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Uncover AI Innovators: Join Us at the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 AI Showcase!

At the upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, the AI Stage will feature prominent experts who are pushing boundaries in technology, innovation, and security. Acclaimed venture capitalists will share insights on tackling funding challenges in this swiftly changing landscape, concentrating on their investments in pioneering AI startups. Learn from leaders at companies like Apptronik, ElevenLabs, Hugging Face, Runway, Wonder Dynamics, Writer, and Wayve—trailblazers reshaping the tech industry.

These visionary experts, along with additional speakers to be announced, are steering the advancement of AI. Enhance your understanding at the AI Stage during Disrupt, as you explore how technological progress is redefining industries, improving user experiences, and uncovering essential insights for startups and investors aiming to maintain competitiveness.

Watch for more sessions and speakers to be revealed soon. In the meantime, secure your spot at Disrupt 2025—join in on stimulating discussions at the AI Stage, as well as four other thematic stages: Space, Builders, Going Public, and Disrupt—taking place from October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco. Enjoy discounts of up to $675 before prices increase after July. Register today to take advantage of these savings.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 AI Stage w/logo & White Google Cloud

Presenting the AI Stage Lineup

Investing in the Future: VC Insights on AI Startups

Speakers to be announced soon.

As AI evolves beyond generic models into specialized technologies, a new generation of startups is emerging, raising expectations among investors. Esteemed venture capitalists will discuss their interests and evaluation processes within the AI landscape, and what innovations startups need to attract vital funding.

Creative Machines: Where AI Meets Innovation

Nikola Todorovic, co-founder and CEO of Wonder Dynamics; additional speakers to be confirmed.

AI transcends traditional optimization and dives into art, media, and immersive experiences. CEO Nikola Todorovic, alongside other industry pioneers, will examine how AI is revolutionizing creativity, uniting art with algorithms, and opening new pathways for storytellers, designers, and creators.

TechCrunch Event

San Francisco
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October 27-29, 2025

Nikola Todorovic SXSW
Nikola Todorovic during “Featured Session: Understanding the Role of AI in Restructuring the Film & Television Industry” at the 2023 SXSW Conference on March 14, 2023, in Austin, Texas.Image Credits:Diego Donamaria/Getty Images for SXSW

Crafting the Future with AI

May Habib, co-founder and CEO of Writer

What happens when AI possesses intention, personality, and persuasive abilities? May Habib, CEO of Writer, will explore the intricate relationship between language and technology, assessing the effects of generative content on brands and businesses.

The Changing Landscape of Search

Edo Liberty, founder and CEO of Pinecone

In a world overwhelmed with data, it’s crucial to identify what truly matters. Edo Liberty, founder of Pinecone, will stress the significance of solid infrastructure over simple algorithms to enable AI’s full potential, emphasizing trends in advanced and scalable applications.

Intelligence in Motion: The Future of Physical AI

Jeff Cardenas, co-founder and CEO of Apptronik; joined by Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO of Waabi

Physical AI is on the brink of transformative breakthroughs. Jeff Cardenas, CEO of Apptronik, and Raquel Urtasun, CEO of Waabi, will discuss the necessary steps for integrating intelligence into motion—from vehicles to advanced robotics—examining simulations, sensors, and the ethical development of future physical skills.

Image Credits:Apptronik/Mercedes

Innovating Intelligence for Modern Defense

Ethan Thornton, founder and CEO of Mach Industries

Mach Industries leads the way in AI solutions within one of the most challenging fields: defense. CEO Ethan Thornton will highlight the complexities of developing technologies under demanding circumstances, underscoring the need to redefine fundamental principles to enhance systems.

Advancing the Frontiers of Intelligence

Alex Kendall, co-founder and CEO of Wayve

From self-driving cars to adaptive technologies, Alex Kendall is changing the relationship between machines and society. The Wayve CEO will explore how real-world autonomy is shaping AI’s future, focusing on key innovations in transportation and their far-reaching impacts.

From Ads to Film: Innovation through Code

Alejandro Matamala Ortiz, co-founder and chief design officer of Runway

AI doesn’t replace human creativity; it amplifies it. Alejandro Matamala Ortiz, co-founder of Runway, will discuss how machine learning is revolutionizing creative workflows, the role of AI-driven tools in visual storytelling, and heralding a new era of creativity.

Constructing the AI Framework

Thomas Wolf, co-founder and CSO of Hugging Face

By concentrating on models, datasets, ethical considerations, and infrastructure, Hugging Face is at the forefront of responsible AI development. Co-founder and CSO Thomas Wolf will discuss the evolving power dynamics in AI, the rise of community-driven initiatives, and the urgent need for transparency in ongoing advancements.

Synthetic Voices: Tangible Impacts

Mati Staniszewski, co-founder and CEO of ElevenLabs

Synthetic voice technology is making a notable difference, from audiobooks to digital avatars. Mati Staniszewski, CEO of ElevenLabs, will investigate the challenges of creating AI that mimics human speech and how voice technology is redefining creativity, accessibility, and entertainment.

Mati Staniszewski SXSW
Mati Staniszewski at “The AI Voice Revolution” panel at SXSW London 2025 at the Truman Brewery on June 4, 2025, in London, England.Image Credits:Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for SXSW London

Love, Lies, & Algorithms: AI’s Role in Relationships

Mark Kantor, head of product and innovation at Match Group; Eugenia Kuyda, CEO of Replika; along with more speakers to be announced.

AI is significantly altering the way we forge connections and experience love. This panel will delve into how technology impacts modern relationships, from dating apps to digital companions, and its effects on emotional bonds.

AI in National Security: The Race for Innovation

Sri Chandrasekar, managing partner at Point72; Justin Fanelli, CTO of The Navy; Kathleen Fisher, director at DARPA

AI is reshaping national security strategies from defense research to economic policies. Kathleen Fisher from DARPA, Sri Chandrasekar of Point72, and Navy CTO Justin Fanelli will discuss essential AI solutions that bolster security and their implications for entrepreneurs, investors, and global health.

Embrace the Future of AI at Disrupt 2025

Join us for insightful discussions that will shape the trajectory of AI at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Over two dynamic days, the AI Stage will feature a range of influential founders, respected VCs, and pioneering thinkers, alongside four other vibrant stages: Space, Builders, Going Public, and Disrupt—running from October 27 to 29 at Moscone West, San Francisco.

Purchase your ticket now to unlock discounts up to $675 before prices rise after July. Get ready to explore the emerging frontiers of AI innovation that are transforming technology, creativity, security, and beyond.

Image Credits:Kimberly White for TechCrunch / Getty Images