TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Full Breakout Session Agenda Revealed

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is set to ignite innovation and foster critical discussions from October 13-15 at Moscone West in San Francisco. Today, October 6, TechCrunch unveiled the full agenda for its highly anticipated breakout sessions, promising attendees an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the most pressing challenges and emerging trends facing the tech ecosystem.

Over 10,000 founders, investors, operators, and tech leaders are expected to gather for three days of impactful conversations, connections, and insights into the future of technology. While the main stages will showcase industry-shaping keynotes, Disrupt’s breakout sessions are designed for deep dives, offering attendees direct access to experts and a platform for active Q&A.

These 50-minute, limited-capacity sessions combine expert presentations with extensive audience interaction, ensuring a practical and actionable experience. Participants can challenge assumptions, unpack complex problems, and leave with concrete ideas to implement in their ventures. Attendance operates on a first-come, first-served basis, highlighting the urgency to secure a spot in these high-demand discussions.

Key Themes Dominating the Agenda

The 2026 breakout session lineup heavily features topics at the forefront of the tech world, with a significant emphasis on artificial intelligence. Discussions will address how founders and operators can navigate the evolving landscape of AI, from practical implementation to economic shifts. Key questions include: “How do you build with AI agents?” “Where will value accrue as AI shifts from training to inference?” and “What does physical AI truly entail?”

Beyond AI, the agenda also tackles critical aspects of startup growth and development. Sessions will explore best practices for successful fundraising, the transition from founder to investor, common fundraising pitfalls, and building high-performance teams in the AI era. Attendees can expect insights into identifying underpriced distribution channels, accelerating product launches, and leveraging agentic marketing workflows.

Highlighted Breakout Sessions and Speakers

The agenda features a diverse roster of industry luminaries leading sessions. For instance, Susan Schofer and Duncan Turner of SOSV HAX will clarify “What Is Physical AI, Anyway?” examining its unique development playbook and investor appeal. Anthropic’s Steve Androulakis and Sachin Malhotra will reveal their daily workflows using multiple Claude agents in “Outnumbered Either Way: How an Engineer and an Architect Run Their Jobs on Agents,” offering a peek into professional AI integration.

Further exploring AI’s economic shift, Hagay Lupesko from Cerebras Systems and Rudina Seseri of Glasswing Ventures will discuss “The Inference Economy: Why AI’s Next Trillion Dollars Won’t Look Like Its First.” This session will analyze where defensibility lies beyond models and the growing importance of latency.

Fundraising strategies are another cornerstone, with sessions like “Best Practices for Running a Successful Fundraise” (sponsored by Fidelity Private Shares) and “Fundraising Mistakes That Will Kill Your Round, and How to Avoid Them,” featuring experts such as Dr. Irena King from Surgicure Technologies and Ashley Paston from General Catalyst. These sessions promise actionable advice from both sides of the funding table.

Space exploration and AI intersect in “Breaking Into Space: The AI Builder’s Opportunity,” led by Dr. Brian Cameron and Shawn Sloan of The Aerospace Corporation, alongside Bosco Lai of Little Place Labs. They will highlight opportunities for AI builders in this specialized, yet data-rich, market.

Secure Your Spot at Disrupt 2026

Attending these breakout sessions provides a unique chance to get direct answers to your most pressing questions and forge crucial connections within the tech ecosystem. While the industry stages offer a broad view, these intimate sessions provide the depth and interaction essential for founders and operators.

Attendees can register now to save up to $100 on passes, with an additional 50% off for a second ticket, encouraging collaboration and shared learning. Group discounts are available for teams of four or more. TechCrunch also offers a special $75 Expo+ Pass for those recently affected by layoffs, ensuring wider access to the event's opportunities.

FAQ

Q: When and where is TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 taking place?

A: TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will be held from October 13-15 at Moscone West in San Francisco.

Q: What are the main thematic focuses of the breakout sessions?

A: The breakout sessions will primarily focus on artificial intelligence, including AI agents, physical AI, and the inference economy, alongside critical topics like successful fundraising, company growth in the AI era, and talent management.

Q: Are there any discounts available for attending Disrupt 2026?

A: Yes, attendees can save up to $100 on their pass, get a second pass at 50% off, and group discounts are available for four or more people. A special $75 Expo+ Pass is also offered for individuals recently laid off.