TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Day 2 puts AI center stage

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is taking place at San Francisco's Moscone West, and its second day has drawn a speaker roster that mixes chipmakers, autonomous vehicle startups, public safety firms, and venture capital. Nvidia, Waabi, Flock Safety, and Ricursive Intelligence are all represented, and Benchmark's full partnership is on stage. Sessions and roundtables during the day cover robotics, AI hardware, public safety, and venture investment, giving attendees a reason to compare perspectives across those areas.

The event also serves as a showcase for early-stage companies. The Expo Hall hosts 300+ startups, and the Pitch Showcase Stage runs enterprise fast pitches so attendees can see how founders present their products. Startup Battlefield continues with healthtech and life sciences, plus enterprise and security, with contenders pursuing a place in the final and $100,000 in equity-free funding.

For pass holders, the day is structured around both stage sessions and smaller discussions. Breakout sessions and roundtables let attendees bring a business challenge or investment question to a small-group setting, and the Networking Lounge uses AI-powered matchmaking to help schedule meetings. Passes remain available at 50% off the walk-up rate, and the event continues over the next two days.