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Amo and 18 Local Business Leaders Travel to SXSW to Highlight Local Innovation and Federal Efforts to Support Science and Tech Sectors

March 16, 2026

South by Southwest has been an incubator for tech, culture, and innovation, hosted annually in Austin, since 1987

Providence, RI – Last week, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI-01) joined local startups and innovation economy leaders at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival and conference to spotlight and develop opportunities for Rhode Island’s emerging companies. The delegation, coordinated by Dr. David Altounian, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Salve Regina University, and RIHUB, Rhode Island’s high growth startup incubator, fostered connections between Rhode Island entrepreneurs, Austin’s famed successful startup ecosystem, and investors seeking prospective ventures. 

Congressman Amo, as part of the official SXSW conference programming, also led a fireside chat discussion about the future of U.S. innovation as the Trump administration decimates America’s science, research, and foreign policy leadership.

The delegation also participated in a startup crawl, meeting with a global cohort of new businesses to seek interest and capital investment in Rhode Island’s high growth startups. 

“Showcasing Rhode Island’s contributions to our nation’s innovation economy at SXSW gives local startups, investors, and entrepreneurs a chance to shine on a big stage, and bring investment and create jobs in the Ocean State,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI-01). “I will keep fighting in Congress to advance science, research, and support for small businesses so we can foster cutting-edge breakthroughs and grow the supply chains of the future for generations to come.” 

Background

Congressman Amo, Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on the Environment, has fought to stop Trump’s cuts to science, research, and environmental protections. 

This is the second year in a row he’s spoken at the SXSW conference.
 

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