The program opened with two standout speakers: Daniel Castle shared insights into innovation at Apple, while Reinhard Ekl highlighted how agentic AI and voice technologies are transforming workforce strategies and emergency response.
At the CIMIX Breakfast Sessions, Philipp Baldauf presented Ahoi Kapptn! and shared perspectives on strategic communication, followed by Doris Christina Steiner on building visibility in a crowded digital space.
Sunday’s “BOLD MINDS” breakfast session, opened by Helen Todd, featured a multisensory experience by Anna Rosinke and Maciej Chmara, showcasing Austria’s strength at the intersection of food, science, and design.
The week continued with a session by Ferdinand Doblhammer, a Vienna‑based media artist working at the intersection of machine learning, immersive installations, and investigative media art.
The day continued with curated SXSW sessions and concluded with a networking dinner that brought together members of the BOLD Community US, CincyAI for Humans, and ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA to explore collaboration opportunities and strengthen transatlantic ties.
The final day delivered an energetic and inspiring close. Rachel Hale, known from American Idol, opened the morning with a vibrant musical performance.
At the closing CIMIX Breakfast Session, thought leaders continued to push boundaries: Thomas Knüwer invited the delegation to re:publica Vienna, while Kris Hofmann presented her immersive XR project Out of Nowhere, offering a glimpse into the future of storytelling in Europe. The delegation later experienced her work firsthand at the SXSW XR Exhibition.
SXSW 2026 once again highlighted Austria’s innovative and creative strength on a global stage. The delegation demonstrated how cross-industry collaboration and bold ideas drive meaningful impact.
