I had the pleasure of attending SXSW, the annual technology, music, and film festival held in Austin. It’s a must-visit event for staying updated on mainstream technology trends and niche applications. This was my fourth time attending over the past decade, and it never fails to deliver a valuable experience.
Key Takeaways from SXSW 2025
Quantum Computing
Quantum computing was a hot topic at SXSW 2025, with IBM CEO Arvind Krishna predicting a major breakthrough within the next three years. Major players like AWS, Microsoft, and IBM are making significant advancements in this technology. While quantum computing is not yet practical for most applications, the excitement surrounding it justifies further exploration. Is practical application on the horizon? Stay tuned for a detailed analysis in my upcoming article.
XR Technology
The hype around XR technology, particularly virtual reality, has cooled off compared to previous years. While there were some VR demos and mentions of augmented reality, the focus was not as strong as before. Augmented reality still shows promise, but VR is still seeking practical enterprise applications.
The Maturing AI Conversation
AI remains a buzzing topic at SXSW, with a more practical approach in discussions. Sessions focused on system integration, security improvement, and creating customer value. The use of general-purpose transformers is widespread, with a shift towards scaling AI initiatives across enterprises. While many questions remain, we have moved beyond the early adopter phase of AI.
Shift in Corporate Marketing Budgets
Notably, major tech companies were absent from the primary show floor at SXSW 2025. Corporate marketing spend seemed to be down, with fewer big brands showcasing their products. However, there were still engaging sessions and keynote fireside chats with tech CEOs, despite the lack of major announcements.
Public Sector Focus on Entrepreneurship
While corporate spending declined, the public sector’s presence grew at the event. Many cities and countries had exhibit booths and hosted their programming and events. Startup showcases and pitch events were prevalent, highlighting the shift towards entrepreneurship in economic development efforts.
Looking Ahead
SXSW offers a vast array of events, panels, demos, and more across Austin. If you haven’t attended before, I highly recommend it, despite the high cost. It provides a unique opportunity to interact with industry leaders and gain valuable insights.
Stay tuned for upcoming articles where I’ll delve deeper into topics like quantum computing, AI, regulatory impacts, and the evolving tech landscape. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome. Visit riot.org for more information.
