The SXSW Emerging Tech Expo offered a snapshot of how startups and innovators are applying AI, hardware, and software across industries—from holographic video to electric bikes and recovery tech.
At SXSW 2026, the Emerging Tech Expo showcased how innovation is increasingly focused on practical applications of technology, blending AI, hardware, and user experience into real-world products.
By Laura Kobylecky
SXSW 2026
Some big changes happened for SXSW in 2026. In 2025 it was nine days of events spanning two weekends, but the 2026 edition was reduced to seven days, running from Thursday to Wednesday with a weekend in the middle.
In previous years, the “Interactive” section focused on technology and took place before the Music section, while Film programming overlapped both. SXSW also allowed “secondary badge access,” meaning attendees could sometimes attend events outside their primary badge category if space was available.
This year the “Innovation” section focused on technology, and all three sections occurred concurrently. SXSW also removed secondary access, meaning only Platinum badge holders could cross conference sections.
The old Austin Convention Center has now been demolished, but the conference remains in the same general area, surrounding the flattened space. Hotels have become the main venues. The Fairmont, located between the former convention center site and the I-35 highway, became a central hub of the conference and hosted many of the larger events.
Emerging Tech Expo
One of the larger events at SXSW 2026 was the SXSW Emerging Tech Expo, held in the Manchester Ballroom on the 5th floor of the Fairmont Hotel.
The semi-futuristic but classical construction of the ballroom created a different atmosphere compared to the former convention center. Lighting was dimmer, with chandelier-style fixtures contrasting with the stark brightness of traditional expo halls. Overall, the room felt like a scaled-down version of previous years.
The event was open to the public on Wednesday, March 18th, so the relatively cozy space was occupied by badge holders as well as curious members of the public.
Many booths focused on AI-powered software solutions, ranging from generative facial technology for dubbing to AI-powered gun detection systems. Several SaaS companies also offered tote bags — a conference staple.
A Selection of Booths
Aina Tech
Aina is a company that claims to capture and deliver true holographic video that mirrors the real world. CEO Chaitanya Atrulu explained that the company operates primarily as a software company, though it maintains a studio in Los Angeles as a research lab.
Clients record footage using multiple cameras, and Aina’s software builds volumetric video environments that can be explored in virtual space. The videos can be viewed on laptops, headsets, and other devices.
The key advantage is that once footage is captured, users can virtually direct the scene afterward by creating different camera angles, zooming, and moving through the space, effectively offering visual mobility within a recorded environment.
ChargerGoGo
I spoke with Shawn Wen, co-founder at ChargerGoGo, to learn more about their small charging stations. He described them as “like a vending machine for a charger,” where users pay a small fee — typically $3 to $5 per hour — to charge their phones while they continue their activities.
These chargers are designed for locations with high foot traffic, including restaurants, bars, shopping centers, hospitals, stadiums, and universities.
While the concept is common across East Asia, including China, Japan, and South Korea, the challenge in the U.S. market has been localization, including compliance with regulations and integrating local payment systems such as Stripe.
Wen explained that his background in graphic design helped him understand user behavior and product design, emphasizing empathy and intuitive product features.
Namirsa Wellness
Namirsa Wellness showcased massage chairs and muscle recovery devices focused on active recovery and performance. Their products include electronic stimulators, percussion devices, and foam rollers designed for muscle recovery and relief. Expo attendees could test the chairs directly at the booth, making it one of the more interactive displays.
DNA Hairtools
DNA Hairtools hosted live demonstrations with freelance stylists showcasing their styling tools. One of their highlighted products was the Air Styler, which uses extra-long titanium plates and infrared technology. The product demonstration showed how the tool could create loose curls that lasted throughout a long and windy day.
Free Professional Headshots – Precision Camera & Fujifilm
Another high-interaction booth offered free professional headshots presented by Precision Camera & Video in partnership with Fujifilm. The booth included a full camera and lighting setup, providing high-quality professional photos with expert guidance. The service proved popular among attendees looking to update their LinkedIn profiles.
MOD Bikes
MOD Bikes, an Austin-based company founded in 2017, displayed its electric bikes at the expo. According to the company’s marketing manager, their sidecar attachment is their best-selling product and ships globally, including to Europe, Korea, Australia, and Japan. The bike on display featured a stuffed dog in the sidecar, which attracted significant attention from attendees.
Conclusion
The SXSW Emerging Tech Expo offered a snapshot of where innovation is currently heading: practical applications of AI, hardware products designed for everyday use, and technology focused on improving real-world experiences rather than purely theoretical innovation.
From holographic video and charging infrastructure to recovery technology and electric mobility, the expo demonstrated that many emerging tech companies are focused on solving practical problems while improving user experience and accessibility.
