2026 ASIA x AUSTIN Summit
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 (12:00 PM - 9:00 PM) (CDT)
Description
Where Global Innovation Meets Central Texas Opportunity.
On Tuesday, March 17th, the Asia x Austin Summit returns to the heart of the city, now an official 2026 SXSW event.
Positioned at the peak of the SXSW conference schedule, the 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.
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Event Details
WHEN: Tuesday March 17, 2026; 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
WHERE: Long Center for the Performing Arts - Mezzanine Level
710 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704
Agenda At-A-Glance
Explore expanded session details below.
Sessions are in development and details are subject to confirmation - check back often for updates!
VENUE: KODOSKY DONOR LOUNGE (12 - 9 pm) | |
| 12:00 - 1:45 pm [session info] | Why Asia x Austin?: The Central Texas Connection |
| 1:45 - 2:00 pm | Networking Break |
| 2:00 - 3:15 pm [session info] | Development @ Asia x Austin: The Heart of the Texas Triangle |
| 3:15 - 3:30 | Networking Break |
| 3:30 - 6:00 pm [session info] | Technology @ Asia x Austin: Robots, Chips & Rockets |
| 6:00-6:30 pm | Networking Break |
| 6:30 - 9:00 pm [session info] | Asia x Austin After Dark: Cinema, Soul & Sound |
VENUE: 701 GALLERY (2 - 6:30 pm) | |
| 2:00 - 3:15 pm [session info] | Markets @ Asia x Austin: The Trade & Investment Connection |
| 3:15 - 3:30 pm | Networking Break |
| 3:30 - 6:30 pm [session info] | Startups @ Asia x Austin: Born Global Summit & Awards |
VENUE: WEST PINCER TERRACE (5:30 - 9:00 pm) | |
| 5:30 - 6:45 pm [session info] | Creators @ Asia x Austin: Get Noticed! |
| 6:45 - 9:00 pm | Austin Creator Collective VIP Launch |
Sponsor Asia x Austin
Sponsoring Asia x Austin puts your brand front-and-center among our community representing thousands of dynamic, talented entrepreneurs, professionals, and other leaders from across the Central Texas Asian business community. Partner with us today!
Download a PDF of this Sponsorship Booklet
Program Sponsors
Program Sponsors support the development and presentation of one of our exciting Asia x Austin sessions.
"Startups @ Asia x Austin"
powered by:
"Why Asia"
powered by:
Program Sponsor At Large:
"Markets @ Asia x Austin"
powered by:
"Technology @ Asia x Austin"
powered by:
"Development @ Asia x Austin"
powered by:
Williamson County Economic Development Partnership
International Partners
Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (HKETO) San Francisco
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
Philippine Consulate General Houston
Opportunity Partners
Bastrop County Economic Development Partners
Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership
Economic Partners
Joel Ho, REALTOR | Batya Porter, REALTOR
Venue Partner
Long Center for the Performing Arts
Food & Beverage Sponsors
Event Production Partners
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
Sessions are in development. Details subject to change.
Connect with @GAACCAustin:
Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
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 opening 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: The Central Texas Connection" is powered by EllisDon.
Opening Remarks
Kirk Watson, Mayor
City of Austin
"Why Asia x Austin" Speakers
Cory Baker
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
Gunter Emil M. Sales
Philippine Consulate General Houston
Minh Tran
Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce
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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.
🌟 MORE SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING SOON 🌟
"Development @ Asia x Austin" is powered by the
Williamson County Economic Development Partnership.
Session 2 Speakers
Mike Kamerlander
Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership
Dave Porter
Williamson County Economic Development Partnership
Jana Spruce
Central Texas Spaceport Development Corporation
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Markets @ Asia x Austin
The Trade & Investment Connection
2 pm-3:15 pm - 701 Gallery
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.
🌟 MORE SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING SOON 🌟
"Markets @ Asia x Austin" is powered by JP Morgan Chase.
Session 3 Speakers
Clifford Chiu, moderator
Vista Equity Partners
Jaibalan Harirajan
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
Howard Jeon
Korea International Trade Association (KITA) Dallas Center
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Technology @ Asia x Austin
Robots, Chips & Rockets
3:30 pm-6 pm - Kodosky Donor Lounge
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.
🌟 MORE SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING SOON 🌟
"Technology @ Asia x Austin" is powered by Plug and Play.
Session 4 Speakers
Kevin Farjallah
Plug and Play Tech Center
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Startups @ Asia x Austin
Born Global Summit & Awards
3:30 pm-6:30 pm - 701 Gallery
The Born Global Summit & Awards brings together investors, ecosystem leaders, and ambitious startups for cross-border innovation.
This four-part session begins with an Investor Forum, offering founders direct insight into what top-tier VCs are actively seeking in today’s global market. The program then shifts into Founder Success Stories & Startup Pitch Rounds, where entrepreneurs share lessons, and selected startups present rapid-fire pitches for visibility, recognition, and global opportunity.
Born Global celebrates founders who think beyond borders, building globally, scaling internationally, and shaping the next generation of innovation.
🌟 MORE SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING SOON 🌟
"Startups @ Asia x Austin" is powered by Born Global Ventures.
Opening Remarks
Dr. Sunny Shuoyang Zhang
Born Global Ventures
Part 1: Global Investment Forum (3:30-4:30 pm)
Nikos Iatropoulos
International Accelerator
Daniela "Dani" Terminel
Kauffman Fellows
Anderson Thees
Redpoint eventures
Part 2: Global Entrepreneur Forum (4:30-5:30 pm)
Part 3: International Startups - Lightning Pitch Round (5:30-6:00 pm)
DETAILS COMING SOON
Part 4: International Consuls General Forum (6:00-6:30 pm)
DETAILS COMING SOON
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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.
🌟 MORE SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING SOON 🌟
Opening Remarks
Panel 1: The Creator Experience
Justin Joung, moderator
abonado
Amanda
@austinfoodadventures
Matt Choi
@mattchoi_6
Natalie Tran
@itsnatalietran
Panel 2: The Brand x Creator Ecosystem
Mark Duval, moderator
Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce
Allison Robl 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
Uzma Khan
Tasveer Film Festival
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GAACC Corporate Sponsors & Partners
The generous support of these sponsors and partners allows GAACC to continue delivering programs to members and to the public with the mission of Serving Local, Thinking Global, and Being Heard - and to support our members through advocacy, education, and connections.
THANK YOU!
701 W. Riverside Dr.
Austin, TX 78704 United States