2026 ASIA x AUSTIN Summit

2026 Asia x Austin Organizational Partners

These innovative companies and organizations help us to cultivate the summit's robust programming and expose this exciting event among our regional and international communities. THANK YOU!

Session Descriptions

Details subject to change.

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Why Asia x Austin

The Central Texas Connection

12 pm-1:45 pm - Kodosky Donor Lounge

Kick off the Summit with a high-energy look at why the world is watching Austin, and why Austin is looking to Asia. Featuring remarks by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, this session breaks the mold with a dynamic panel of regional civic and business 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 x Austin" is proudly powered by EllisDon.

"Why Asia x Austin" Speakers

Kirk Watson, Mayor
City of Austin

Daniel Liu
Long Center for the Performing Arts

Mark Duval
Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce

Anupam Govil
U.S. India Chamber of Commerce Austin

D.C. Manjunath
Consulate General of India, Houston

Jeremy Martin
Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce

Kennie Ong
Enterprise Singapore

Roland Peña
Opportunity Austin

Gunter Emil M. Sales
Philippine Consulate General Houston

Minh Tran
Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce

Tyson Tuttle
Circuit

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Development @ Asia x Austin

The Heart of the Texas Triangle

2 pm-3:15 pm - Kodosky Donor Lounge

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.

Session 2 Speakers

Aaron Demerson
Texas EDC

Mick Hawton
Headwater

Mike Kamerlander
Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership

Dori Kelley

Dave Porter
Williamson County Economic Development Partnership

Jana Spruce
Central Texas Spaceport Development Corporation

Clifford Chiu, moderator
Vista Equity Partners

D.C. Cheung
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), San Francisco)

Jaibalan Harirajan
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

Howard Jeon
Korea International Trade Association (KITA) Dallas Center

Joe Han Lim
Singapore Economic Development Board

Including Remarks From:

Chiling Tong
National ACE

Kevin Farjallah
Plug and Play Tech Center

Sterling Cohen, moderator
Plug and Play Tech Center

Guillaume Binet
Copper Robotics

Milena Boytchef
Amazon Web Services - Autonomous Mobility

Qinfeng Chen
Pontem AI

Sarah Osentoski
Vinci

On-Stage Robotics Demo #1

Youngmok Yun
Contoro Robotics

On-Stage Robotics Demo #2

Dr. Sirisha Kuchimanchi
XTRIUM

"Fireside" Chat: Robotics At Scale

Harvey Williams
Plug and Play Tech Center

Anupam Govil
Avasant

"Community Superpower: The Invisible Infrastructure of Global Innovation"

Dr. Sunny Shuoyang Zhang
Born Global Ventures

Part 1: Global Investment Forum (3:30-4:30 pm)

Inside the Global Venture Landscape: Where Fund Returns Are Really Created

Where are the strongest venture returns emerging today? Led by Kauffman Fellows, this forum brings together leading investors to examine the data, models, and stories shaping ventures across borders. From emerging markets to globally scalable companies, the session explores how great companies — and great returns — can come from anywhere. Expect sharp insights on investment strategy, overlooked opportunities, market shifts, and the future of global venture.

Daniela "Dani" Terminel, moderator
Kauffman Fellows

Nikos Iatropoulos
IA Global Ventures

Anderson Thees
Redpoint eventures

Phoebe Wang
Amazon

Session Host: Lucas Chaya del Pino, CHL Rentals

Part 2: Global Entrepreneur Forum (4:30-5:30 pm)

UNBLAND™ Essentials: The 7 Point Map to Owning Your Lane

The Futur Founder Chris Do delivers real execution insights and best practices, followed by a curated 1-minute startup lightning showcase from emerging founders.

Chris Do
The Futur

Session Host: Yang Cheung, Pixyit

Part 3: International Consuls General Forum (5:30-6:30 pm)

Diplomacy Meets Innovation: How Nations Power Global Entrepreneurship 

Ruth Hughs, moderator
Former Texas Secretary of State

Susan Harper
Consul General of Canada in Dallas

Carlos Martinez
Deputy Consul of Argentina, Houston

Part 4: Born Global Awards & Happy Hour @ Asia x Austin After Dark (6:30-9:00 pm)

The Born Global Summit culminates in the Kodosky Donor Lounge with recognition of world-class investors, founders, ecosystem builders, and innovation ambassadors during Asia x Austin After Dark!

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Creators @ Asia x Austin

Get Noticed!

5:30 pm-6:45 pm - West Pincer Terrace

Where creativity meets commerce... This session explores the booming creator ecosystem and the intersection between Asian talent with local and global brands. 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.

