Hackney firms have been given global recognition after flying more than 4,000 miles to Austin to showcase the best of their design innovation.
In a joint venture with the Texan capital, local businesses took part in Hackney House Austin – an event featured in South by Southwest, the world’s largest string of technology and media festivals.
Running from 8 to 11 March, the venture allowed delegates to exhibit and explore pioneering technology and creative concepts while opening new markets for local business.
Lee Leffingwell, the Mayor of Austin, said: “The City of Austin and South by Southwest offers a stage for the most talented and innovative businesses worldwide to meet, share ideas and learn from each other.”
In 2012, Hackney set up a scheme with the southern American city to exchange expertise in the areas of technology, digital media, economic development and sustainability.
Hackney House Austin is a travelling “capsule” edition of Shoreditch’s successful 2012 pop-up that promoted the borough’s leading businesses, facilitated networking and attracted investment in East London.
The 25 companies that travelled to the US included the architecture and design magazine, Dezeen; communications agency, The Church of London and Plumen, the creator of the world’s first designer, energy saving light bulb.
Forums and workshops covered everything from the future of TV to 3D printing.
Isabel Lizardi of Bare Conductive said: “London has a global reputation for high quality design and Hackney produces some of its most contemporary work.
“When people want to know what’s cool in London, there’s no better place to look.”
Guy Nicholson, cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, said: “The SXSW festival is the perfect destination for Hackney House bringing with it the best of Hackney’s creative design and tech sectors to showcase their world leading ideas, develop new relationships and form new ventures.”
The Hackney House team will return to East Road, Shoreditch in May and June 2013.
