Casa TechMex 2026 · Innovation Expo
Show what you’re building
Nine 10-minute spots at Casa TechMex for anyone with a technology development to show: a working demo, a prototype, a product in use. Not a sales pitch. Not a fundraising round. The work itself.
Thursday, October 29 · ESB-MACC · Austin, TX
Applications close October 16 at 11:59 PM CT. We review them as they arrive. There is no fee to apply or to present.
What it is
A stage for the work itself
The Innovation Expo is where technology gets shown, not sold. Each presenter has 10 minutes to show a development at Casa TechMex, a day in Austin where Mexican innovation, culture and community meet during Austin Tech Week.
Who it’s for
01
Established companies
Show an R&D project, a new product or a tool your team built.
02
Research and education
Universities, labs and students with a development that works.
03
Independent builders
Engineers, makers and creators with something real to show.
Running a startup and looking to compete for investors? The Pitch Competition is built for that.
Format
Nine spots. Two sessions. Ten minutes each.
The Expo runs in two sessions, each in parallel with another block of the day.
Session 1
4 spots1:00 – 1:45 PM
In parallel with Cultural Showcase I: Mexican Brunch & Networking
Session 2
5 spots4:00 – 5:00 PM
In parallel with the Workshops
Times follow the published Casa TechMex agenda. You can tell us which session you prefer.
The rules
Show it. Don’t sell it.
Yes
- A real development: software, hardware, a prototype or a product in use.
- A demo people can see: live, on video, or in your hands.
- The problem it solves and how it works.
No
- A sales pitch: pricing, offers or a call to buy.
- A fundraising ask. Startups looking for investors apply to the Pitch Competition.
Applications that sell a product or ask for capital are not selected.
How we select
How the committee reviews
The committee reads every application against the same five questions and scores each one from 1 to 5.
- 01
Substance
Is there a real technology development behind it, clearly explained?
- 02
Demo-ability
Can it be shown well in 10 minutes?
- 03
Originality
Is it new, or a new take on a known problem?
- 04
Mexico–Texas lens
Does it connect Mexico and Texas? A plus, not a requirement.
- 05
Stage readiness
Is it far enough along to show it working?
Dates
Now
Applications open. The committee reviews them as they arrive and may reach out with questions.
Oct 16
Applications close at 11:59 PM CT.
By Oct 21
Every applicant hears back.
Oct 29
Innovation Expo at Casa TechMex, ESB-MACC, Austin.
Awards
Innovation Expo Awards
Every Expo presenter is considered for the two Innovation Expo Awards, recognized at Closing & Awards.
Casa TechMex Innovation Award
For those presenting at the Expo
Cross-Border Impact Award
For the project that best connects Mexico and Texas
Is there a fee to apply or to present?
No. There is no cost to apply to the Innovation Expo or to present if you are selected.
Who can apply?
Anyone with a technology development to show: established companies, universities and research groups, nonprofits and independent builders, from any background. A connection to Mexico or Texas is a plus, not a requirement.
I run a startup. Should I apply here or to the Pitch Competition?
If you want to compete in front of investors and buyers, apply to the Pitch Competition. If you want to show what you built, without a fundraising ask, the Innovation Expo is the right stage.
Can my presentation include pricing or a sales offer?
No. The Expo is for showing a development. Presentations that sell a product or ask for capital are not selected.
What equipment will be available?
Tell us in the form what your demo needs (screen, power, internet). We confirm what is available with selected presenters, so please don’t count on anything until we do.
Can I choose my session?
You can tell us your preference. The committee assigns the sessions to balance the program.
Can more than one person present?
Tell us in the form who would present with you. We confirm the details with selected presenters.
Can I apply with more than one project?
Yes. Send one application per project.
How long does the application take?
About 10 minutes. Your progress is saved on your device, so you can finish later.
With support from
Supporters
Community partners
