SXSW 2025 – Stories, Connections and a View to the Future
I returned from SXSW 2025 on March 14th, and it’s taken me a little while to reflect. The process has been slow, especially because the experience was so intense, vibrant, and full of life. SXSW was more than just a conference. It was a reminder of what’s possible when creative minds come together with purpose and openness.
What stood out most this year was the sheer depth of storytelling in immersive formats. I spent time exploring Extended Reality (XR) experiences that blurred the boundaries between art, memory, and technology, and left me thoughtful, inspired, and creatively recharged.
Art of Change was one of the most emotionally resonant pieces I experienced. Directed by Simone Fougnier - Funilab and Vincent Rooijers, it guides you through a reflective, poetic journey via voice memos to past and future selves. The environments shift from forest to office to mountaintop as you move through moments that explore change, grief, hope, and letting go. There was something incredibly intimate about it. It didn’t try to overwhelm you; it just gently asked you to be present with yourself.
And then there was NOWISWHENWEARE (the stars), my personal favourite. Created by @AndrewSchneider Andrew Schneider, it felt almost spiritual. You enter a darkened room that slowly lights up with 4,000 stars responding to your presence, surrounded by an expansive soundscape with hundreds of audio channels. It was like standing inside a living constellation. I found myself slowing down, breathing more deeply, and just being still. It reminded me how important it is to make space for quiet and wonder in our lives.
Another highlight was the opportunity to showcase SENSEcity Augmented Reality viewing scope, Historiscope, at UK House. Being part of the Innovate UK Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP) meant I had the chance to share my work on an international stage, alongside a cohort of brilliant, passionate founders. The energy within our group was incredible — so much kindness, insight, and generosity in how we shared ideas, supported each other, and celebrated our collective wins.
Some of my most cherished moments came from unexpected spaces, like connecting with the amazing women from Executive Moms. We found each other in between talks and tech demos, and those conversations were grounding in a way I didn’t know I needed. We spoke about building businesses while raising tiny humans, about ambition, burnout, joy, and letting go. It felt like finding a little pocket of calm and strength in the middle of all the SXSW buzz.
I also met two incredible mentors during the trip. The kind of mentors who listen, reflect, and ask the right questions. The kind you carry forward with you. 💼🧚♂️ Vinisha Rathod Ren Akinci
SXSW led to some incredible meetings with prestigious organisations, museums and venues globally, and I can't wait to see how these conversations unfold.
And of course, there was Michelle Obama. She was speaking on my last day at SXSW, and there was no way I was going to miss it, so I joined the two-hour queue... and took a meeting while standing in line. (Dani LeBlanc)Just me, my iPad, and a bit of hotspot juggling. Worth it! Being in the same room as Michelle Obama was powerful. She has a presence that’s calm, commanding, and deeply human. Her words around grace, leadership, and showing up with intention stayed with me — the perfect close to an intense and inspiring week.
So yes, I came to SXSW with professional goals. But I left with far more: new friends, unexpected mentorship, moments of stillness and awe, and a renewed sense of direction. Sometimes, it’s not about what you’re launching or pitching. It’s about what you absorb, and who you become in the process.
Until next time, Austin.
Written by Pooja Katara, Founder