Czech Republic Launched First Major National Showcase at SXSW 2025
In March 2025, the Czech Republic marked a major milestone in its innovation diplomacy by launching its first large-scale national presence at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. With the debut of the Czech House, the country introduced a dynamic lineup of startups, creative talent, and innovation leaders to one of the world's most influential gatherings of technology, entrepreneurship, and design.
The Czech House was organized by CzechInvest, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, D.C., CzechTrade, CzechTourism, and the Ministry of Regional Development. It served as a vibrant platform for showcasing Czech ingenuity and fostering global partnerships across sectors.
The official opening of the Czech House was led by the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, who traveled to Austin with a delegation of 50 Czech startups. This strong public sector backing highlighted the Czech Republic's commitment to supporting international growth for innovative companies and embedding itself into global innovation networks.
Support for the initiative came from the South Moravian Region, Zlín Region, the South Moravian Innovation Centre (JIC), ZRIA, Draslovka, and the American Friends of the Czech Republic, reflecting a broad-based effort to raise the international profile of Czech innovation.
One of the standout moments of the program was the Czech Innovators Pitch, where eight promising startups took the stage at The Stay Put venue in downtown Austin. Representing sectors from aerospace and AI to edtech and creative industries, companies such as Kapnetix, Groundcom, 1000cams, FaceUp, Lightly, CSIG, Pirogy Studios, and Business Logic captured the attention of global investors, partners, and media.
The pitch session served not only as a platform for visibility but also as a powerful demonstration of the Czech Republic's innovation potential and the strength of its entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Beyond Startups: Strategic Engagement and Ecosystem Dialogue
The Czech House also hosted a range of networking events, thematic discussions, and informal meetups designed to encourage cross-border collaboration. Czech public representatives engaged with U.S. counterparts and global leaders across priority areas such as semiconductors, AI, fintech, and digital transformation, underscoring the Czech Republic's ambition to become a strategic partner in these key domains.
A Defining Moment for Czech Innovation on the Global Stage
SXSW 2025 marked a historic first for the Czech Republic—not just as a participant, but as a proactive organizer of a full-fledged national showcase. The Czech House sent a clear message: the Czech Republic is ready to collaborate, invest, and lead in shaping the future of global innovation.
With strong public-private support, regional engagement, and a new generation of internationally minded startups, this debut presence at SXSW has laid the groundwork for long-term partnerships and established the Czech Republic as a rising innovation powerhouse.