Army to share innovation insights at South by Southwest 2024

By Army Futures CommandMarch 4, 2024

Discover the Army's Role in innovation, technology and national security at the South by Southwest Conference in Austin, Texas, March 8-16, 2024.
Discover the Army's Role in innovation, technology and national security at the South by Southwest Conference in Austin, Texas, March 8-16, 2024. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army graphic) VIEW ORIGINAL

AUSTIN, Texas — The U.S. Army will host multiple sessions on innovation, technology and national security during the 2024 South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference, which takes place in Austin the first two weeks of March.

SXSW’s focus on discovery, learning, professional development and networking with creatives from around the world aligns with the Army’s commitment to furthering transformation by sharing new ideas and cultivating collaborative partnerships.

Army leaders, including Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, will join experts speaking at SXSW on official panels. Topics will range from quantum sensors to biotechnology while emphasizing the importance of engaging with entrepreneurs, business leaders and other community members to shape the future of defense and technology.

The Army will also host interactive technology demonstrations that illustrate how the service is leveraging exoskeletons, wearable sensors and power generators, advanced manufacturing, next-generation fuel cell technologies, semi-autonomous aircraft, robotic counter-explosive devices, mixed reality technology and other state-of-the-art tools to improve support to Soldiers and protection of the nation.

Some of the Army's featured events at SXSW include:

The Future of Power: A Creative Discussion on Possibilities

  • March 8; 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
    Thompson Austin Hotel, Red River Ballroom

Transforming for the Future: Innovation, Tech and the Army, featuring Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth and Army Futures Command Commanding General James Rainey

  • March 9; 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
    Hilton Austin Hotel, Salon B

BattleBots Metal Mayhem, presented by the U.S. Army

  • March 10; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    Austin Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 5

The Greatest Innovator in the History of the World

  • March 10; 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
    Hilton Austin Hotel, Salon K

A full list of Army panels and events at the conference are available on the SXSW website. Session attendance is in-person, and participants must purchase conference tickets to access official SXSW events.

The Army will also host innovation and exposition booths at the Austin Convention Center and Hilton Hotel, as well as entertainment events — including Army bands and the Army eSports Team — at 800 Congress Ave.

The Army is proud to serve as a SXSW super sponsor this year and looks forward to playing an integral role in igniting discovery, making new connections with registrants and contributing directly to the SXSW community across all sectors.