This year’s SXSW 2024 festival is set to be illuminated by the presence of The University of Texas at Austin (“UT Austin”), promising a vibrant tapestry of academic brilliance, entrepreneurial insight, and musical talent.
Dubbed the “Hook ’Em House” and located at the legendary Antone’s in Austin (305 E. Fifth St.), this event, scheduled for March 8-9, is themed “What Starts Here Changes the World,” perfectly capturing the essence of UT’s mission and its contribution to the festival.
Over two dynamic days, the Hook ’Em House will serve as a beacon of Longhorn spirit, showcasing the university’s commitment to fostering innovation and creativity. UT President Jay Hartzell articulates this vision, highlighting the university’s influence in pioneering advancements in healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI), and the life sciences.
“Here at UT, we know that what starts here changes the world, and that is especially true in health care, AI, robotics and life sciences,” said President Jay Hartzell. “The rapid emergence of life-changing applications in medicine and sports is improving the way we diagnose and treat illnesses and enhancing our own physical performance. Other advances are changing our day-to-day lives at home or creating new opportunities for digital entrepreneurs. And all of these have a dramatic impact on our economy. We are one of the few universities in the country that can assemble exceptional talent in each of these areas with industry expertise to explore how all of these advances will continue to have substantive impact on our lives.”
Jay Hartzell, President UT Austin
The programming is rich and varied, offering attendees a chance to engage with cutting-edge discussions and enjoy electrifying musical performances. The festival’s agenda is packed with panels that traverse a wide array of subjects, from technology and health to sports and lifestyle, featuring esteemed speakers such as Jeremy Hills of Kollective, influencer Remi Bader, and Andrea Thomaz, CEO of Diligent Robotics. These discussions promise to offer insightful perspectives on the current and future state of these critical fields.
Undoubtedly, music is a cornerstone of the event, with performances from the likes of Ghostland Observatory, Dayglow, West 22nd, and Ella Castaldo. Each of these artists represent the university’s dedication to merging the educational experience with cultural enrichment, providing a backdrop of live music that captures the diversity and talent within the UT community.
The event kicks off with a parade led by UT’s celebrated marching band and includes a special celebration for International Women’s Day featuring influential figures like Kendra Scott and the founders of Tiff’s Treats. These moments are designed to inspire and empower, reflecting the university’s broader goals of community building and leadership.
Panel discussions promise to delve into provocative topics, such as the advancements and ethical considerations of brain-computer interfaces, the role of AI in healthcare, and Austin’s burgeoning startup scene in the life sciences. These conversations are poised to challenge and enlighten attendees, offering a glimpse into the innovative thinking that characterizes UT and the wider Austin community.
For those looking to immerse themselves in this extraordinary convergence of ideas, music, and Longhorn pride, information on schedules and registration is readily available, ensuring easy access to what promises to be an enriching and memorable experience.
The Hook ’Em House invites all SXSW attendees to explore the realms of possibility where education, technology, and culture intersect. It’s more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the transformative power of ideas and the indomitable spirit of the Longhorn community.
And rumor has it that something else may be boiling from UT entrepreneurship hub, “The LaunchPad at UT Austin,” which empowers students from all majors to explore and navigate their entrepreneurial journey on the 40 acres of campus grounds.
