The founder’s guide to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Everything you need to know

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is centered around the question of how to build a lasting company in today's AI era. The event's programming and speakers reflect this focus, shaped by community feedback and past experiences. Last year's Disrupt saw founders experiencing significant results, such as seeing a 3x oversubscription rate after Startup Battlefield and over 100 investor inbounds during their Startup Battlefield participation.

The event is designed to help founders at various stages of their journey, such as testing their ideas, meeting investors, and finding talent and strategic partners. Disrupt takes place at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 13-15 and features over 200 expert sessions, a variety of networking opportunities, and the chance to pitch onstage in the Startup Battlefield competition.

The event has a different structure depending on the founder's needs, with tracks focused on building a thesis, raising capital, or acquiring talent and partners. Side Events cater to specific interests and industries, ensuring there's something for everyone. Disrupt is a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders and learn from their experiences.

The application for the 2026 Startup Battlefield competition has closed, but the program is expanding to more international markets, so there may be future opportunities. Ticket prices increase as the event approaches, so early registration is recommended. Attendees can save money by bringing a co-founder or using per-ticket discounts for larger teams.

Disrupt 2026 promises to be an inspiring and valuable experience for founders seeking to navigate the AI landscape and build their companies.