The current geopolitical climate has made one thing clear: Europe must boost its competitiveness and step up support for the startups driving its innovation and growth.
However, that does not mean Europe should look away from the U.S., especially as collaboration with China grows ever 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 South by Southwest (SXSW).
Since it started in 1987, SXSW has put Austin, Texas on the map as the place where tech, film, TV and music converge in an explosion of creativity and innovation. And for the first time in its 40-year history, all of SXSW 2026’s core programming will happen during the same seven days: From March 12 to March 18, 2026, Austin will be the place to be.
If you are a European startup related to AI, creativity or impact, 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, Sesamers is your doorway to a unique showcase. Going by last year’s numbers of nearly 38,000 attendees, this will be quite the spotlight.
“With this collaboration, we hope to spotlight the next generation of European founders shaping what’s next,” said Peter Lewis, chief partnerships officer at SXSW.
The SXSW 2026 Global Innovations Expo not only offers startups ample visibility, you can also expect conversations to flow 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’re hoping to join as a startup or apply for a speaking engagement, here’s what you need to know about next year’s edition, and all the big changes coming up:
A new format for a landmark year
SXSW 2026 will be shorter than previous editions, but it will be no less intense. Besides the Music Festival expanding to seven nights, the event will condense all core programming — including SXSW Innovation, formerly known as SXSW Interactive — into a single week that will offer better opportunities for creative exchange between industries.
If you’re an edtech firm, note that SXSW EDU will run from March 9 to March 12.
The city is the venue
Like all the best event organizers, 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.
For 39 years, Austin has proved a warm host to the thousands that throng SXSW, but next year, the new format will take things up a notch. The idea is to create themed neighborhoods that will give each creative community a dedicated space while expanding spontaneous encounters.
Europe in the spotlight
A few of Europe’s most interesting companies, such as Kahoot, have already made their way to SXSW in the past. This year, we’ll see a cohort of 100 handpicked European startups, and we at Sesamers are looking forward to coordinating their presence.
Taking part in SXSW Expos will let participants showcase their innovations on the global scale. And SXSW’s unique mix of attendees will help startups forge relationships that could lead to new strategic partnerships, funding, and even market opportunities.
Where you spot trends — and set them
Because it blends technology with music, film, design and social impact so seamlessly, SXSW is a great place to collect early insights into the latest trends from some of the world’s most creative minds.
That creative insight could come from you, too. Nearly half of last year’s attendees are coming to SXSW 2026 specifically to discover emerging trends, so this is your chance to set the trends others are looking for.
To learn more, contact us. We’ll also share more info as the date gets closer.