Disrupt 2026 starts tomorrow. The event opens at 8 a.m. PT on October 13 and runs through October 15 at Moscone West in San Francisco. TechCrunch is assembling more than 10,000 founders, investors, and tech leaders for three days of sessions, startup showcases, and networking.
The scale is familiar for a major technology conference, but the numbers still demand attention: more than 250 speakers, over 200 sessions, and 300+ startups will fill the event. Those sessions span six stages, covering AI, robotics, infrastructure, investment, startup growth, fintech, climate, and building at scale.
Six stages, one crowded agenda
The stage lineup includes the Disrupt Stage, Builders Stage, AI Stage, Real World AI Stage, Smart Money Stage, and Smart Systems Stage. That spread gives the event room to move from company-building advice to technical discussions, investment, and practical uses of AI.
The speaker lineup includes RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian; Mark Wahlberg, co-founder of Municipal; Alexa von Tobel, founder of Inspired Capital; Andrew Feldman, CEO of Cerebras Systems; Cat de Jong from Anthropic; and Les Karpas from Nvidia. It is a broad mix of startup, investment, technology, and business voices—because apparently one stage was not enough.
For founders, the event’s stated purpose is direct: help them build, fund, buy, and shape what comes next. The program places company growth beside infrastructure, investment, AI, robotics, fintech, climate, and the work required to build at scale.
Startup Battlefield remains the main competitive draw
Twenty Startup Battlefield finalists will compete live for a $100,000 prize. The contest also carries a useful bit of history: most Battlefield participants and winners have participated multiple times, turning the competition into more than a single appearance on a conference stage.
That repeat participation gives the Battlefield a practical edge. Founders can return with a stronger company, a sharper pitch, or another chance to test their ideas in front of the people attending Disrupt. The event will feature 300+ startups, but only 20 finalists will compete live for the prize.
Timing now matters for anyone planning to attend. Disrupt 2026 offers ticket savings of up to $100 before prices increase at the door, and a second pass can be purchased at 50% off.
There is also a $75 Expo+ Pass for people who have been laid off. The options cover discounted additional attendance and a lower-cost pass, although the strongest savings depend on acting before the event reaches the door-price stage.
The event’s exhibition deadline has already passed: October 2 was the last day to exhibit at Disrupt. That leaves the October 13–15 event dates as the focus, with Moscone West set to host the founders, investors, speakers, sessions, and startups gathered for the conference.
Disrupt 2026 is not a quiet workshop with a few folding chairs and one suspiciously overworked projector. It is a large meeting point for startups, capital, technical ideas, and the people trying to decide what gets built next.
Based on
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 starts tomorrow: Your final chance to secure up to $100 ticket savings — techcrunch.com
- Less than 48 hours until Disrupt 2026 starts | TechCrunch — techcrunch.com
- 6 days to Disrupt 2026: Save on your pass before doors open | TechCrunch — techcrunch.com
- The founder’s guide to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Everything you need to know | TechCrunch — techcrunch.com
