On June 4, Texas House made its international debut at SXSW London, bringing Texas's cultural energy, innovative spirit and bold ideas right to the heart of London.
More than 500 people registered and over 300 guests attended throughout the day. Together, we explored issues ranging from technology and trade to defense innovation, sustainability, and the creative industries.
If there is one takeaway from Texas House in London, it’s this: Texas isn’t just a state. It’s an iconic brand with global appeal.
Texas House began with a straightforward mission: to showcase Texan voices on a global stage. On the heels of a successful activation at SXSW Austin, taking Texas House to London felt like a natural next step – particularly as SXSW launched its first-ever event in the UK.
As founder Will Herrmann explains:
“Texas has one of the most dynamic economies in the world. Our culture of innovation and entrepreneurial grit deserves to be in the global conversation. SXSW London was the perfect opportunity to tell that story.”
The facts support this idea:
But numbers alone don’t build relationships. People do.
Meaningful exchanges took place through panels, keynote talks, cultural programs, and informal conversations that brought together voices from business, government, and academia. The tone throughout was shaped by something simple and notoriously characteristic of Texas – an approach to hospitality that makes people feel welcome and open to connection.
Texas House London was about more than facilitating conversations; it was about bringing a Texas atmosphere thousands of miles away for a day. Throughout the day, guests shared experiences that reflected both the culture and character of the Lone Star state. The menu featured authentic Texas barbecue, the music carried familiar sounds from home, and the evening program included a special screening of “Deep in the Heart,” an award-nominated documentary narrated by Matthew McConaughey that captures the diversity of Texas wildlife and the importance of contributing to conservation efforts.
And thanks to Texas Standard, our team looked sharp while representing Texas style abroad.
From AI to defense to sustainability, our panels reflected the range of Texas leadership across a range of disciplines. At the center of it all was Rice University – anchoring the day with thoughtful ideas and steady leadership.
Speaker: Dr. Vinod Veedu, Assistant Vice President in the Office of Research at Rice University
This panel explored the evolving U.S.–UK relationship in a competitive global economy—and how business, capital, and defense partnerships are central to future security and prosperity. Dr. Veedu provided insight into how academia can play a catalytic role in building bridges between sectors, accelerating technology transfer, and fostering resilient supply chains.
“The alliance isn’t just diplomatic—it’s strategic,” said Dr. Veedu. “And institutions like Rice are part of that strategy.”
Speaker: Dr. Paul Cherukuri, Vice President for Innovation at Rice University
Innovation doesn’t have to move at a glacial pace. In his energizing talk, Dr. Cherukuri shared how Rice is eliminating barriers to commercialization and creating pathways for faster, scalable impact. From its Ion innovation district in Houston to groundbreaking partnerships in advanced materials and biotech, Rice is showing the world what’s possible when universities lead with agility.
“Our mission is to move ideas out of the lab and into the world—quickly and equitably,” said Dr. Cherukuri.
Moderator: Dr. Paul Cherukuri
What does it take to take a breakthrough idea global? This panel convened venture leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers to tackle the question of international scale. As moderator, Dr. Cherukuri highlighted how Texas – anchored by institutions like Rice – is uniquely positioned as a launchpad for globally relevant companies.
“The future of innovation is borderless,” Cherukuri noted. “Rice is building the bridges that make that possible.”
Texas House London was made possible by our valued partners who believed in the vision and helped bring it to life. Their support was more than sponsorship – we are proud to consider each and every one of them true friends and partners of Texas House, and they helped shape Texas House's debut across the pond in the most meaningful ways.
To each of our valued partners: a sincere thank you from everyone here at Texas House. We look forward to continuing to work together in demonstrating how Texas can meaningfully contribute to conversations that extend beyond its borders.
Looking Ahead
Texas House has grown beyond event activations into an ongoing effort to build connections that cross country borders. To our past, present, and prospective future partners, we invite you to dialogue with us on how we can build the future together.
For more information and to stay updated with our latest insights, get in touch or keep an eye out on our website, LinkedIn, and Instagram pages.
