Key facts
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will focus on building companies in the AI era.
- The event will feature over 200 expert sessions across six stages.
- Disrupt 2026 will take place from October 13-15 at Moscone West.
- Startup Battlefield finalists receive significant investor attention.
- Discounts are available for team members and laid-off individuals.
TechCrunch has released a comprehensive guide for its upcoming Disrupt 2026 conference, scheduled to take place from October 13-15 at Moscone West. The event's central theme is "How do you build an enduring company in the AI era?" The programming and speaker lineup are designed to provide founders with practical lessons and actionable insights.
The conference aims to foster opportunities for startups, drawing parallels to past events where founders experienced significant investor interest and fundraising success following their participation. Disrupt offers various tracks tailored to different stages of a startup's journey, from pre-seed and idea stages to early revenue and scaling phases.
Key components of Disrupt 2026 include the Startup Battlefield, a pitch competition offering a $100,000 prize and substantial attention to the winner, and multiple stages such as the Disrupt Stage, Builders Stage, AI Stage, Real World AI Stage, Smart Money Stage, and Smart Systems Stage. These stages will feature talks from industry leaders, CEOs, investors, and engineers.
TechCrunch is offering promotional discounts for the event, including 50% off a second ticket for founders to bring a team member, and a special $75 Expo+ Pass for individuals impacted by recent layoffs. The guide emphasizes that Disrupt provides a unique environment for networking, learning, and securing capital in the current technology landscape.