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MARCH 11 | 10AM - 10PM | THE LONG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The International House Presents: FREQUENCY is the official global gateway into SXSW 2026—designed as a high-impact convening of founders, investors, governments, and global partners at the moment alignment matters most.
Hosted at The Long Center for the Performing Arts, FREQUENCY blends the structure and credibility of a global summit with the energy and scale of SXSW, creating clarity and forward motion before the noise of the week begins.
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2026 SCHEDULE
(KODOSKY DONOR LOUNGE)
10:00 am
DOORS OPEN
Kick off the day with coffee and connection as you step into a global showcase of innovation. Explore cutting-edge startups and technology partners throughout the space, and engage with founders shaping what’s next across industries and borders.
10:30 am
OPENING REMARKS + STARLY INTRODUCTION
We’ll officially kick things off with a powerful welcome from one of Texas’ most influential leaders—setting the tone for a day of innovation, connection, and discovery. You’ll also be introduced to Starly, your official AI experience guide, designed to help you curate your personalized SXSW journey—unlocking hidden activations, prize locations, and invite-only moments happening across the city.
11:00 am
HOW AI IS TRANSFORMING YOUR INDUSTRY:
A Revolving Fireside Chat with AI Founders
Hosted by IA Global Ventures Managing Partner Nikos Iatropoulos
From medical imaging and clinical documentation to human resources and restaurant reservations, artificial intelligence is no longer theoretical — it’s operational.
This revolving fireside chat brings together AI-led company founders who are actively reshaping their industries in real time. Each segment spotlights a different vertical, offering candid perspectives on what it actually takes to move from experimentation to impact.
Expect practical insights, real-world use cases, and founder-level lessons on:
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Turning AI from concept into revenue
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Redesigning workflows and customer experiences
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Building trust in automated systems
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Creating alignment between technology, people, and outcomes
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01:00 PM
FEMALE FOUNDER PITCH SHOWCASE
This is your moment to own the room. Female-led founders are invited to pitch their companies, concepts, and bold ideas to a global audience of investors and innovators. Registration is open to all female entrepreneurs, with 10 startups selected to take the stage. A handpicked panel of judges will evaluate each pitch as founders compete for visibility, connections—and a cash prize.
02:30 PM
THE WOMEN OF IA: FOUNDER PANEL + Q&A
Join a moderated panel and live Q&A featuring the women who have launched their companies with International Accelerator since SXSW 2025—marking a groundbreaking milestone in the accelerator’s 15-year history. Representing diverse nationalities, industries, cultures, and business models, these founders share real stories of success, setbacks, and resilience. Hear directly from startup leaders doing real work in real markets—and gain unfiltered insight into what it takes to build across borders and break barriers.
04:00 PM
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE '26 PITCH COMPETITION
International founders — this is your moment. Pitch your startup to a global audience, connect directly with investors, and compete for a cash prize in one of SXSW’s most innovative pitch formats to date.
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Inspired by The Voice, this fast-paced competition begins with 20 startups in elevator-pitch auditions and rapidly narrows to 10, then 5 finalists, before crowning one champion — all in under 90 minutes. Founders progress from quick-fire pitches to deeper demos, while judges score live, facing the audience for full transparency.
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To make this year’s competition a true crowd experience, the audience will also vote — with crowd votes accounting for 50% of the final decision. Expect high energy, real-time eliminations, bold ideas on full display, and a room-wide moment as one startup takes home the cash prize and championship honors.
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​march 12
10am - 10pm
The Long Center For The Performing Arts
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