Key facts
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is underway at Moscone West in San Francisco.
- The event expects over 10,000 attendees, including startup founders, investors, and tech leaders.
- Disrupt features six industry stages focusing on scaling, AI, fintech, climate tech, and more.
- The Startup Battlefield competition will feature 20 early-stage startups pitching for a $100,000 equity-free prize.
- Day 1 sessions cover topics such as physical AI, the future of intelligent systems, fundraising, hiring, scaling companies, and agentic AI.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 commenced on Tuesday at Moscone West in San Francisco, drawing an expected crowd of over 10,000 startup founders, investors, and technology leaders. The annual event, running from October 13-15, is a hub for discussions on artificial intelligence, robotics, venture capital, and the broader startup ecosystem.
Day 1 of the conference features a packed agenda across multiple stages, including the Startup Battlefield, where 20 selected early-stage companies will pitch for a $100,000 equity-free prize. Six dedicated industry stages are focusing on key areas such as scaling, AI, fintech, climate tech, and more, alongside interactive roundtables and Q&A sessions.
Attendees can explore over 300 exhibiting startups showcasing new technologies in the Expo Hall. The Pitch Showcase Stage offers rapid-fire, one-minute lightning pitches from promising startups. Specific categories include the Startup Battlefield's Built World and Sustainability tracks, highlighting innovations in real estate, construction, environmental solutions, and clean energy.
Key sessions on the opening day delve into topics like the future of intelligent systems, fundraising strategies, competitive AI talent acquisition, and the rise of agentic AI. Speakers include prominent figures from companies like Rivian, Cerebras Systems, Science Corporation, Radical Ventures, Webflow, Airbyte, and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.