Austin Next™

Austin Next™

Austin is adapting to and building the future in real time. The Austin Next Podcast is an exploration of our region's transformation into the next innovation powerhouse.

We want to answer one basic question...What's next Austin?

Recent

How Austin Innovation showed up at SXSW 2023

March 27, 2023

A preview of our SXSW 2023 retrospective. See how Austin innovation showed up and our thoughts from this year's festival. Check out the episode this Tuesday March 28 on our website (https://www.austinnextpodcast.com), Appl…

Cultivating Austin Talent with Workforce Solutions Capital Area CEO Tamara Atkinson

March 21, 2023

Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, delves into the role the organization plays in shaping the future of Austin's workforce. We'll explore how Workforce Solutions Capital Area supports the local workfor…

What is the current outlook for talent in Austin?

March 20, 2023

A preview of our interview with Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area. We explore the talent environment in Austin and the future of our workforce. Check out the episode this Tuesday March 21 on our webs…

Taylor Hersom Founder and CEO Eden Data at SXSW

March 15, 2023

Austin companies were everywhere at SXSW on panels, in the expo, pitching, and even just wandering the halls making connections. That's where we reconnected with Taylor Hersom, Founder and CEO of Eden Data.

Woodlawn Health Ventures launches at SXSW

March 13, 2023

We caught up with Brian Lang and Ari Weinberger as they announced their new venture fund Woodlawn Health Ventures at SXSW. https://woodlawnhv.com/new-digital-health-fund-focused-on-older-adults-launched-at-sxsw-2023/

Christy Lamka COO and Co-Founder Thrive 360 SXSW

March 13, 2023

We spoke with Christy Lamka, COO and Co-Founder of Austin based Thrive 360. Thrive was exhibiting at SXSW during the creative expo and had a few announcements to make.

Stacy Feld Regional Head, J&J Innovation at SXSW

March 13, 2023

We followed up with our recent podcast guest Stacy Feld on her experience so far at SXSW, how its changed from previous years, and how J&J has shown up as the title sponsor of the Health and Medtech track. You can also chec…

SXSW Innovation Award Finalist NeuraLight Co-Founder & CEO Micha Breakstone

March 12, 2023

Another example of Austin's innovation ecosystem showing up at SXSW is NeuraLight, a medtech company transforming neurology with AI. They are a SXSW Innovation Award finalist and we spoke with their Co-Founder and CEO Micha…

SXSW Pitch Finalist Gigaroo Co-Founder and CEO Adir Oren

March 12, 2023

The Austin innovation ecosystem is representing at SXSW with local company Gigaroo being a SXSW pitch finalist.

SXSW Pitch Finalist EverCase Co-Founder Paul Levins

March 11, 2023

The Austin innovation ecosystem is representing at SXSW with local company EverCase being a SXSW pitch finalist.

About the Hosts

Jason ScharfProfile Photo

Jason Scharf

Jason is an experienced strategy executive and active angel investor in the life science and digital health sectors. He has built and led teams in strategic planning, market intelligence, and innovation at companies including Kean Health, Illumina, BD, and Amgen.

Michael ScharfProfile Photo

Michael Scharf

Michael brings the experience of a 40+ year career in corporate finance and banking as well as entrepreneurship. He is now focused now on corporate governance and sits on multiple advisory and boards of directors, and brings his knowledge and background to bear on regulatory issues, ESG as well as corporate management.