SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries.

The SXSW Conference provides an opportunity for global professionals at every level to participate, learn, and network. Featuring a variety of tracks that allow attendees to explore what's next in the worlds of entertainment, culture, and technology, SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.

Browse 2017 confirmed sessions for this track on the SXSW Schedule.

Startup Village Sessions

Browse the prominent events that occur within Startup Village® below.

SXSW Accelerator

The ninth annual SXSW Accelerator Startup Pitch Competition will take place at SXSW Startup Village® on Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12. A live audience, as well as a panel of expert judges will discover advancements in various sectors of emerging technology. The SXSW Accelerator Award Ceremony will be on Sunday, March 12 at 7pm.

SXSW Release It

SXSW Release It is a special pitch competition in Startup Village® on the opening day of the SXSW Conference, Friday, March 10. Ten cutting-edge companies launching a new product or service during this SXSW season will present to a panel of industry experts and a winner will be chosen based on which product or service is most likely to succeed in the marketplace.

International Programming

A variety of sessions that take an in-depth look at the possibilities and problems facing startup tech industries around the world. Some of the topics we see in this space include international investment opportunities, international business regulations and hurdles, immigration laws, developing markets (particularly in Latin America, Asia and Africa), country-specific ecosystems, and media engagement in the global marketplace.

Film Programming

Film Startup Village highlights the many connections between the film industry and entrepreneurial world. Covering and showcasing a variety of topics ranging from film startups and entrepreneurs in film to running your film like a startup, come hear from industry experts and innovators pushing the boundaries of the industry.

Music Programming

Music Startup Village brings together startups and entrepreneurs as well as investors and cutting-edge digital tastemakers in music. Come hear from industry experts about new and innovative developments and trends in music.

Startup Collegiate Sessions

Consisting of panel sessions and pitch events, Startup Village® Collegiate Sessions showcase collegiate institutions that have degree programs with a focus on startup and entrepreneurial­ related initiatives. By offering this type of programming, we hope to create exposure for these forward­ thinking educational tracts and facilitate growth within these organizations.

Tech Startup Spotlight

Discover emerging startups at the Tech Startup Spotlight on Friday, March 10 and Monday, March 13. An engaging reception with complimentary drinks, the Tech Startup Spotlight provides two unique opportunities to meet with and get demos from some of the brightest startups today.

SXSW Startup Village FAQ

Read the FAQ for answers to frequently asked questions about SXSW Startup Village®.