Today marks the final chance to apply as a speaker or startup for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. The event runs from October 13 to 15 at Moscone West in San Francisco. It’s one of the biggest tech gatherings of the year, drawing more than 10,000 founders, investors, and operators.

If you want to share your expertise on stage, you must submit your application by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time tonight. Organizers seek founders, investors, and tech experts who can lead breakout sessions or roundtable discussions. These sessions cover hot topics like AI, fintech, robotics, and climate tech.

Breakout sessions last 30 minutes and can include up to four speakers plus a moderator. They end with a 20-minute Q&A. Roundtables are smaller, more conversational, and designed for up to 40 participants. There are no slides or AV for these—just ideas and dialogue.

The editorial team will review all applications. Finalists move on to an Audience Choice vote, where TechCrunch readers pick which sessions make the final cut. This is your chance to shape conversations that define the future of tech.

Startup Battlefield 200 Deadline Also Ends Today

For early-stage startups, today is also the last day to apply for Startup Battlefield 200. This competition spotlights 200 promising startups worldwide. Selected companies get to pitch live on stage, gain media exposure, and connect directly with investors. One winner takes home $100,000 in equity-free funding.

The competition welcomes pre-seed to Series A startups. A working prototype is required, but revenue is not. Judges look for game-changing ideas that could disrupt industries. They focus on product innovation, business model, and the strength of the founding team.

Past winners include companies like Dropbox, Cloudflare, and Discord—startups that went on to raise billions and become household names. Even if you don’t win, simply participating can open doors to investors, media, and valuable partnerships.

Selected startups receive a fully funded booth at Disrupt, complimentary team passes, and access to founder masterclasses. They also get featured in the event app and have opportunities for editorial coverage and podcasts.

Early Bird Ticket Savings End Tonight

If you plan to attend, today is the last day to grab Early Bird tickets. You can save up to $410 on passes before prices increase. Disrupt offers unmatched networking with over 10,000 tech leaders. It features 200+ sessions led by industry veterans and showcases 300+ startups.

The event includes Startup Battlefield, the Deal Flow Café for investor meetings, and curated 1:1 matchmaking. These elements compress the fundraising cycle and help founders find the right partners faster.

Confirmed speakers include executives from Databricks, Index Ventures, and Coinbase. They will lead sessions about scaling startups and tackling today’s venture capital challenges. The agenda will continue to fill in as October approaches.

TechCrunch Disrupt is where early-stage companies meet investors, launch products, and build partnerships. Missing the Early Bird deadline means paying more and potentially missing out on key opportunities.

Tips for Applying to Startup Battlefield

Many founders hesitate to apply because they think they’re too early or don’t have enough traction. That’s not true. Startup Battlefield looks for startups with bold ideas and potential to disrupt.

Your application should clearly show your product in action. Videos or live demos are better than mockups or animations. Be honest about competition and why you can win. Tell your founding story—why you started, what problem you solve, and why you are the right team.

Don’t exaggerate or polish too much. Judges want to see the real company behind the idea. You can reapply if you want to improve your application before the deadline.

If you’re unsure, the worst case is not getting selected. But applying will prepare you for future opportunities. Startup Battlefield has launched some of the most influential tech companies of the past decade.

Today is the moment. Apply by 11:59 p.m. PT to speak, pitch, or attend TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 at the best price.