August 20-21st, 2026
TIE Forum
The Intersection Of What’s Possible.
Texas at the Center
​The TiE Forum brings together leaders at the intersection of technology, innovation, and energy to explore what's next and what's possible. Taking place August 21st, this full day experience in Austin is designed for those shaping the future of technology, innovation, and energy infrastructure in Texas.
​This Forum, held at the famed Bullock Texas State History Museum, this forum features keynotes, panels, and curated discussions exploring why Texas is becoming the nation's center for quantum investment, leading the country in data center growth, reshaping the financial infrastructure of digital assets, advancing AI applications across public education, and demonstrating the critical role the Texas power grid plays in powering it all.
​TiE Forum is designed to be more than a traditional conference: listen, learn, connect, and lead. Hear from the people shaping the future of technology, energy, AI, and digital infrastructure while building relationships that last beyond the event.
Included with Registration: Receive exclusive access to a welcome reception at the Four Seasons, hosted by Vega Energy Advisors and Giga Energy, on the evening before the forum.
Featured Speakers
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Steve McCraw
Communications
Texas National Security CouncilFormer Executive Director Texas Department of Public Safety
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Hon. Dr. John Zerwas
System Chancellor, University of Texas System
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Woody Rickerson
COO, ERCOT
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Thomas Gleeson
Chairman
Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) -
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Wayne Christian
Commissioner
Texas Railroad Commission -
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Lin Zhou
Vice President of Information Technology,
Chief Information Officer & Executive Director of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
& Quantum Computing
Texas Tech University -
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Jared Patterson
Texas State Representative HD 106
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Jeff Prevost
UTSA
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Jalal Mapar
Former Sr. Advisor for Emerging Technologies & DHS (Ret.)
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Nick Gates
Priority Power
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Walt Baum
Powering Texans
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Caroline Fairley
District 87 State Representative
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Cole Hefner
State Representative District 5
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Christi Ramon Ochoa
Deputy Securities Comissioner
Texas State Securities Board
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Austin Campbell
Founder, Zero Knowledge
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Katherine McAden
Head of Public Policy & External Affairs, South & Google
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Carol Fletcher
Director & EPIC
UT Austin Advanced Computing Center (TACC)
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Wish Bakshi
Founder
AQ Energy
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Chen Zur
Partner/ Principal & EY
The Event
August 20 | Welcome Reception - Four Seasons Hotel | 6 PM - 8 PM
August 21 | Panels - Bullock Museum | 8 AM - 4 PM
Panel 1: Infrastructure for Innovation
Exploring how data centers and public policy are working together to shape America's next era of technological growth and security.
Panel 2: Digital Assets
Learn how stablecoins and digital assets are transforming payments, finance, and global commerce.
Panel 3: Texas Quantum Initiative
Discover how Texas can become the nation's premier destination for quantum investment, talent, research, and commercialization.
Panel 4: The Future of the Texas Grid
Hear how Texas can meet soaring energy demand while maintaining the reliable grid businesses depend on.
Panel 5: AI In Public Education
Understand real-world AI applications improving instruction, increasing efficiency, and expanding educational opportunities.
