Application Process

Thanks for your interest in Microsoft BizSpark Accelerator at SXSW event. Below is a listing of the key items regarding the application process. Interested applicants must apply via the SXSW Interactive website to be considered for participation in the event.

Eligibility

Launch date eligibility requirements:

• If the product / service has already launched, rollout must have occurred within one year of the event date, March 15, 2009
• If the product / service has not yet launched, rollout must be scheduled no later than three months after March 15, 2010

Category

Business applicants must be within one of the three categories: 


• Entertainment Technologies - This category pertains to applications and technologies for film, music, television, and gaming, as well as new and hybrid forms of entertainment that are reinventing the ways in which we relax, unwind, and have fun
• Innovative Web Technologies - This category pertains to applications and technologies that have the ambition to change the Web as we know it. Right now we’re seeing lots of innovation in real-time search, augmented reality, the “Web Wide World”, artificial intelligence and the Semantic Web, recommendations technologies, personalization technologies, and “big data”. But that’s just the beginning
• Social Media and Social Networking Technologies - This category pertains to applications and technologies that help people connect. With this category we’re looking for new and interesting uses, cases, as well as technologies that push the boundaries of how we find, follow and share information with others

Confidentiality

Is my information confidential?

All preliminary application information that is submitted is confidential and will be only viewed by SXSW Interactive staff and the selected judging panelist. All staff and judges will have signed a non-disclosure agreement. 



Application Fee

Is there an application fee?

Yes, a non-refundable $150 entry fee will be required from all applicants who would like to be considered for participation in the event. All Accelerator entrants will be given the chance to register at the lowest rate.


We are bootstrapping our company, can we apply to have this application fee reduced?

Please e-mail Chris Valentine at chris@sxsw.com to discuss this further.

What type of payment is accepted for participation?

Application fees are accepted online by credit card. To request payment by check or money order, contact chris@sxsw.com. 



What if I am not selected as an Accelerator finalist, but I would still like to attend the SXSW Interactive Festival?

If your Microsoft BizSpark Accelerator at SXSW event entry is NOT accepted, you will receive a special coupon allowing you to register to attend SXSW Interactive at the early-bird rate of $395 (versus the walk-up rate of $550). Also, to be clear, there are still lots of great hotel rooms available for the 2010 event -- waiting to register until you learn the status of your SXSW Accelerator will not drastically impact this inventory. That said, if securing a hotel room in the immediate vicinity of the Austin Convention Center is an absolute priority (and you definitely plan on attending the 2010 event), then you might consider registering now. Do NOT register if you are not sure that you will be attending the event as SXSW does NOT grant refunds. Deadline to redeem the early bird rate is February 19, 2010.

How many products / services can I submit to Accelerator?

Each company will be allowed to present up to ten products / services at this year’s event. Each submission will require the $150 non-refundable entry fee. 



Will I receive a registration to the SXSW Interactive Festival if I am selected?

Yes, participating companies will receive two complimentary registrations for the 2010 SXSW Interactive Festival. These complimentary registrations must be assigned to specific individuals. Each registration is valued at $550.



Application Deadline


When does my application have to be submitted?

The application deadline is Friday, December 4 at 11:59pm (CST).

Selection

How are the product / services screened?

A committee of technology experts will screen each application to make sure that they meet the requirements, as well as determine which products / services are the most innovative. 



How will I know if I have been selected to participate?

All applicants will receive an acknowledgment e-mail notification upon SXSW receipt of your application.

When will I receive this notification?

Finalists will be notified by Friday, January 15, 2010.

Showcasing Format

How long will my presentation be at the Accelerator event at SXSW?

If accepted, each product / service will receive up to two minutes to present their idea to a jury panel of venture capitalist or technology industry experts. Yes, each company can bring a PowerPoint presentation.

During the presentation to the judges, how many people can be on-stage presenting?

Each participating organization will have only one company representative presenting to the judges. 



Judging

Who are the Judges that will be evaluating my demonstration at the Accelerator event at SXSW?

Each judge is considered an industry expert in venture capitalism or technology market space and will not be the same individual who is involved in the screening process. There will be a minimum of three panelists judging each showcase. 



How much time will the participant be judged at the Accelerator event at SXSW?

After the participating organization’s two minute presentation, each product / service will be evaluated by the judges for 10 minutes. During this time, the judges may ask the participant questions to help them better understand your product / service and address any additional thoughts they may have. 



Awards

How many winners will there be?

Awards will be given to the winners of each category during the event ceremonies. 



What will the winners receive?

The winning companies will receive premium prize packages containing valuable tech-related goodies. They will also be given photo and interview opportunities with the attending technology and venture press, placing them under the spotlight as leaders in the future of technology. The winning prizes include 2 platinum badges for the 2011 SXSW Interactive event, a write-up in the April issue of SXSW World magazine and, most importantly, the opportunity to receive exposure to the SXSW audience looking out for the latest in cutting-edge technology. Additional prizes will be announced as the event comes near.

Attendees

Who can attend the Accelerator Finalist demo sessions at the Convention Center?

This event is open to all SXSW registrants, which include anyone with a SXSW Interactive, Film, Music, Gold or Platinum badge.