEO Tech Open Air (TOA) Berlin
Jenny Tromski, Vice President of Business Development, Impact & Partnership at Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation
Michael Ronen, Founder Wonderland Immersive, CEO, Creator of The Play Economy Framework

Presented by:
Berlin Partner

Close out the night with an authentic Berlin rave featuring JOPLYN, Anja Schneider, suxx puxxy and more.

Please note: Entry for SXSW badge holders only.

Artist Line-Up:
08:00 – 09:00 PM: SUXXY PUXXY | Orya (USA)
09:00 – 10:30 PM: MARTIN EYERER (GER)
10:30 PM – 00:00 AM: JOPLYN (GER)
00:00 AM – 02:00 AM: ANJA SCHNEIDER (GER)

Presented by:
Berlin Partner & SXSW

Join us today for an on-site exhibition at the German Haus, where Germany’s most promising startups are showcasing live innovations designed to redefine how we experience the world. This interactive showcase features a deep dive into the future of MediaTech, Entertainment, and XR, alongside cutting-edge EventTech and Communication tools that are blurring the lines between the physical and digital. Visit the booths to experience firsthand how German innovation is transforming Digital Health and Wellbeing, while leveraging AI to revolutionize Real Estate, Mobility, and HR Tech. Step onto the exhibition floor, engage with the founders, and test the technology shaping the future of creativity and commerce throughout the day.

Startups:
Oaisis – MediaTech, HealthTech
PHONT – MediaTech, Entertainment, AI
TapGig – MediaTech, EventTech
xounds – AI, Health, Consumer
ZAUBAR – Real Estate, AI, XR
Vay – Mobility
FairUp – Event-Tech, HR-Tech
For Eyes – MediaTech, XR
Deepx – AI, HR Tech
INSONE – AI, Communication
HypnoBox – Digital Health
JYMMiN – Digital Health
IFA – Home & Consumer Tech Trade Show

Presented by:
Startup Germany

We don’t enter the future – we imagine it first. In this ideathon, participants “hack the future” through collaborative imagination, treating the future as an active practice we can shape together. Moving through themed stations across society – cities, work, tech, & the arts – we’ll examine how narratives of progress shape innovation. The session will be facilitated by social scientists from the Technical University of Munich in cooperation with the City of Austin, creatives, and other partners.

Facilitators & Table Mentors:
Amy Clare, PhD., Postdoc @ BioSysteM / Technical University of Munich

Marlise Schneider, PhD., Postdoc @ TransforM / Technical University of Munich

Klaus Bengler, Professor for Ergonomics, Technical University of Munich

Evelyn Mitchell, Principal Planner, City of Austin’s Planning Department

Alena Mayer, Co-Founder & CEO, Caldo Worldwide

Arne Totz, Managing Partner, 27KM

Presented by:
City of Munich

This panel explores the idea behind the Transatlantic Music Bridge, a collaboration between the cities of Dortmund and Oklahoma City. Breaking an artist is an incredibly complex undertaking, even more so outside of their home turf. This project is designed to help artists and creative talents on both sides of the Atlantic to learn, gain experience, and grow artistically to achieve success by performing internationally. Drawn up by business professionals with decades of knowledge of how artists can establish themselves in multiple territories, the concept is also designed to secure the necessary funding to present an artist in a territory outside of their home country for an extended period of time. Join us to find out how the Transatlantic Music Bridge is helping artists build sustainable careers.

Moderation:
Sandra Schwalen, Goethe Institut, Houston

Speakers:
Kai Hennig, Consul General, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Houston, Texas
Scott Booker, CEO of Academy of Contemporary Music at UCO
Chris Stemann, Night Mayor, Special Envoy for International Projects, City of Dortmund

Presented by:
City of Dortmund

This panel examines cosmopolitanism as a concept that seems outdated in times of nationalism and polarization. Teddy Cruz and Fonna Forman focus on cross-border urban projects in their work, taking a bottom-up approach, while artist Thomas Mandl addresses the topic from a top-down perspective with his One World Flag. Together, the panel will address the question of how architecture, initiatives, and symbols can promote solidarity as a lived political practice and how global belonging can be rethought today.

