Round Rock Chamber Plugged In at SXSW 2026

This year at South by Southwest (SXSW), the Round Rock Chamber continued to elevate Round Rock’s position as a growing hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration. Through strategic partnerships, curated events, and thought leadership, the Chamber helped tell a powerful story: Round Rock is building a business ecosystem that works.

Building Connections in Defense & Dual-Use Innovation

Kicking off SXSW, the Chamber co-hosted a pre-SXSW networking event alongside Q-Branch, Association of the United States Army, National Security Innovation Council, and Red Thread X.

SXSW EDU

Chamber staff also attended the SXSW EDU Regional Workforce Summit, hosted by Opportunity Austin, where regional leaders gathered to explore the future of Central Texas’ workforce and talent pipeline. The event highlighted findings from a comprehensive report developed by Opportunity Austin in partnership with Alexander Research and Consulting, with data contributions from multiple workforce partners across the region. The report provided a detailed overview of talent development in key industries, including advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, health sciences, IT and technology, and infrastructure and skilled trades.

The summit also featured a panel discussion with representatives from Ascension Seton, Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc., Tesla, and Garza EMC, who shared how major employers are collaborating with community colleges, universities, and school districts to strengthen workforce pathways. Panelists emphasized the importance of regional partnerships in preparing students and job seekers with the skills needed to meet industry demand and support continued economic growth across Central Texas.

Elevating Economic Development Through Startups

The Chamber took part in conversations at Texas House around “The Round Rock Startup Story”. This discussion highlighted what it truly looks like when a city commits to building a startup ecosystem, from investing in local founders to aligning resources that help businesses scale.

Advancing Life Sciences in Central Texas

Rounding out the week, the Chamber co-hosted the Central Texas Life Science Xchange, convening both local stakeholders and a global audience in the life sciences industry. This exclusive gathering created space for strategic discussions, knowledge-sharing, and meaningful connections among industry leaders.

As life sciences continue to grow in importance across the region, events like this reinforce Round Rock’s role in fostering cross-sector collaboration and attracting high-impact industries.

SXSW 2026 made one thing clear, Round Rock is not just participating in the innovative economy it’s helping shape it. As momentum continues to build, Round Rock remains focused on supporting the people and ideas that will define the future of our community.