This year’s SXSW in Austin was once again a vibrant meeting point for global innovators and the Dutch delegation made its mark. NBSO Texas co-organized the official welcome dinner for Dutch participants, alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Dutch Wave, and Creative NL, warmly greeting our compatriots as they kicked off a week of inspiration.
Stef and Bee attended the International Business Forum hosted by the City of Austin, where the mayor proudly emphasized the city’s appeal for tech startups, an observation we wholeheartedly echo.
A standout moment was the session “Immersive Dreams and Nightmares,” led by Eva Heijblom, Director-General for Digitization and the Public Sector at the Dutch Ministry of the Interior. The panel highlighted Dutch perspectives and artistic values in a rapidly changing world, drawing a full house and sparking meaningful dialogue.
We also took part in sessions on the energy transition, life sciences & health, and sports particularly relevant with the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaching. Throughout the week, we engaged with Dutch entrepreneurs and creatives to explore opportunities in Texas.
At CzechInvest House, Stef represented the Netherlands in a panel on market entry strategies, regulatory landscapes, and investment opportunities across several EU countries, highlighting the Dutch perspective within a broader European context.
Meanwhile, NBSO Texas hosted a Dutch Meet-Up at Jackson Walker LLP, providing one-on-one guidance to participants exploring business expansion in Texas. Another highlight of the week was the Life Sciences boat cruise on the Colorado River, where international innovators connected with international investors and healthcare leaders to exchange insights on advancing innovation in the health sector.
The Dutch presence was strong, and the appetite for collaboration is growing – SXSW 2025 was a success, and we’re already looking forward to next year!
