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

The tech world is about to witness a seismic shift as TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is just around the corner, and this year's theme is all about building an enduring company in the AI era, with over 10,000 attendees expected to join the event, 70 percent of which are founders, CEOs, and investors. This year's conference promises to be the biggest one yet, with a speaker lineup that includes some of the most influential figures in the tech industry, such as the CEO of NVIDIA and the founder of OpenAI. The event will take place over three days, with each day packed with keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Why it matters to readers The AI era is upon us, and the way companies operate is changing rapidly, with 61 percent of businesses already using AI in some form, and this number is expected to grow to 90 percent in the next two years. As a result, founders and entrepreneurs need to stay ahead of the curve and learn how to leverage AI to drive growth and innovation in their businesses. TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 offers a unique opportunity for attendees to learn from the best in the industry and network with potential investors and partners. For example, last year's event saw over 1,000 meetings between startups and investors, resulting in over 500 investment deals. Background context The theme of building an enduring company in the AI era is particularly relevant this year, given the recent advancements in AI technology, such as the development of more sophisticated chatbots and virtual assistants. In fact, a recent survey found that 75 percent of businesses believe that AI will be critical to their success in the next five years. The conference will feature a number of sessions and workshops focused on AI, including a keynote speech by the founder of DeepMind and a panel discussion on the ethics of AI. What to expect next The future of tech looks bright, with 85 percent of businesses expecting to increase their investment in AI over the next year, and TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is the perfect place to learn about the latest trends and innovations. One of the most exciting aspects of the conference is the Startup Battlefield competition, which will feature 20 startups competing for a $100,000 prize. The competition is fierce, with over 1,000 startups applying to participate, but only a few will make it to the final round. As the tech industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the companies that will thrive in the AI era are those that are able to adapt and innovate quickly, and TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is the perfect place to learn how to do just that, with 95 percent of attendees reporting that they learned something new and valuable at last year's event. The key takeaway from TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is that building an enduring company in the AI era requires a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends, as well as the ability to adapt and innovate quickly, with 80 percent of businesses believing that AI will be a key driver of growth and innovation in the next five years.