TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Unveils Groundbreaking Real-World AI Stage Featuring Nvidia, Robotics, and Extinct Species

In past TechCrunch Disrupt events, AI has consistently been a focal point of our programming, often shining brightly on its dedicated stage. This year, as the technology, its implications, and pivotal players continue to progress swiftly, we are excited to reveal the expansion of our AI stage into two distinct venues!

The AI Stage will continue as planned, showcasing a comprehensive lineup of sessions and speakers accessible for your review here. Additionally, we are thrilled to unveil the brand-new Real World AI Stage for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026.

On this new stage, we will delve into the intersection of digital and physical worlds, showcasing the ways these realms are beginning to converge. From autonomous hardware that transcends self-driving vehicles to its application in public spaces, military domains, homes, and potentially even contributing to the revival of extinct species, the opportunities are immense.

Our agenda includes speakers from companies such as Shield AI, Colossal Biosciences, FieldAI, Foxglove, and many more participants yet to be unveiled. Join us from October 13 to 15 at Moscone West in San Francisco—register to attend right here.

In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek into our Real World AI Stage lineup:

Robots Awaiting Their ChatGPT Moment: What’s Preventing Progress?

While large language models utilize vast internet data and self-driving cars benefit from extensive road information, robots are significantly lacking in these resources. This data deficiency is the primary reason many experts argue that achieving general-purpose robotic intelligence is still years away, despite notable advances in AI. A new generation of startups is working to fill this gap by creating data pipelines, simulation environments, and foundational models, potentially sparking an innovation wave akin to that seen with LLMs. This session will address the pivotal question: what is required for a physical AI ChatGPT moment, and how near are we to realizing it?

Featuring Les Karpas, Head of Physical AI, Nvidia

Creating AI Systems Where Failure Isn’t Acceptable

Integrating AI into the physical domain raises the stakes of failure significantly. A mistake could lead to grounded aircraft, vehicular accidents, or failed missions.

In this session, prominent figures developing autonomous vehicles, defense technologies, and industrial systems will address one of the most pressing challenges faced by every hard tech entrepreneur: How can you ensure your system is prepared for safe deployment?

We will discuss how founders can cultivate a culture of safety, validate and test AI, navigate regulatory hurdles, and establish companies that can earn trust in high-stakes environments.

Featuring Nate Michael, CTO, Shield AI

Can We Engineer Nature’s Revival?

Ben Lamm has turned the idea of de-extinction from a figment of science fiction into a billion-dollar industry. In this vibrant discussion, the CEO of Colossal Biosciences will share insights on the technologies used to resurrect extinct species, the role of AI in modern biology, and the ongoing debate over whether engineering nature constitutes a groundbreaking conservation strategy or is merely a distraction from the imperative of preserving existing ecosystems.

Featuring Ben Lamm, CEO, Colossal Biosciences

Functioning at the Edge: AI Applications Beyond Cloud Connectivity

The most influential AI applications tend to occur where cloud access is limited. Developing solutions for these scenarios requires an entirely different methodology.

This session will bring together leaders from defense, space, and industrial AI to share their approaches to making AI operational at the edge—where latency matters, connectivity is limited, and failure is not an option. Anticipate practical insights into architectural considerations, design decisions, and trade-offs essential for crafting AI-driven systems in the real world.

Featuring Dr. Ali Agha, CEO and Founder of FieldAI; Michelle Lee, CEO and Founder of Medra; and Aidan Madigan-Curtis, Partner, Eclipse Ventures

From Prototype to Production: Can It Scale for Real?

A functioning prototype does not equate to a market-ready product. Likewise, a shipped product does not ensure a scalable business. The transition between these phases is where numerous deep tech startups encounter challenges. Founders may possess stellar teams and brilliant technology, yet they frequently underestimate the complexities involved in moving from prototype to mass production and achieving sustainable scaling.

This session features founders who have successfully navigated this challenging path in sectors like space hardware, humanoid robotics, and autonomous systems. They will discuss misjudgments, critical steps that should have been taken earlier, and the realities encountered when transitioning from prototype to production amid supply chain and manufacturing logistics.

Featuring John Mackey, CEO, Co-founder, MBRYONICS; Boris Sofman, Co-founder and CEO, Bedrock Robotics; and Adrian Macneil, CEO, Foxglove

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And there’s much more awaiting you at Disrupt 2026—this is just one stage’s program! To give you an idea of what else will be available, we’ve also announced the:

• Disrupt Stage, featuring leading voices from Replit, Amazon, Tether, and others.

• AI Stage, concentrating on security vulnerabilities and business model changes impacting all SaaS companies.

• Smart Money Stage, exploring stablecoins, instant payments, and AI’s role in enhancing financial trust.

• Smart Systems Stage, addressing fusion breakthroughs and grid challenges that will propel AI into the next decade.

• Builders Stage, presenting tactical discussions for founders and investors on capital raising, hiring, and scaling strategies.

Join us for Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco from October 13–15, where over 10,000 leaders from startups, technology, and venture capital will gather for three days filled with insights, Startup Battlefield, unparalleled networking, and full access to every stage and the exhibition area.

Register today!