From Startup Battlefield to six new industry stages focused on scaling, AI, fintech, climate tech, and more, Disrupt is packed with game-changing perspectives and opportunities. The next partnership, investment, or breakout company could emerge from any meeting, session, or coffee line conversation. Meet the 250+ speakers shaping the discussion.
Registration hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Attendees can stop by the registration desk in the Level 1 lobby of Moscone West to register in person or pick up a scannable event badge. The badge features Klik technology, allowing easy exchange of contact information with scanned badges. Using the event app, users can access and keep these contacts even after the event concludes.
The event features 300+ exhibiting startups showcasing cutting-edge technologies across various industries. This serves as the center of Disrupt, where over 10,000 attendees converge to discover new breakthroughs and spark new connections.
Those who have not registered yet can still do so, but should act quickly to avoid missing out. By grabbing a ticket, attendees can walk straight into the action, including six industry stages, interactive roundtables, Q&A breakouts, hundreds of exhibiting startups, investor-founder meetings, AI-powered matchmaking networking, and various side events lighting up the Bay Area tech scene.
At the Pitch Showcase Stage in the Expo Hall, visitors can experience rapid-fire, one-minute lightning pitches from promising startups representing their home countries and regions.
The Startup Battlefield Fast Pitches Built World category showcases innovative early-stage startups tackling challenges in real estate, construction, architecture, smart cities, and infrastructure. These technologies transform the physical spaces where we live, work, and play. Attendees can catch their lightning pitches and meet the bold entrepreneurs building what’s next.
The spotlight also shines on Startup Battlefield, TechCrunch’s renowned “World Series of pitch competitions.” After vetting thousands of applicants, TechCrunch selected the top 20 early-stage startups to pitch in front of seasoned VCs. They will compete for a $100,000 equity-free prize and the coveted Disrupt Cup.
The Startup Battlefield 200 Sustainability category highlights groundbreaking early-stage companies addressing urgent environmental and climate challenges, such as renewable energy, carbon capture, circular economy platforms, sustainable agriculture, and clean water solutions. These founders turn bold climate commitments into real-world technology, proving profitability and planetary impact are not mutually exclusive. They present their cases in just two minutes.
From physical AI and the future of intelligent systems to fundraising, hiring, and scaling, today’s speakers tackle the opportunities and challenges shaping the next generation of startups. Topics include “Can AI Keep Scaling?”, “Beyond Screens”, “The Rise of Agentic AI”, and “The Future of Money Movement in the Agentic Economy.”
Key speakers include RJ Scaringe (Rivian), Andrew Feldman (Cerebras Systems), Max Hodak (Science Corporation), and various experts from Google Cloud, Qualcomm, and others discussing topics like “Beyond Screens”, “Competing for AI Talent”, and “PMF Red Flags.”
Industry Stage sessions focus on the AI infrastructure boom, vertical AI, and specific sectors like energy. Topics include “What Vertical AI Actually Delivers at Scale”, “Bringing Fusion to the Grid”, and “Rewiring the Grid for the Electric Age.”
Breakout sessions located at the end of the Expo Hall feature panels of experts. Topics cover “What is Physical AI, Anyway?”, “The Quantum Revolution”, “Taiwan Powering the Next AI Revolution”, and “How to Build AI We Can Trust.”
Small-group sessions allow founders and investors to tackle real-world challenges up close. Topics include “Arm Wrestling Your Data”, “Can AI Take You Public?”, “AI’s Next Frontier”, and “Beyond the Demo: Building Physical AI That Actually Works.”
Networking options include the Networking Lounge powered by Signify Business Cash World Elite Mastercard (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) and the Deal Flow Cafe for founders and investors.
Company-hosted Side Events are happening throughout San Francisco this week, extending the Disrupt energy well beyond Moscone West. These include panels, parties, and meetups designed to connect founders, investors, and innovators across every corner of tech. Events include the Irish Shark Tank hosted by Enterprise Ireland, the SafetyWing Happy Hour at Harrington’s, and the Born2Global Founder Networking Night hosted by WayFounder.
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