Opening Remarks

Helen Haman
Accenture

Panel 1: The Creator Experience

Justin Joung, moderator
abonado

Amanda
@austinfoodadventures

Matt Choi
@mattchoi_6

Natalie Tran
@itsnatalietran

Panel 2: Brands, AI & Community

A "fireside" discussion facilitated by...

Kathleen Lucente
Red Fan Communications

and featuring...

Allison Stransky
Samsung Electronics America

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Asia x Austin After Dark

Cinema, Soul & Sound

6:30 pm-9 pm - Kodosky Donor Lounge / West Pincer Terrace

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.

Deep appreciation goes out to Indie Meme for their incredible partnership and assistance in programming Asia x Austin After Dark.

THANK YOU!

Asia x Austin After Dark Entertainment

DJ Anupi (on the West Pincer Terrace)

DJ Designer Beatnik (in the Kodosky Donor Lounge)

"The Business of Film" Panel

Ananyaa Ravi, moderator
Indie Meme

Kirtana Banksota
Banksota Productions

Brian Gannon
Visit Austin

Uzma Khan
Tasveer Film Festival

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Know Before You Go

From parking to food, here's everything you need to know to make your Asia x Austin experience smooth and memorable.

Getting There

Central Austin gets very busy during SXSW. Road closures are common and traffic is heavier than usual. Plan ahead and join us early!

• SXSW Shuttle
  • We’re a short walk from the “Palmer Circle Drive” and “Rollins Theater” stops on the Orange line
  • See SXSW’s “Getting Around Downtown for more information
• Riverside Drive Closure
  • Portions of Riverside Drive to the west of the Long Center will be closed.
• Rideshare is the recommended move for most of our non-badge-holders getting to the Long Center. Drop-off and pick-up points may be impacted by road closures in the area. See below for more information.
• Parking is available at the Palmer Events Center Parking Garage, adjacent to the Long Center. The garage is open to the public and costs $20 for the day. The Asia x Austin Summit cannot validate parking.
  • The preferred Asia x Austin entrance to the garage is found at Riverside Drive and South First Street [Google Maps link] near the Long Center’s Circular Drive.
  • PLEASE NOTE that road closures in the area will impact driving approaches to the parking garage. See our Asia x Austin Parking Map [PDF] for the most updated information.
  • Find other parking options on the Long Center Website
• Public Transit: Call CapMetro at (512) 474-1200 or visit capmetro.orgto find the most direct route.
  • Find other transit options on the Long Center Website

Getting In

Entry to Asia x Austin is based on venue capacity, regardless of your credentials. If the venue or a presentation space is full, you may be asked to wait for entry. We strongly encourage arriving early in the day to help ensure you can access the event. Our opening session is fantastic.

• Long Center Mezzanine Entrances:
  • Our main entrance is through the HEB Terrace, up the outdoor stairs from
  • ADA entrance is through the Rollins Theatre Lobby (first floor doors from the PEC Garage)
  • See our Asia x Austin Entrance Map [PDF] for more information.
• Getting Up to Check-in
  • From either the Main or ADA entrances, take the elevator or stairs up to the Mezzanine Floor
• Look for designated lines / check-in stations for SXSW badge holders vs. General Admission ticket holders
• Austin Creator Collective please show your accepted Partiful invite for priority entry.
• NOTE: By attending the Asia x Austin Summit, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded, and agree to allow the organizers, their partners, and sponsors to use these materials for marketing, promotional, or archival purposes on social media and other platforms.

Once You're In

The Mezzanine level of the Long Center affords us three prime spaces for Asia x Austin Sessions: the Kodosky Lounge, the 701 Gallery, and the West Pincer Terrace. Look for signage throughout the space for agenda information.

• There is no public wi-fi onn the Long Center Mezzanine. Cellular signals for most major carriers are strong, though you may experience lag or other difficulties due to heavy network traffic during SXSW.
• The following items are not permitted inside the venue:
  • Outside food or drinks
  • Weapons of any kind (firearms, pocketknives, pepper spray, etc)
  • Professional cameras (cameras with detachable lenses), or video cameras (except credentialed SXSW photo/videographers and Asia x Austin vendors and partners)
  • Illegal or illicit items of any kind,
  • Animals and pets (with the exception of identified Service Animals).
• Snacks and light refreshments, including drinks from Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, will be available during the afternoon sessions.
• During Asia x Austin After Dark (starting at 6:30 pm), enjoy free bites from The Cultured Chefs along with beverages from Tito's Handmade Vodka.

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