2026 Asia x Austin Summit

Now an official 2026 SXSW event, the Asia x Austin Summit returns to the heart of the city.

Positioned at the peak of the SXSW conference schedule, the Asia x Austin Summit is the premier destination for international delegates, tech founders, and civic leaders to explore the "two-way highway" of opportunity between Asia and the Greater Austin region. This is a meeting of minds where global trade offices, cutting-edge AI startups, and regional economic powerhouses converge to build the next generation of bilateral business ecosystems.

Join us at the iconic Long Center for the Performing Arts for a full day of high-stakes insights, venture-focused pitches, and cross-border networking, all capped off by an immersive film- and pop culture-themed afterparty overlooking the Austin skyline.

Info: Kick off the Summit with a high-energy look at why the world is watching Austin, and why Austin is looking to Asia. Featuring opening remarks by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, this session breaks the mold with a dynamic panel of Consuls General and regional leaders.

We’re exploring the "Why Austin" and "Why Asia" synergy, highlighting the cultural and economic ties that make Central Texas the preferred landing pad for Asian investment and innovation.

"Why Asia: The Central Texas Connection" is powered by EllisDon.

Info: From aerospace to the "Samsung Story," the regional ecosystem is evolving at lightning speed. This session spotlights the massive growth in the Texas Triangle, with a deep dive into Williamson County as a global powerhouse for industry and infrastructure. Learn how surrounding counties like Bastrop and Hays are integrating into this regional story, creating a blueprint for economic development that serves as a gateway to the American market.

"Development @ Asia x Austin" is powered by the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership.

Info: Austin is the "Silicon Hills," and this session explores the hardware and software defining our future. From the semiconductor manufacturing boom to the rise of autonomous robotics and specialized AI, we explore the tech sectors where Central Texas and Asian markets are most deeply intertwined. Join us for a look at Central Texas' Asian-inflected tech landscape, focusing on the infrastructure that will power the next decade of global industry.

"Technology @ Asia x Austin" is powered by Plug and Play.

Info: As the sun sets over Lady Bird Lake, the Summit shifts from the boardroom to the skyline. Asia x Austin After Dark is our high-octane signature social: a multi-sensory celebration of modern Asian cultural expressions.

Far from your typical networking mixer; Asia x Austin After Dark a pan-Asian pop-culture takeover. We’re blending the immersive cinematic magic of South Asian storytellers Indie Meme with the electric energy of live DJs, cross-continental performers, and interactive brand activations.

From the beats on the dance floor to the activations on the mezzanine, you’ll experience a curated mix of film, food, and future-forward networking. Whether you’re here to explore the latest trends in Asian cinema or to connect with the global innovators of SXSW, After Dark is where the "two-way highway" of opportunity meets the vibrant pulse of Asian creativity.

Info: In a series of concise, high-impact briefings, representatives from key trade offices, including confirmed experts from Malaysia and Hong Kong, will break down the immediate business and investment opportunities in Asia’s fastest-growing markets. This session provides a rare "direct line" to international trade officers, followed by a moderated panel discussion on navigating the complexities of trans-Pacific commerce.

Info: Designed specifically to highlight international Asian immigrant startups, this two-part "Startup Madness" session is where ambition meets capital. We begin with Investors' Hour, a deep-dive VC focus where founders get the inside track on what investors are looking for in the current market. Then, the energy shifts to our Pitch & Awards segment, featuring rapid-fire presentations from high-growth startups ready to scale on the global stage.

"Startups @ Asia x Austin" is powered by Born Global Ventures.

Info: Where creativity meets commerce... This session explores the booming creator ecosystem and the intersection of Asian talent and Texas film incentives. Whether you’re looking at the business of content creation or the logistics of international co-productions, learn how Asian personalities and creative startups are leveraging Austin-area platforms to go viral and go global.

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Host or Publisher Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce