TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Adds Real World AI Stage for 10,000 Attendees as AI Track Expands to 2
Updated
Updated · TechCrunch · Sep 2
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Adds Real World AI Stage for 10,000 Attendees as AI Track Expands to 2
1 articles · Updated · TechCrunch · Sep 2
Summary
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will debut a new Real World AI Stage on October 13-15 in San Francisco, adding a second AI-focused track centered on how autonomous systems move from software into the physical world.
The new stage reflects AI’s rapid spread beyond digital applications, with sessions on robotics data bottlenecks, safety-critical deployment, edge AI in low-connectivity settings, and the challenge of scaling deep-tech prototypes into production.
Nvidia’s Les Karpas, Shield AI CTO Nate Michael, Colossal Biosciences CEO Ben Lamm, FieldAI’s Ali Agha and Foxglove’s Adrian Macneil are among the announced speakers.
One featured discussion will examine de-extinction as a billion-dollar business, using Colossal Biosciences to explore whether AI-driven biology is a conservation breakthrough or a distraction.
The event at Moscone West is expected to draw more than 10,000 startup, tech and VC leaders, with additional programming across Disrupt, AI, Smart Money, Smart Systems and Builders stages.