SXSW 2025 key talks & Innovation Awards Finalists showcase
Benchy#5 -> SXSW at full speed: AI, quantum computing, Bluesky’s vision, Kojima’s storytelling, breakthrough innovations that are shaping the future!
SXSW: CREATIVITY AT THE CENTER
The focus at SXSW shouldn’t be only on the big keynote talks. What makes this event worth attending is the inspiration it brings and a more optimistic vision of the future.
Of course, the conference tackles complex topics—from the climate crisis and the concentration of power among a few billionaires to the uncertainty of employment in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
But beyond these discussions, what stands out the most are the innovation projects and companies presenting solutions that deserve just as much attention as the main panels.
In this edition of Benchy, there’s a bit on both topics.
Amy Webb: FTSG - Future Today Strategy Group
Straight out of what felt like a sci-fi movie, Amy Webb had her must see talk. She delivered a session that felt even more futuristic and mind-blowing than ever, thanks to rapid advancements across multiple research fields, pushing forward key trends that will shape our future.
Urgency on Climate Change → Her introduction was impossible to ignore. She emphasized the urgency of addressing global warming and the ongoing challenges we still face regarding environmental and climate variables.
Multi-Agent Systems & AI Evolution → The speed at which AI is evolving is staggering. New models are being deployed at an unprecedented rate—sometimes within the same day. Looking ahead, Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) will work together, enhancing reasoning and accelerating progress even further. Interestingly, to maximize efficiency, these AI systems won’t even communicate in human languages but will instead develop a mathematical, machine-driven language, similar to DroidSpeak, a new AI language developed by Microsoft.
Embodied AI, Sensors & Human Integration → This rapid evolution of AI will allow humans to be embodied with AI, where sensors track and analyze bodily data—everything from heart rates to neural activity—unlocking powerful applications. These sensor networks are shifting from passive observers to active controllers, meaning, hypothetically, in a work setting, the system could detect stress and automatically cut your connectivity to your computer until you relax.
AI and Biology → One of the most groundbreaking examples she highlighted was Google’s AlphaFold 3, an AI capable of predicting the structure and interactions of every molecule. The advancements in this field are so dramatic that they could revolutionize every physical product, from food to construction materials. This also opens the door to meta-materials—materials that defy conventional physics, such as a brick that breathes like a lung and purifies city air.
Organoid intelligence → This conversation naturally led to organoid intelligence, where real brain cells are integrated with machines. Since neurons possess unique capabilities, they offer radically new possibilities—and guess what? This isn’t the future—it’s already happening. Companies like Cortical Labs are already selling these hybrid AI-biological machines. The rise of living intelligence suggests that microscopic organic machines could soon connect with our bodies, revolutionizing countless aspects of our lives.
Robotics→ Robots have historically struggled with real-world learning—something as simple as tying a shoelace requires massive amounts of data, making it difficult for them to master. But thanks to advancements in AI models, improved platforms, and next-gen hardware, we are finally at the tipping point. The robotics age is here.
It was an eye-opening talk that truly broadened perspectives on where humanity is headed in the next 10 years. Some of these advancements aren’t far off—they are already unfolding before our eyes.
Lastly, the FTSG always releases an extensive trend report—a massive 1,000+ pages filled with insights on various topics. It’s definitely worth checking out! You can download it here.
Her full SXSW 2025 talk is also available on the official SXSW YouTube channel—a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of technology and society.
Jay Graber: Bluesky CEO
The talk itself covered pretty much all about Bluesky, it's strategy, how the social media innovate, some of it's features and the future and what Jay and her team envisions for the social network.
Bluesky is an open social network, a microblogging platform similar to what Twitter once was. Its goal is to make social media more like the web—free and open—by building its service on the AT Protocol rather than functioning as a traditional platform.
This means Bluesky is decentralized, allowing users to have greater control over their feeds and data. Being open-source also means the code is publicly available and can be replicated by anyone, while user data, posts, and identities remain portable across platforms, that’s why Jay described it as a “billionaire-proof” platform: even if a billionaire were to buy Bluesky tomorrow, users could seamlessly migrate to another service if they chose to.
Bluesky currently has around 32 million users. The CEO stated that her vision is to create a great product first, ensuring its value before exploring different monetization strategies, such as subscriptions, developer services, and even a marketplace.
Jay also made headlines for wearing a T-shirt that translated as: “A world without Caesars”, a clear contrast to a shirt worn by Mark Zuckerberg a few weeks prior, which said: “Or Zuck or nothing.” The full talk is also available on SXSW official youtube channel.
Arvind Krishna: CEO of IBM The future of AI and Quantum computing
Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, but will it replace programmers? Not quite, says Arvind Krishna. While AI is becoming a powerful tool for writing code, he estimates that it will assist rather than replace developers, contributing to 20–30% of coding tasks—far from the 90% automation some speculate. For him, AI is about enhancing productivity, and in a competitive market, productivity is what truly drives success.
