TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Features OpenAI and Anthropic

TechCrunch has set a fast-approaching deadline of Friday, September 25, at 11:59 p.m. PT for attendees to secure early-bird pricing for its flagship Disrupt 2026 conference. Registrants who purchase their tickets before this cutoff can save up to $200 on admission to the three-day technology summit. Additionally, organizations looking to showcase their products in the Expo Hall must act even faster, with the final deadline to book an exhibit table falling on September 18.

The event is scheduled to take place from October 13 to October 15 at the Moscone West convention center in San Francisco. Organizers expect to draw more than 10,000 founders, venture capital investors, operators, and technology leaders. This year's gathering will place a heavy emphasis on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, alongside tracks dedicated to fintech, robotics, biotech, and infrastructure.

A major draw for the 2026 iteration is the participation of prominent AI trailblazers. Representatives from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Replit are slated to take over six dedicated industry stages. Attendees will have access to these sessions to gain practical insights into building, funding, and scaling companies in the current economic and technological landscape.

Beyond the stage presentations, the conference will facilitate networking through one-on-one meetings and AI-powered matchmaking services. The exhibition floor will feature the Startup Battlefield 200, showcasing early-stage startups aiming to attract investor interest and secure strategic partnerships. For practitioners and founders, the event represents a critical venue to pitch ideas, discover new tools, and connect with potential backers and collaborators.