12:00-1:00 pm:

Narrowing Transatlantic Digital Divides Amidst the ‘Geopolitization’ of Tech

Exclusive Tech Policy Lunch co-hosted by iconomy. 

More information & apply to attend: https://iconomy.partners/news/sxswpolicy 

When leaders of the global tech and innovation ecosystem meet at SXSW 2025 this March, the landscape will look nothing like it did at this time last year. The new political leadership in D.C. came into office with radically new priorities, while the very fundamentals of the transatlantic relationship are shifting. Brussels is in a moment of deep uncertainty, Berlin will just have had an election and will be similarly in flux. Europe as a whole is battling with the realisation its whole economic model for the past two decades is terminally unsustainable and deep changes need to take place: from a transatlantic tech agenda to the ‘geopolitization’ of tech. At SXSW 2025, iconomy will bring together a small group of leading voices from the transatlantic tech community to address these topics head-on. We will discuss current challenges with a focus on the exploration of tangible paths forward under Chatham House Rules. 

Speakers:

• Dr Christina Caffarra (Honorary Professor at University College London, Co-Founder of the CEPR Competition Research Policy Network and a leading competition economist with over 25 years’ experience | London, UK)
• Johannes Bahrke (Digital Counselor, European Union Delegation to the United States ) 
• Björn Bormann (Director Legal, GetYourGuide | Berlin, Germany)  

Moderation:Felix Styma (Managing Partner, iconomy | Berlin, Germany) 

1:00-2:00 pm:

AI vs. Creativity in Music

Panel Discussion co-hosted by medianet

We will kick off the program with a short welcome by Michael Biel, State Secretary for Economic Affairs in Berlin.

This panel will give an insight into the future of music making and the almost endless possibilities for Ai in music. We will also discuss limitations of AI and ethical as well as economic concerns of the industry. Almost three out of four music creators in Germany and France already fear that they will soon no longer be able to make a living from music due to competition from AI. This is the result of the “AI and music” study published by GEMA and its French counterpart SACEM in 2024. 

Speakers:

• Tracy Chan (CEO, Splash Music | Brisbane, Australia)
• Alberto Chapa (Business Development & Certified Trainer, Ableton | Austin, USA)
• Bryony Cooper (International serial entrepreneur and investor at PT1, former professional singer, occasionally rocking out as front woman of 'BC & the VCs’ | Berlin, Germany)
• Martin Eyerer (DJ from Berlin, Managing Partner at Riverside Studios | Berlin, Germany)
• Hierba Malita (DJ, radio host and journalist focusing on underground music | Austin, USA) 
• Dion Baez (Vice President Music Marketing, SoundCloud | NYC, USA)

Moderation: Jeannine Koch (CEO at medianet | Berlin, Germany) 

2:00-3:00 pm:

XR Meets AI: How Films Turn Into Immersive Experiences

Panel Discussion

The parallels between the creative and technology sectors are becoming ever clearer, as both areas are increasingly dependent on each other. We experience a new era of lifelike, interactive avatars that can transform industries from entertainment to education. In addition, the rise of AI offers transformative opportunities, particularly in revolutionizing character creation, interaction and personalization. Technology is more than just a tool, it can be a creative partner in the film industry. 

Speakers:

• Margaret Chandra Kerrison (Senior Creative Director at TAIT, creating immersive experiences for a.o. Walt Disney and Airbnb, author of a.o. ‘The Art of Immersive Storytelling’ | CA, USA)
• Rodrigo Terra (Co-founder and Chief Technology Evangelist at ARVORE Immersive Experiences, Founder at XRBR X-Reality Companies Hub, President of the Brazilian Game Dev Association ABRAGAMES | Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• Katharina Haverich (Founder of the new Berlin School of VR, conceptual performance and media artist, lecturer at the Berlin University of the Arts | Berlin, Germany)
• Roman Lipski (painter and artist, experimenting with Quantum Blur | Berlin, Germany)
• Arndt Schwering-Sohnrey (German actor starring in a.o. Quentin Tarantino‘s ‘Inglourious Basterds’, Producer audio-visual Content at TrustBox | Berlin, Germany) 

Moderation: Carl-Philipp Wackernagel (Head of Marketing, Berlin Partner) 

3:00-4:00 pm:

Coffee Break

4:00-5:00 pm:

Creative Cities After Dark: Policies Driving Culture, Economy, and Talent 

Panel Discussion co-hosted by Vibe Lab

As cities strive to remain competitive in the global economy, vibrant nightlife and cultural scenes play a pivotal role in attracting top talent, fostering innovation, and creating thriving urban ecosystems. This panel brings together global leaders and experts in economic development, city planning, and nightlife advocacy to discuss smart policies that connect cultural vibrancy with economic growth. The panel will explore how intentional policy frameworks can transform nightlife into a driver of cultural identity and economic vitality while addressing key challenges like inclusivity, sustainability, and urban equity. Case studies from Berlin, Austin, Atlanta and New York City will illustrate strategies for leveraging music and culture to attract and retain talent in the tech and creative industries. 

