Microsoft BizSpark Accelerator at SXSW

The second annual Microsoft BizSpark Accelerator at SXSW searched coast to coast and across oceans for the next big thing in the tech business. All you had to do was find the Hilton Austin Downtown.

There, on March 15 and 16, a live audience and panel of expert judges discovered advancements in social media, mobile applications, web entertainment, and more. The best part? Product demonstrations by the most ambitious talents in the world with the most creative new ideas to change it. We caught a glimpse of the industry's future, with a guided tour by emcees Brad King, Chris Sacca, and Dean McCall and Tim Street. We are grateful to them, as well as to our sponsors: Microsoft BizSpark; Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati; .biz domain; Level 3 (which streamed the event live); Elance; SlideRocket; and Volusion (whose TECH Cocktail on March 14 kicked things off).

This is a competition unlike any other, and you can say you were there. On March 15, 32 companies battled for your taste-making, trend-setting attention, leading to a fireworks display of innovation. Connections were made, and careers launched. For March 16, the top 12 companies were invited back, and the winners of Microsoft BizSpark Accelerator at SXSW were announced at the end of day two. Now, the sky is the limit.

Stay tuned to the SXSW Interactive website during the summer for more information on how your company can be involved in Microsoft BizSpark Accelerator at SXSW 2011. As always, we welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions at chris@sxsw.com.

• Take a look at the winners for the 2010 Microsoft BizSpark Accelerator at SXSW Showcase
• Check out the industry standouts on the Advisory Board for Microsoft BizSpark Accelerator at SXSW

Event Information


March 15 - 16, 2010
Hilton Austin Downtown
500 East 4th Street
Austin, Texas 78701

SXSW Accelerator imagery by Varick Rosete.