Enterprise and Future of Work
Technologies and platforms that empower organizations to operate more efficiently, securely, and intelligently in an increasingly connected world—while reimagining how, where, and why work gets done. This category includes Enterprise SaaS solutions that drive scalable business operations across departments including sales and Human Resources. It also covers Vertical SaaS tailored to the specialized needs of a variety of industries. Startups in this space leverage AI/ML for Enterprise to power decision support systems, workflow automation, predictive analytics, and intelligent process augmentation. Additional focus areas include project management, human capital systems, APIs, knowledge management, cloud computing, MLOps, and AI-driven customer service—tools that collectively shape the future of work, business intelligence, and enterprise growth at scale. These innovations often focus on simplifying processes through innovative workflows and intelligent design, enabling more efficient and personalized user experiences across enterprise functions. Solutions may also incorporate personalization across enterprise functions, as well as platforms that support both businesses and individuals in navigating modern productivity demands.
Entertainment, Media, Sports & Creator Content
Technologies and applications that are re-inventing the experience of leisure, information, sports, and entertainment. Industries these technologies address may include gaming, music, film, television, video, arts, mixed-reality events, news and publishing, e-sports, sports analytics, streaming, computer-directed reporting, podcasting and audio content, social media, virtual production, user-generated content platforms, digital fashion and avatars, children’s technology, digital storytelling, and more.
Healthcare, AssistiveTech & BioTech
Technologies focused on human-centric applications that advance medicine and wellness and connect individuals with health systems and facilities, medical technologies and devices, care teams, providers, health insurance, pharmaceuticals, corporate and personal wellness services, and public health and social services. These startups may include applications in aging and geriatrics, vaccines, mRNA technology, general wellness, assistive technology, diagnosis, treatment, reproductive health, synthetic biology, digital therapeutics, women’s health, genetics, sports and exercise, home fitness, plant-based therapeutics, molecular diagnosis, lab-on-a-chip, child monitoring systems, sleep, and medical wearable technologies.
Innovative World Tech
This category is for any creative and innovative application, product, or service that does not fit in another SXSW Pitch category, as well as technologies that act as the infrastructure that new technologies are built on. Examples that might fit into this category include (but are not limited to) societal good, biodegradable materials, decentralized energy grids, neuromorphic computing, social media platforms, aerospace, nanotechnology, pet tech, quantum computing and computer chip technology, and others.
Intelligent Systems, Robotics, & Multisensory Technology
Technologies that enhance the way people connect, communicate, and share unique life experiences with those around them in a digital ecosystem. These technologies may be related to machine-simulated intelligence, consciousness, ease, speech, the Internet of Things and smart devices, or a machine's ability to perform, anticipate, and streamline tasks without human assistance. These startups seek to address a wide variety of issues and may include Web5 and decentralized applications, wearables, blockchain technology, multi-sensory incorporation, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), Super Apps, generative AI, AI chips, autonomous systems, human-robot interaction, Robotic Process Automation, Natural Language Processing, and more.
Smart Cities, Transportation, Manufacturing & Logistics
Technologies that create and advance smart cities, enhance transportation systems, modernize manufacturing, transform logistics, and strengthen government infrastructure and civic operations. These innovations improve urban environments, mobility, industrial automation, global supply chains, and the travel and tourism industry. Applications include real estate development, infrastructure, utilities, public works, security, population data, government and civic services, digital service delivery, transparency, and urban planning and design. This category also encompasses advancements in transportation, such as autonomous vehicles, automotive improvements, ridesharing, multi-modal mobility, product delivery, and logistics optimization. In manufacturing, it highlights Industry 4.0 innovations like IoT-enabled production, 3D printing, robotics, metamaterials, predictive maintenance, digital twins, augmented construction, omnichannel management, and AI-driven industrial automation. Supply chain and logistics technologies focus on automation in warehouses, last-mile delivery, inventory management, and AI-powered demand forecasting.
Smart Data, Security, and FinTech
Innovations that harness data and protect digital ecosystems while reimagining how people and institutions interact with money and information. This category includes startups focused on big data collection, simulation, analysis, and interpretation—turning raw information into actionable insights. These solutions prioritize effective data presentation and visualization, making complex content accessible through advanced analytics and user-centric design. Cybersecurity measures include threat detection, response, digital privacy, identity and access management, encryption, secure communications, infrastructure protection, and resilience against cyberattacks. This category also features cutting-edge financial technologies including fraud prevention, fraud protection, open banking, programmable money, cryptocurrencies, insurtech, embedded finance, payment systems, and alternative risk scoring. Solutions often support e-commerce platforms and help institutions maintain secure, scalable, and data-intelligent infrastructures. These innovations are critical in enabling trusted, connected digital economies across industries like finance and advertising.
Student Startups
Student startups that are showcasing innovative technology with a focus on Enterprise and Future of Work; Entertainment, Media, Sports & Creator Content; Healthcare, AssistiveTech & BioTech; Innovative World Tech; Intelligent Systems, Robotics, & Multisensory Technology; Smart Cities, Transportation, Manufacturing & Logistics; Smart Data, Security, and FinTech; Student Startups; and Sustainability, AgTech & Food. A student from the startup management team will need to present at SXSW Pitch if selected as a Finalist or Alternate, as well as must be enrolled at a College or University during the SXSW Pitch event.
Sustainability, AgTech & Food
Technologies that enhance agricultural efficiency, improve sustainability, and drive profitability in food production. This includes innovations in agriculture, horticulture, and aquaculture, as well as broader sustainability efforts in environmental management. Examples include food sustainability, food waste reduction, farm data, soil microbe data, crop protection, biofertilizers, biostimulants, supply chain transparency, agri-food testing, alternative proteins, animal health, aquaculture, farm management software, the blue economy, the green economy, hydroponics, vertical farming, Consumer Product Goods (CPG), and precision agriculture. Additionally, this category includes AI-driven farm automation, regenerative agriculture, controlled environments, and smart irrigation systems, along with sustainable practices such as waste management and recycling, water management and conservation, water security, carbon-neutral construction, air quality monitoring and pollution control, and climate change solutions.
