La French Touch Rendez-vous, the best of French creativity in Austin

If France once again shone at this edition of South by Southwest, it is largely thanks to its delegation of more than 60 participants, led by Bpifrance, French Touch and we are_, in partnership with the National Center for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC) and Valeo. The highlight of this delegation's program? Undoubtedly the "French Touch Rendez-vous", on March 8 at the Courtyard ATX. A day included in the official program of " South by », with panels of French and international experts such as Elisha Karmitz (Mk2), Déborah Papiernik (Ubisoft), Martin Jones (Austin Film Society), Katayoun Dibamehr (Floréal), Olivier Goy (Invincible), and journalist and videographer Hugo Travers, founder of the media HugoDécrypte and Elan.
The day, which also featured the demonstration of French immersive works selected by the Villa Albertine (French Embassy in the United States), was followed by an exceptional closing evening with some of the most popular French DJs: Møme, Barbara Butch and Agoria.

Amy Webb's Conference

Like every year Amy Webb, CEO of the Future Today Strategy Group (formerly the Future Today Institute), gave a highly anticipated talk, sharing her vision of the tech trends to watch closely in the coming months. For her, we have moved beyond a world that science could still explain. We are now in the "Beyond," a deeptech Wild West where technology is evolving faster than our ability to predict its effects. Here are some key takeaways from her talk on March 8 at the Austin Convention Center:

-The convergence of artificial intelligence and biotechnology is leading us towards living intelligence, the possibility of programming matter and creating systems with unprecedented capabilities.

-We will see the appearance of AI embodied in a body or at least a physical form

-Advances in robotics will lead to commercialization in the next 5 years. Metamaterials, with properties that go beyond the limits of physical and traditional chemistry, will change our cities.

-Collaborations between tech giants will continue, as will the open source model.

-Extreme weather events accelerate the adoption of new technologies

-AI and its energy needs are pushing tech giants to invest in nuclear power

-Quantum computing is at an inflection point

-The nascent economy between Earth and the Moon will continue

-All this with a "stone in the shoe", a constant discomfort due to an inability to anticipate which can prevent us from making good decisions

Amy Webb at the Featured Session "Amy Webb Launches 2025 Emerging Tech Trend Report" during SXSW Conference & Festivals in the Austin Convention Center on March 8, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Mike Jordan/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty Images)

With Wandercraft and Synegram, the SXSW Innovation Awards recognize French innovation

The SXSW Innovation Awards ceremony, which showcases the most cutting-edge ideas that have a positive impact on society, was held on March 10 at the Austin Convention Center. It was hosted by three-time Grammy-nominated artist SaulPaul. Awards were presented in 11 categories and a People's Choice Award, spanning a variety of technology and innovation, from interface design and sustainability solutions to urban experience, health, and biotech.
Last year a French company, Enchanted Tools, won the award for best product design for its humanoid creations Miroki and Miroka, rethinking the real use of robots. This year again, French companies distinguished themselves at the SXSW Innovation Awards, including a robotics company that is definitely on the rise internationally.

Wandercraft Wins Artificial Intelligence Award at SXSW Innovation Awards 2025

Founded in 2012 by Nicolas Simon, Alexandre Boulanger and Matthieu Masselin, Wandercraft won the Artificial Intelligence Award for its self-balancing exoskeleton, designed to help people with spinal cord injuries, strokes, or neuromuscular disorders regain their ability to walk and stand. The exoskeleton uses artificial intelligence to adapt in real time to the user's movements and provide a smooth walking experience, even on uneven surfaces.

Synegram Wins Audio Experience Award at SXSW Innovation Awards 2025

Synegram, a company led by Pierre Dionet and his partners Rémi Grosson and Mathias Alraud, along with music composer Charlie Nguyen Kim, specializes in immersive audio experiences and uses cutting-edge technologies to transform the way we perceive and interact with music. Synegram won the Audio Experience Award at the SXSW Innovation Awards 2025 for their project entitled “I SEE MUSIC!”: a revolutionary multi-sensory audio experience that allows users to “see” or visualize music through immersive interactive interfaces. The technology is inspired by synesthesia and uses algorithms that synchronize visual elements with a musical composition.

World premieres of notable films and series

Always at the forefront of audiovisual trends and immersive experiences, South by is a true paradise for film lovers and offers an abundant and diverse film program. A large majority are shown as previews and The time is just as good to call on the stars for reinforcements.
Films and series premiering at SXSW 2025 that have garnered critical and festival-goer attention include:

- " Death of a Unicorn ", a highly anticipated film starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortaga, telling the story of a father and daughter who accidentally collide with a unicorn, setting off a chain of events

- " The Studio ", an Apple TV+ series starring Seth Rogen

- " The Accountant 2 ", the continuation of " The Accountant » with Ben Affleck

- " The Netherlands ", directed by Mimi Cave, starring Nicole Kidman

- " Ash ", a film by Flying Lotus, renowned for its innovative and experimental works

- " The Makings of Curtis Mayfield ", a documentary produced by HER paying tribute to the musician Curtis Mayfield

Whether you're a professional in the cultural and creative industries, curious about trends and innovations ready to dive into the future, or a music and film enthusiast, South by Southwest continues to cement its place as the unmissable event of the year and remains the place to be.