TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will take place from October 13 to 15 at Moscone West in San Francisco, focusing on the core question of how to build enduring companies amid the rise of artificial intelligence. The event’s programming and speaker lineup are designed to provide practical insights for founders navigating the evolving tech landscape.

Last year’s Disrupt demonstrated the event’s value for startups, with participants reporting significant investor interest and networking opportunities. Founders who pitched in the Startup Battlefield experienced high demand from investors, while others benefited from numerous meetings sparked by onstage presentations.

Disrupt is not limited to finalists; every interaction in the Expo Hall or side events can lead to meaningful connections. The event typically gathers thousands of founders, investors, and tech professionals, creating an environment ripe for dealmaking and collaboration.

The 2026 edition offers tailored tracks for founders at different stages. Early-stage entrepreneurs can engage with angel investors and industry peers, while those actively raising capital can leverage investor matchmaking tools and exclusive networking spaces like the Deal Flow CafĂŠ. Scaling startups can focus on talent acquisition, partnerships, and market visibility through targeted sessions and side events.

A highlight remains the Startup Battlefield, where 200 selected startups compete for a $100,000 prize and extensive exposure. The competition includes rigorous preparation and onstage pitches before top venture capitalists, providing valuable experience and visibility.

Disrupt’s programming spans six stages, each addressing specific founder needs: the Disrupt Stage for major industry conversations; Builders Stage for tactical startup advice; AI Stage focusing on AI application and monetization; Real World AI Stage exploring AI in physical systems; Smart Money Stage covering fintech and financial innovation; and Smart Systems Stage highlighting infrastructure advancements.

Notable speakers confirmed include Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, Amazon’s Panos Panay, Tether’s Paolo Ardoino, Bluesky’s Toni Schneider and Rose Wang, Replit’s Amjad Masad, and Cerebras’ Andrew Feldman. Additional speakers will be announced closer to the event.

To support founders, TechCrunch offers discounts such as 50% off a second ticket for team members and reduced Expo+ passes for those affected by recent layoffs. Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead by reviewing the schedule, booking networking sessions, and preparing pitches to maximize their experience at Disrupt 2026.