From March 8 to 11, 2025, the German Haus once again opened its doors at SXSW in Austin, Texas – and impressed with an eclectic mix of inspiring technologies, creative impulses and top-class networking. This year, the Digital Hub Initiative was once again represented in the German Haus and we were up close and personal with startups from our network and all over Germany. Among others, MTH startups such as Volucap, ZAUBAR, Djoid, Beat Squares, JYMMiN, Brandenburg Labs GmbH, Phont and SWAI were with us in Texas.
The opening day started with a German Happy Hour, which brought together founders, investors and industry experts. This was followed by talks and discussions on topics such as international AI regulation, the impact of AI on the music industry and the connection between extended reality and AI for film and storytelling. In addition, leading German AI start-ups presented their innovations, including MTH start-ups such as Djoid, Beat Squares and JYMMiN.
A special highlight was the Bavarian Networking Breakfast, which brought together numerous representatives from the Bavarian media, film, music and creative tech industries. Here, start-ups, established companies and investors exchanged views on new perspectives and opportunities for cooperation.
The panel discussion “AI and Media” was particularly exciting for us, with experts such as Sven Bliedung von der Heide (Volucap), Karlheinz Brandenburg (Brandenburg Labs GmbH) and Hannah Nieswand (MediaTech Hub Potsdam) discussing the massive changes that AI is currently causing in the media world.
The panel participants agreed on one point in particular: in order to continue setting standards at an international level, Germany must actively participate in this innovation process. SXSW 2025 has clearly shown where the journey can take us – with artificial intelligence as a driving force, practical applications in the metaverse and a strong focus on a sustainable and responsible creator economy.
We would like to thank the Digital Hub Initiative as well as GTAI, German Haus and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection for the organization, but also for the opportunity to be represented at SXSW again this year.