Looking to the future, Krishna believes quantum computing is on the verge of groundbreaking developments that could transform industries and while AI and quantum computing are often seen as separate fields, he argues they are deeply complementary—quantum computing could supercharge AI’s ability to solve complex problems and unlock entirely new possibilities.
For Krishna, the future isn’t about AI replacing us—it’s about how we use it to push human potential further than ever before
Hideo Kojima: Death Stranding 2
The panel felt more like a game launch than a traditional presentation, but it was still interesting. Hideo Kojima is well known for his breathtaking creativity and storytelling in games. Early in his career, he was told that "games don't need stories"—a notion he set out to challenge. Legend has it that he read 300 books while developing a single game, proving that story and art matter.
Aside from unveiling the game trailer, there was also a chat with part of the cast, featuring Samus Reed and Woodkid, ending with the announcement of a global concert showcasing music from Death Stranding 1 & 2.
Kojima is also someone to watch beyond gaming, as two franchises he envisioned are making their way to the big screen. Death Stranding is being adapted by A24, while a Metal Gear movie is reportedly in the works.
Ian Beacraft: Shows What Actual AI-Powered Company Looks Like
Adaptation and resilience, both keywords introduced several times. The talk begins by examining history highlighting past disruptive innovations such as engineering architecture and car manufacturing. While these transformations reshaped industries they did not eliminate jobs entirely. Instead they forced workers to adapt and acquire new skills.
Today transformation is deeply tied to the necessity of learning at an accelerated pace. In the past a worker could rely on a single skill for decades but now the rapid cycle of change demands continuous learning. Beacraft predicts that as human longevity increases we will not only work longer but also need to enhance our ability to learn quickly as skill cycles become even shorter. AI-driven learning environments should be designed to adapt to the user not the other way around.
Within companies, in this rapidly shifting landscape, traditional hierarchies might matter less as professionals continuously shift roles and responsibilities and one truth within work places that will still drive the path is DATA but AI’s reliance on existing data means it tends to create an average—a median result based on what already exists. If everyone is using AI within the same cognitive framework our benchmarks could stagnate at an average level.
AI models already possess 99% of human knowledge through large language models (LLMs). The remaining 1%—our unique personal knowledge and lived experiences—is where we have the opportunity to make a difference. and push results up. By injecting humans unique insights into AI-powered workflows we can push beyond the average and redefine innovation.
“The only way to solve AI problems is with more AI.”
Beacraft also challenges traditional metrics of productivity in the AI era we need new metrics for success. Instead of focusing purely on efficiency we should prioritize. different metrics, such as: novelty learning velocity and adaptability.
To finish, the way we integrate AI into our daily work—whether by augmenting automating or completely replacing tasks— will determine how effectively we leverage this transformation. Understanding and embracing these shifts will be essential as we navigate the AI-driven future.
SXSW Innovation Awards Finalist
Often overshadowed by the high-profile talks and media buzz, these companies and initiatives were among the finalists at the SXSW 2025 Innovation Awards. Simply reading through their showcases is an inspiring glimpse into the future of innovation.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
👑 Wandercraft’s Self-Balancing Exoskeleton1 -> AI-powered exoskeleton enabling natural and independent walking for people with mobility challenges.
Breakout Learning2 -> AI-powered platform facilitating small-group educational discussions by personalizing content and engagement.
AI Unlocking Food Allergy Freedom3 -> AI system analyzing genetic and dietary data to predict and prevent allergic reactions.
Newton: AI for the Physical World4 -> AI designed to model and predict real-world physical events, transforming engineering and manufacturing.
CMR-M1: The First AI-Powered Movie Camera5 -> AI-equipped cinema camera that automatically adjusts lighting, angles, and composition in real time.
AUDIO EXPERIENCE
alphabeats6 -> AI-driven biofeedback system enhancing focus and mental performance through personalized music.
👑 "I SEE MUSIC!" by Synegram.com7 -> Music-to-visual system allowing the hearing-impaired to "see" sound.
Multichannel Sound Over Headphones8 -> Technology enabling realistic multichannel sound on standard headphones.
Neural DSP: Nano Cortex9 -> Compact AI-powered audio processor simulating advanced sound effects for musicians and producers.
Holography Records: "Polytempo Music"10 -> Interactive 3D music album allowing listeners to explore different tempos and sound layers.
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
Innovating to Make Abortion Affordable11-> Digital platform making abortion services safer and more accessible through technology and financial support.
👑 SolarSPELL Digital Libraries12 -> Solar-powered digital library providing educational materials to communities without internet access.
👑 Share@MealConnect13 -> Platform connecting food donors with food banks, reducing waste and fighting hunger.
TIAA – Paper Right14 -> A music single aimed at starting conversations around retirement planning and building generational wealth.
Ruth: Your Digital Guardian15 -> Digital assistant for abuse victims providing confidential legal support and guidance.
