March 12–14, 2026

Midwest House Austin 2026

📍 Austin, Texas • SXSW

Three days at the intersection of entrepreneurship, capital, and regional competitiveness. Join us for programming spanning innovation, investment, and the future of the Midwest economy.

Register Now → View Sponsorship Info
Our Venues

Two Premier Austin Locations

Midwest House Austin takes place across two iconic East Austin venues, each offering unique programming and networking opportunities.

Texas Bankers Building

209 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

Historic downtown venue featuring keynotes, panels, pitch competitions, and capital sessions. The centerpiece of our daytime programming with multiple session rooms and networking spaces.

Main Stage Breakout Rooms VIP Lounge Networking Space

Inn Cahoots

217 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

Authentic Texas honky-tonk on East 6th Street. Our evening venue featuring live music, networking happy hours, and the official Midwest House after-parties celebrating regional culture and innovation.

Live Music Full Bar Dance Floor Evening Events
Programming

Three Days of Innovation

Click each day to explore the full schedule of sessions, panels, and networking events.

Day 1: Funded House & Global Embassy Launch

Thursday, March 12, 2026
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12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Entrepreneurship Led Economic Development w/ IEDC
Collaborative convening with the International Economic Development Council celebrating 100 years of IEDC and exploring entrepreneurship-led economic development strategies across the Midwest.
Texas Bankers Building
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Funded House VC Reverse Pitch
Venture capitalists pitch their investment thesis and portfolio strategies to Midwest founders in this innovative reverse pitch format.
Texas Bankers Building
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Global Embassy Welcome Party
Launch celebration for the Global Innovation Embassy initiative with live music, networking, and welcome reception for all attendees.
Texas Bankers Building

Day 2 Morning: Capital Transformations

Friday, March 13, 2026
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9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Capital Transformations
Deep dive into innovative capital models with Lightship Foundation, US Bank, National Bankers Association Foundation & The Academy exploring new pathways to funding and financial inclusion.
Texas Bankers Building

Day 2 Afternoon: Midwest vs the Rest Fest

Friday, March 13, 2026
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12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cool Ass Midwestern Food Market
Taste the best of Midwest cuisine with regional food vendors, local makers, and culinary innovations from across the heartland.
Inn Cahoots
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Coming in June: The Obama Presidential Center
Special programming with the Obama Foundation discussing the upcoming Presidential Center opening and its impact on community development and economic mobility in the Midwest.
Inn Cahoots
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Midwest Creatives Meet-Up
Connect with designers, artists, musicians, and creative entrepreneurs from across the region. Casual networking and collaboration sessions.
Inn Cahoots
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Made for Y'all Welcome Reception
Official welcome reception celebrating Midwest culture, innovation, and community with regional cocktails and networking.
Inn Cahoots
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
313 Day Party
Celebrating Detroit culture and innovation on 3/13 with music, networking, and Motor City vibes.
Inn Cahoots
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Midwest Music Showcase
Live performances from emerging and established Midwest musicians spanning genres from indie rock to hip-hop to country.
Inn Cahoots

Day 3: Future Midwest Day

Saturday, March 14, 2026
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9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sports Tech & Venture Brunch w/ Plain Sight
Intimate brunch discussion exploring the intersection of sports, technology, and venture capital with Plain Sight and industry leaders.
Texas Bankers Building
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Future Midwest Day
Forward-looking sessions on emerging technologies, climate innovation, workforce development, and the future of regional economic development.
Texas Bankers Building
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
TechRise Chicago Emerging Tech Pitch Competition
Final pitch competition featuring Chicago's most promising emerging technology startups. Live judging, audience voting, and prizes.
Texas Bankers Building
Featured Speakers

Speaker Announcements Coming Soon

We're finalizing our incredible lineup of founders, funders, policymakers, and ecosystem builders from across the region and beyond. Check back soon for speaker announcements!

Our Partners

Thank You to Our Sponsors

These organizations make Midwest House Austin possible. Click each tier to view sponsors.

Join Us in Austin

Three days of programming, networking, and celebration. Register now to secure your spot at Midwest House Austin 2026.

Register Now → Become a Sponsor