TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: The Disrupt Stage Speaker Lineup

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe will lead discussions on the complexities of scaling hardware manufacturing, while Cerebras CEO Andrew Feldman addresses the sustainability of current AI compute trajectories. The schedule also includes a rare joint appearance by the partners of Benchmark—Jack Altman, Peter Fenton, Chetan Puttagunta, Everett Randle, and Eric Vishria—who will provide their collective outlook on the venture landscape. Science Corporation founder Max Hodak and Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley are set to explore the intersection of human biology, public safety, and surveillance technology.

The programming extends to the evolution of software and hardware, with Ricursive Intelligence co-founders Anna Goldie and Azalia Mirhoseini discussing AI systems capable of designing their own silicon. Amazon’s Panos Panay will offer a look at post-smartphone innovation, while Replit CEO Amjad Masad examines the democratization of software development. Additionally, Mark Wahlberg and Keebeck’s Bruce K. Lee will discuss the transition from celebrity influence to professional investment strategies.

Beyond keynote sessions, the event highlights the Startup Battlefield 200 competition. Finalists will pitch across sectors including physical AI, energy, and life sciences. Past winners and alumni, such as Cellino CEO Nabiha Saklayen, will return to provide insights on post-competition growth and the practical realities of scaling a startup. The conference expects to draw over 10,000 attendees, offering a platform for networking across 200 sessions and 300 exhibiting companies.