CONNECTION & COMMUNICATION
Switch-Lit16 -> A writing platform for collaborative storytelling
HeyGen's Interactive Avatars17 -> AI-powered avatars enabling realistic and personalized communication in social media and customer service.
Crowd Compass18 -> Safety app enhancing security in large gatherings through real-time alerts and connectivity.
GRIEF SUCKS by Experience Camps19 -> Digital platform providing emotional support and storytelling for those grieving loved ones.
👑 855-HOW-TO-QUIT-(OPIOIDS)20 -> AI-driven helpline offering personalized support for overcoming opioid addiction.
HEALTH & BIOTECH
TRAUMAGEL by Cresilon21 -> Instant hemostatic gel stopping bleeding within seconds without manual pressure.
Alzheimer’s Intelligence22 -> First photorealistic AI avatar for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia
PherDal Fertility Kit23 -> At-home fertility kit offering a non-invasive, affordable alternative to traditional treatments.
👑 BetterWay: Blood Testing Reimagined24 -> Next-gen blood testing technology requiring smaller samples and delivering faster results.
Signia Active Pro IX Hearing Aids 25-> Smart hearing aids that automatically adapt to different sound environments.
INTERFACE DESIGN
XR-Objects26 -> Augmented reality system enabling interactive digital engagement with physical objects.
GOES: Outdoor Health and Safety Guide27 -> App providing real-time health and safety alerts for outdoor activities.
Bedtime AI Storymaker28 -> AI-driven storytelling platform generating personalized bedtime stories for children.
Engineering the World’s First Smart Lipstick29 -> Smart lipstick that changes color based on temperature and skin hydration.
👑 Posha: Your Family's Private Robot Chef30 -> AI-powered robotic chef preparing personalized meals for families.
PRODUCT DESIGN
👑 The Daylight Computer31 -> Sustainable computer operating on natural light to reduce energy consumption.
Sentante32 -> Teleoperated surgical robot enabling highly precise endovascular procedures.
Quantinuum’s H Series Quantum Computer33 -> Advanced quantum computer accelerating scientific discoveries.
Pioneering Drone Swarms in Agriculture34 -> AI-coordinated drones optimizing agricultural management and reducing pesticide use.
Scantinel FMCW LiDAR Module35 -> Miniaturized LiDAR technology enhancing perception in autonomous vehicles.
STUDENT INNOVATION
Theater of Future Puppetry36 -> AI-enhanced puppetry integrating robotics and interactive storytelling for immersive performances.
👑 GismoPower’s Mobile Solar Carport "MEGA"37 -> Portable solar carport providing renewable energy for electric vehicles and off-grid power needs.
Flow38 -> Flow is an interactive immersive experience that leads the guests into a traditional Chinese folklore through dance, light, and music.
Smell like Home39 -> Smart scent diffuser recreating familiar home aromas to reduce anxiety and enhance well-being.
SMART Wearable Thermoregulatory Device40 -> Wearable device regulating body temperature dynamically for enhanced comfort and energy efficiency.
SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS
👑 Uluu41 -> Algae-based bioplastics replacing conventional plastics sustainably.
Liquidplant™ by von Holzhausen42 -> Vegan, biodegradable alternative to traditional leather.
Low-Light Indoor Bifacial Solar Cell43-> Solar panel generating energy even in low-light indoor environments.
Dimensional Energy44 -> Technology converting CO₂ into sustainable fuels and chemical products.
Voodin Biodegradable Wind Turbine Blades45 -> Biodegradable wind turbine blades reducing environmental impact in renewable energy.
URBAN EXPERIENCE
👑 Sustainable 3D-Printed Homes by Azure46 -> 3D-printed sustainable homes reducing construction costs and waste.
BOLT47 -> The world's only "no‑tools" e-bike conversion-kit
Overheard on a Train48 -> Interactive project collecting and sharing spontaneous conversations from urban train commuters.
Pathfinder49 -> AI-powered navigation system, no gps needed.
From Smart Campus to Real Smart Cities50 -> Smart city initiative transforming university campuses into urban innovation hubs.
WTF (WHAT THE FUTURE)
Space Trash Signs51 -> Real-time monitoring system displaying warnings about space debris.
👑 SWEAR Security52 -> Video digital security against content manipulation.
SOLAMENT™︎ 53-> Ultra-thin solar energy technology that can be integrated into clothing and accessories.
Dynex54 -> Quantum computing platform democratizing access to high-performance computation.
The Halo – Lucid Dreaming Wearable55 -> Wearable device inducing lucid dreams to enhance creativity and learning.
🗓️ NEXT MONTH: We had to make a stop in our next FINTECH Growth case studies to talk about SXSW, but next month we will be on with interesting Growth cases around the globe at how companies have been innovating within this field.
👣 FOOT NOTES → There is always more to read, here some of the content mentioned through out this article if you want to expand your knowledge.