Moderation:
Kathrin DiPaola, Creative Director, 1014 – space for ideas, New York

Speakers:
Fonna Forman, Professior of Political Science; Director Center on Global Justice, University of California, San Diego
Teddy Cruz, Professor of Visual Arts, University of California, San Diego
Thomas Mandl, photographer, artist, founder One World Flag, Munich

Presented by:
City of Munich/ Kreativ München

This session bridges the gap between digital experience and physical movement. We feature two distinct clusters of innovation, showcasing how German engineering is redefining both the content we consume and the way we travel.

Block 1: MediaTech & Next-Gen Entertainment: Explore the future of storytelling and digital interaction. This block features pioneers in immersive formats, intelligent localization for global film and streaming, and data-driven performance tools designed to optimize the media landscape.

Block 2: Mobility & Automotive Infrastructure: Beyond the vehicle, we dive into the foundational tech of modern transport. Discover privacy-first automotive data models and next-generation EV power electronics engineered for maximum efficiency and superior charging performance.
Join us to see how these startups are translating complex technology into seamless user experiences, and stay for the opportunity to connect with the founders.

Startups:
Robotop
For Eyes
PHONT
Caldo Worldwide
INSONE
ZAUBAR
TapGig
MAUD
Pulsetrain

Presented by:
Startup Germany

In a world shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, technological change, and shifting migration patterns, talent mobility has become a decisive factor for innovation in both culture and science. This panel explores how cities, institutions, and creative ecosystems can attract, support, and retain international talent amid disruption – and why openness, cultural vitality, and quality of life are increasingly central to global competitiveness.

Bringing together perspectives from public administration, cultural funding, academia, media, and nightlife governance, the discussion connects labor markets, cultural infrastructure, and urban strategy. With insights from Europe and North America, the panel examines how creative and scientific professionals move across borders, what conditions enable long-term exchange, and how cities like Munich, Berlin, Austin, and Montréal are positioning themselves in the global competition for talent.

Moderation:
Christian Strowa – Director, DAAD German Academic Exchange Service & German Center for Research and Innovation DWIH (Germany)

Speakers:
Katja Lucker – Managing Director, Initiative Musik (Germany)
DJ Shani – Radio Host & DJ, Austin (USA)
Jean-François Ouellet – Professor, HEC Montréal (Canada)
Lutz Leichsenring – Co-Founder, VibeLab (Germany)
Dr. Marlise Horvath Schneider – Strategy coordinator for the DFG Cluster of ExcellenceTransforM, Technical University of Munich TUM (Germany)

Presented by:
DWIH & Nighttime Foundation

How can creative ecosystems remain innovative, resilient, and globally competitive when technology evolves faster than regulation, and when cultural visibility is increasingly determined by algorithms, platforms, and digital infrastructures? The conversation moves from AI‑driven artistic transformation to digital infrastructure and access, then to music‑tech innovation in live ecosystems, and finally to the future of cultural resilience. The panel highlights where policy must adapt, where art must push boundaries, and where festivals and subcultures act as laboratories for the next wave of creative technology, shaping and redefining new creative economy business models.

Moderation:
Tilmann Köllner, Journalist 1Live

Speakers:
Rosa Anschütz, Artist
Markus Beele, Music manager and digital economy strategist
Elke Kuhlen, Festival director, c/o pop cologne Festival

Presented by:
German Music Export

RSVP here!

Presented by:
Rolling Stone Germany & German Music Export

Please note: Entry for SXSW badge holders only.

US and international music professionals get the chance to connect with German delegates over a delicious lunch. Please note: Access by invitation only.

Presented by:
German Music Export

Let’s meet at the GERMAN MUSIC EXPORT DAY and dive into the diverse and dynamic soundscape of Germany. Join us for tasty sandwiches and a drink while mingling with other music industry professionals at our reception. Please note: For SXSW Badge Holders only.

RSVP here!

Presented by:
German Music Export

Please note: Entry for SXSW badge holders only.

Artist Line-Up:

Presented by:
German Music Export by Initiative Musik

Music professionals attending SXSW are invited to join us for drinks and snacks before the official SXSW German Music Export Showcase starts.
Please note: For SXSW Badge Holders only.

RSVP here!

Presented by:
German Music Export

Please note: Entry for SXSW badge holders only.

Artist Line-Up:

Presented by:
German Music Export by Initiative Musik