From TechCrunch · TechCrunch Events · · 3m
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 opens in San Francisco
Ten thousand startup founders, investors and tech leaders gather at Moscone West for three days of pitches, panels and networking.
In brief
Ten thousand startup founders, investors and tech leaders gather at Moscone West for three days of pitches, panels and networking. TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 began October thirteenth at San Francisco's Moscone West, bringing together ten thousand startup founders, investors and tech leaders for pitches, panels and…
Disrupt 2026 opens its doors
Day one of TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is underway at San Francisco's Moscone West, bringing together ten thousand startup founders, investors and tech leaders for three days of pitches and networking.
Six industry stages and Startup Battlefield
The conference features Startup Battlefield, six new industry stages focused on scaling, AI, fintech and climate tech, plus two hundred fifty plus speakers shaping the discussion across three days.
Three hundred exhibiting startups
The Expo Hall runs from eight am to five pm, showcasing three hundred plus exhibiting startups displaying cutting-edge technologies. Ten thousand plus attendees converge to discover breakthroughs and spark new connections.
Registration and badge technology
Registration runs seven thirty am to five pm at Level one lobby of Moscone West. Badges feature Klik technology, making it easy to exchange contact information with people you scan your badge with.
Pitch Showcase Stage lightning rounds
The Pitch Showcase Stage at the back of the Expo Hall features rapid-fire one-minute lightning pitches from promising startups representing their home countries and regions across multiple categories.
Startup Battlefield Built World category
The Startup Battlefield two hundred Built World category showcases innovative early-stage startups tackling challenges in real estate, construction, architecture, smart cities and infrastructure.
Top twenty startups compete for prize
TechCrunch selected the top twenty early-stage startups to pitch in front of seasoned venture capitalists. They compete for a one hundred thousand dollar equity-free prize and the coveted Disrupt Cup.
Startup Battlefield Sustainability category
The Sustainability category highlights groundbreaking early-stage companies tackling environmental and climate challenges, from renewable energy and carbon capture to circular economy platforms and clean water solutions.
Disrupt Stage speakers and judges
The Disrupt Stage features sessions on space and physical AI, energy and manufacturing, and scaling AI. Judges include Anu Bharadwaj from ICONIQ, Sara Deshpande from Maven Ventures and others.
Builders Stage and Equity podcast
The Builders Stage hosts TechCrunch's Equity podcast live, breaking down startup and venture stories. Sessions cover agentic AI, AI talent competition, product scaling and hiring when AI is a co-founder.
Smart Money and Smart Systems stages
Industry stages cover money movement in the agentic economy, AI in financial services, AI infrastructure, energy systems and grid modernisation. Speakers include leaders from Circle, Plaid and Twilio.
Breakout sessions and roundtables
Breakout sessions at the end of the Expo Hall feature expert panels on physical AI, data teams, quantum computing and AI trust. Roundtables give founders and investors small-group sessions on real-world challenges.
Networking spaces and Deal Flow Cafe
The Networking Lounge powered by Signify Business Cash World Elite Mastercard by Wells Fargo opens nine am to five pm. The Deal Flow Cafe opens at nine am, exclusive to founders and investors.
Side events across San Francisco
Company-hosted side events extend Disrupt energy beyond Moscone West throughout San Francisco this week. Tonight's events include The Irish Shark Tank hosted by Enterprise Ireland and SafetyWing Happy Hour.
Tickets still available through October fifteenth
Passes remain available through the final day of Disrupt, October fifteenth. Attendees can get fifty percent off a second pass to bring a colleague, partner or peer to share the experience.
The short version
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 began October thirteenth at San Francisco's Moscone West, bringing together ten thousand startup founders, investors and tech leaders for pitches, panels and networking across three days.
