The current geopolitical landscape has made it clear: Europe must boost its competitiveness and step up support for the startups driving its innovation and growth — and we are here for it.
However, this does not mean Europe should look away from the U.S. — nor should the U.S. look away from Europe— especially as collaboration with China has become more uncertain.
That background adds even more importance to a strategic partnership we couldn’t be more proud of: Sesamers has been exclusively selected to bring 100 European startups to the 40th edition of one of the best events I have ever attended, South by Southwest (SXSW).
Ever since its creation in 1987, SXSW has put Austin, Texas on the map as the place where tech, film, TV and music converge once a year in an explosion of creativity and innovation.
This convergence will be even more manifest in its 2026 edition: for the first time in its 40-year history, all of SXSW’s core programming will take place during the same seven days. Mark the dates: from March 12– 18, 2026, Austin, TX will be the place to be.
If you are a European startup in the fields of AI, creativity, or impact, this means we should start talking now. As the sole third party mandated to coordinate the participation of European startups in the SXSW 2026 Global Innovations Expo, we will be your doorway into a unique showcase.
“With this collaboration, we hope to spotlight the next generation of European founders shaping what’s next,” said Peter Lewis, SXSW’s longtime Chief Partnerships Officer. Going by last year’s numbers of nearly 38,000 SXSW Expo attendees, this will be quite the spotlight.
If you make it, this will give your startup plenty of visibility, but expect all conversations to go both ways. “At SXSW, we’ve always believed that the most powerful ideas emerge at the intersection of cultures, industries, and perspectives,” Lewis said.
Whether you are hoping to join as a startup, or submit an application for a speaking slot, here’s what you need to know about this anniversary edition, and all the big changes that SXSW is implementing.
A new format for a landmark year
SXSW 2026 will be shorter than in previous years, but it will be no less intense — and not just because the Music Festival is expanding to seven nights. The 40th edition will condense all core programming — including SXSW Innovation, formerly known as SXSW Interactive — into a single, immersive week that will foster even deeper opportunities for the creative exchange between industries.
If you are into edtech, note that SXSW EDU will run March 9-12, making March 12 a full crossover day between all events — “All Together Now” will be 2026’s motto.
The city is the venue
Like the best event organizations, SXSW is turning what could have been a major issue into an opportunity. “With the Austin Convention Center under redevelopment, we’re transforming downtown Austin into a pop-up village of creative neighborhoods,” Lewis wrote on LinkedIn.
Austin has always vibrated with SXSW and its hundreds of thousands attendees, but this will take the integration to a whole new level. The idea to create themed neighborhoods is also very promising: according to the organizers, it will give each creative community a dedicated space while expanding the spontaneous encounters that make this event so fruitful.
Europe in the spotlight
A few of Europe’s most interesting companies, such as Firefly Aerospace and Kahoot, have already made their way to Austin in the past. This year, there will be a whole cohort of 100 handpicked European startups, and we are looking forward to coordinating their presence.
Taking part in SXSW Expos will give participants showcase their innovations on a truly global stage. That’s also where SXSW’s unique mix of attendees comes into play: startups can forge relationships that will lead to new strategic partnerships, funding, and new market opportunities.
Where you spot trends — and set them
By blending technology with music, film, design, and social impact, SXSW is a great place to gain early insights into the latest trends — directly from some of the world’s most creative minds. But that could also be you. With nearly half of last year’s attendees coming to SXSW specifically to discover emerging trends, this is your chance to be the trend others are searching for.
If you want to learn more, make sure to contact us. We’ll also share more info as the date gets closer.