Unveiling the AI Pioneers: Explore the AI Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, the AI Stage will highlight the voices molding the future of technology, innovation, and security. Leading venture capitalists will share essential insights on navigating funding in this rapidly evolving landscape, detailing their investments in emerging AI entrepreneurs. Discover transformative insights from pioneers at cutting-edge companies such as Apptronik, ElevenLabs, Hugging Face, Runway, Wonder Dynamics, Writer, and Wayve—innovators reshaping the technological realm.

These thought leaders, along with many others mentioned below, represent the forefront of AI’s growing impact. On the AI Stage at Disrupt, deepen your understanding of how advancements are transforming industries, improving user experiences, and what startups and investors need to know to stay competitive.

Keep an eye out for more sessions and speakers to be announced soon. In the meantime, secure your place at Disrupt 2025—immerse yourself in vibrant discussions on the AI Stage, along with four additional specialized stages: Space, Builders, Going Public, and Disrupt—taking place from October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco. Take advantage of savings of up to $675 before prices rise after July. Register now to secure your savings.

Introducing the AI Stage Lineup

Investing in the Next Wave: What VCs Look for in AI Startups

Speakers will be revealed shortly.

From foundational models to niche applications, AI is paving the way for a new wave of entrepreneurs and raising fresh expectations among investors. In a candid discussion, top VCs will reveal what attracts their interest, how they evaluate defensibility in a market dominated by AI titans, and what founders must offer to secure vital term sheets.

Creative Machines: The Intersection of AI and Imagination

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

AI goes beyond merely optimizing workflows—it’s co-creating art, media, and experiences in groundbreaking ways we’re just starting to uncover. Wonder Dynamics CEO Nikola Todorovic will engage in a panel with leading technologists to discuss how AI is revolutionizing the creative process, blending the roles of the artist and the algorithm, and generating new opportunities for storytellers, designers, and visionaries alike.

Shaping the Future with AI

May Habib, co-founder and CEO of Writer

What happens when AI learns to communicate with intention, character, and influence? Writer CEO May Habib will explore the evolving relationship between language and technology, along with the repercussions of generative content for brands, businesses, and more.

The Next Frontier is Search

Edo Liberty, founder and CEO of Pinecone

In an information-rich environment, pinpointing what’s crucial is vital. Pinecone founder Edo Liberty will discuss why infrastructure—not just algorithms—may be the key to unlocking AI’s future, along with what lies ahead in the pursuit of smarter, scalable applications.

Intelligence in Motion: The Future of Physical AI

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

Physical AI is still on the cusp of its breakthrough moment. Waabi CEO Raquel Urtasun and Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas will discuss the requirements for embedding intelligence into motion, whether on the road or on two legs. This conversation will encompass simulations, sensors, and the safe scaling of the next generation of physical machines.

Creating Intelligence for Modern Defense

Ethan Thornton, founder and CEO of Mach Industries

Mach Industries is pioneering innovations in AI within one of the most complex and controversial sectors: defense. CEO Ethan Thornton will discuss the challenges of crafting solutions in high-stakes environments where velocity and autonomy are crucial, and how re-evaluating key principles is essential for next-gen infrastructure.

Advancing Intelligence

Alex Kendall, co-founder and CEO of Wayve

From self-driving vehicles to adaptive systems, Alex Kendall is redefining machine perception and action in our society. The Wayve CEO will delve into how real-world autonomy is reshaping AI’s trajectory, the potential for breakthroughs on the road, and what it signals for the future.

From Marketing to Movies: Creating with Code

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

Creatives are not being supplanted; they are being empowered. Alejandro Matamala Ortiz, co-founder of Runway, will explore how machine learning is revolutionizing creative tasks, the significance of AI-native tools for visual storytelling, and the dawn of a new creative era.

Constructing the AI Stack

Thomas Wolf, co-founder and CSO of Hugging Face

With an emphasis on models, datasets, ethics, and infrastructure, Hugging Face is leading the charge in responsible AI development. Co-founder and CSO Thomas Wolf will discuss the changing landscape of power in AI, the emergence of community-driven innovation, and the importance of maintaining transparency while advancing rapidly.

Synthetic Voices: Tangible Impact

Mati Staniszewski, co-founder and CEO of ElevenLabs

From audiobooks to avatars, synthetic speech is making a significant impact. Leading this shift is ElevenLabs, and CEO Mati Staniszewski will talk about the intricacies of creating AI that communicates like humans and how voice technology is transforming creative fields, accessibility, and entertainment.

Love, Lies, & Algorithms: The Reality of AI in Relationships

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

AI is reshaping how we connect and fall in love, often in nuanced ways. This panel will investigate how technology is transforming modern relationships, from dating applications to digital companions, and what this means for emotional connections.

AI and National Security: The Call for Innovation

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

From defense research facilities to financial sectors and naval operations, AI is altering how countries maintain security and influence. DARPA’s Kathleen Fisher, Point72’s Sri Chandrasekar, and Navy CTO Justin Fanelli will delve into the cutting-edge AI innovations driving security advancements and what this entails for entrepreneurs, investors, and future global stability.

Step into the Future of AI at Disrupt 2025

Join the discussions shaping the future of AI at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Over two dynamic days, the AI Stage will feature a comprehensive agenda filled with influential founders, distinguished VCs, and industry thought leaders—together with four additional innovative stages: Space, Builders, Going Public, and Disrupt—taking place from October 27 to 29 at Moscone West in San Francisco.

Get your ticket now to enjoy savings of up to $675 before prices rise after July, and get ready to uncover the next wave of AI innovations transforming technology, creativity, security, and beyond.