Preface

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 returns to Moscone West in San Francisco from October 13–15. This announcement is a brief reminder that the deadline to apply to speak is today. The event draws founders, investors, operators, and technologists aiming to shape conversation around AI, scaling, fintech, infrastructure, robotics, and other innovation fronts. If you have practical experience, compelling data, or a fresh perspective to share, now is the time to act. Applications close tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT—submit your proposal to be considered for a speaking role and contribute to the industry’s most timely discussions.

Lazy bag

Quick take: Apply before 11:59 p.m. PT tonight for a chance to speak at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Oct 13–15 at Moscone West. Organizers seek founders, investors, operators, and experts who can deliver actionable insights and real-world examples. Two session formats are available: 30-minute Breakout Sessions with audience Q&A and 30-minute Roundtables for smaller, discussion-driven groups. Editorial review will determine finalists, and readers will vote on the Audience Choice selections.

Main Body

TechCrunch Disrupt remains one of the year’s premier gatherings for startup and VC leaders, entrepreneurs, and technology professionals. Taking place October 13–15, 2026 at Moscone West in San Francisco, the conference will convene more than 10,000 participants to discuss the next wave of innovation across domains such as artificial intelligence, scaling strategies, financial technology, infrastructure, and robotics. This is a practical reminder that applications to speak close tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT.

The application window is brief but meaningful: speakers selected to present at Disrupt gain exposure to an influential audience and contribute to conversations that shape the industry’s direction. TechCrunch is specifically inviting individuals who can offer actionable insights and real-world experience—those who can move beyond abstract theory and provide tangible takeaways for founders, investors, and operators in attendance.

There are two primary session formats available for applicants. The first is Breakout Sessions: these are 30-minute presentations that can include up to four speakers plus a moderator, and feature a 20-minute audience Q&A. Breakout Sessions are structured to accommodate up to 100 attendees, making them suitable for subject-matter experts, panelists discussing nuanced topics, or founders sharing in-depth case studies.

The second format is Roundtables: also 30 minutes in length, these are speaker-led group discussions designed for up to 40 participants. Roundtables emphasize conversation over presentation—no slides or AV are used—so applicants should be prepared to facilitate dialog, pose probing questions, and foster peer-to-peer learning. These sessions are ideal for interactive problem-solving, workshops, and candid discussions about operational challenges or emerging trends.

Each submission will be reviewed by TechCrunch’s editorial team, who will assess proposals for relevance, clarity, and potential impact. From those reviews, a set of finalists will be selected and advanced to an Audience Choice vote, where TechCrunch readers help determine which sessions will appear on the Disrupt stage. This two-step selection process combines editorial curation with community input, increasing the likelihood that chosen sessions will be both high-quality and broadly resonant.

Applicants should emphasize practical outcomes in their proposals. Useful elements include concrete examples, measurable results, replicable frameworks, and lessons learned from real deployments or market experiments. