TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 runs from October 13 to 15 at Moscone West in San Francisco. The main stage hosts a schedule of talks covering artificial intelligence, robotics, transportation, social media, biotech, and venture capital.
Speakers include founders, CEOs, and investors alongside the next generation of startups competing in Startup Battlefield 200.
Disrupt Stage speakers
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe discusses building complex physical products, from design to manufacturing and scaling.
Cerebras CEO Andrew Feldman addresses whether artificial intelligence can continue to scale as models demand more compute, energy, and capital. He explores the current trajectory and potential breaking points.
Science Corporation founder Max Hodak discusses technology interacting directly with the human body. Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley joins for a conversation about artificial intelligence, surveillance, and public safety.
All five partners of Benchmark — Jack Altman, Peter Fenton, Chetan Puttagunta, Everett Randle, and Eric Vishria — appear together to share their outlook on the venture industry.
Ricursive Intelligence co-founders Anna Goldie and Azalia Mirhoseini discuss systems where artificial intelligence designs the hardware it runs on, potentially merging software and silicon.
On Thursday, Amazon’s Panos Panay discusses what comes after the smartphone and demonstrates new technology. Bluesky CEO Toni Schneider and COO Rose Wang explore whether social media can restart. Replit CEO Amjad Masad addresses the impact of artificial intelligence on software creation and the developers who build it.
Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg and Keebeck’s Bruce K. Lee discuss how the celebrity is converting influence and business experience into a serious investment career.
Startup Battlefield
Founders compete live in categories including space, physical artificial intelligence, energy and manufacturing, health tech, and enterprise security. They answer questions from leading investors to secure a place in the final round.
Before the finalists speak, Cellino co-founder and CEO Nabiha Saklayen returns to the stage. She won Startup Battlefield in 2021 and will unveil a new product while asking if people can bank their biology.
Three alumni from previous years — Molecule.one’s Piotr Byrski, Nephrogen’s Demetri Maxim, and Glīd’s Kevin Damoa — discuss what happens after the pitch. They cover successful bets, changed plans, and lessons learned.
The 2026 finalists take the stage. One company wins the title and receives $100,000 in equity-free funding and the Disrupt cup.
Event details
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 brings together more than 10,000 founders, venture capitalists, operators, and enthusiasts from around the world. The event features 200+ sessions led by 250+ leaders across six industry stages, plus roundtables and breakouts.
Attendees can meet 300+ exhibiting startups and test their latest products.
Tickets are available for purchase. Bringing a colleague reduces the second pass price by 50%. People affected by layoffs can buy an Expo+ Pass for $75.
What it means
The event focuses on practical outcomes for builders. RJ Scaringe talks about manufacturing reality. Andrew Feldman discusses the limits of compute. Mark Wahlberg explains how to transition from acting to investing. The Startup Battlefield provides a direct channel for early-stage companies to secure funding and validate their pitch against seasoned investors.