Speakers:

• Michael Biel (State Secretary for Economic Affairs in the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises in Berlin, City of Berlin | Berlin, Germany),
• Rocky Bucano (Founder & CEO, The Hip Hop Museum | NYC, USA)
• Caleb De Casper (Performer and LGBTQ+ activist, recognized by the City of Austin for his contribution to the culture of his adopted hometown | Austin, USA)
• Sabine Romero (Global Business Expansion, Division Manager, Economic Development Department, City of Austin | Austin, USA)
• Ruben Salgado (photographer based in the USA and Berlin, a.o. for National Geographic on Berlin’s club scene)
• Phillana Williams (Director Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment & Nightlife, City of Atlanta | Atlanta, USA)  

Moderation: Lutz Leichsenring (Co-Founder Vibe Lab, ex spokesperson for Clubcommission Berlin | Berlin, GER) 

5:00-6:00 pm:

Enablers of a Thriving Innovation Ecosystem in Berlin and Beyond

Panel discussion and pitch competition

Tech conferences and innovation hubs as physical spaces for encounters and exchange play a relevant role in the promotion of successful startups. Among other things, they fulfill the important function of connecting innovators across specialist and geographical boundaries, promoting an exchange of personal experience and enabling collaboration. They are essential for the success of each startup ecosystem. We will hear case studies from Berlin’s and Austin’s innovation landscapes as well as our jury’s expert advice for 16 highly innovative and exciting startups and scaleups from Berlin who will pitch their ideas live on stage. Explore the Berlin Delegation

Speakers & Jury:

• Cherie Werner (Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer, FIESTA | Austin, TX, USA)
• Niko Woischnik (Founder, TOA Tech Open Air | Berlin, Germany)
• Leif-Erik Lindner (CEO, IFA | Berlin, Germany)
• Kristen Plymale (Global Growth Director, Venture Café | Austin, USA)
• Dr Ilja Radusch (Managing Director, Daimler Center for Automotive IT Innovations –DCAITI | Berlin, Germany) 

Moderation: Carl-Philipp Wackernagel (Head of Marketing, Berlin Partner) 

All day

Art Installations 

• Photo Exhibition ‘Berlin Must Go On’ by Ruben Salgado 
• Art Exhibition ‘Quantum Blur’ by Roman Lipski 
• The Hip Hop Museum & Microsoft present ‘FlowScholar’ 
• Fashion Show by the Austin Community College (ACC) Fashion Incubator, showcasing the work of selected aspiring designers from Austin
• 3:00-3:45 pm Film Screening ‘Brecht Into the Metaverse’ (with English subtitles) by Katharina Haverich incl. Q&A  

Berlin Delegation

Are you an entrepreneur or executive in tech? Are you looking for meaningful business partnerships? Or are you looking for the next big thing in tech? If so, use this opportunity to get to know our delegation of startups and scaleups from Berlin:  

• Along Technologies (SalesTech, AI)
• Amped Labs/ Scavengar (Media, Entertainment, Culture)
• Delivery Hero (FoodTech, Food Delivery)
• Factfox (AI, Customer Support)
• Founder Institute Germany (startup support, innovation management)
• GetYourGuide (TravelTech, Travel Industry)
• Green City Development (Ecosystem building, innovation management)
• Institut für Abenteuer/ TrustBox (EduTech, AI)
• Just 4 Noise (MusicTech, AI)
• momox (Re-Commerce)
• Overnice Creatives (Brand and product design)
• Possible Digital (GovTech, Consulting)
• RAVE.SPACE (VR / XR / AR)
• TissUse (Biotech)
• Tomorrow Biostasis (Longevity, Biotech)
• YMusic/ Berlin School of VR (New Media, VR)

Find out more about the delegation members in the Company Booklet

Contact

All questions regarding:

• Berlin Delegation: Anna Wiese: anna.wiese@berlin-partner.de
• Panels, Speakers and Berlin as a Business Location: Faye Freyschmidt: faye.freyschmidt@berlin-partner.de
• Marketing: Antje Marquardt: antje.marquardt@berlin-partner.de

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Header Photo: MJ Tangonan on Unsplash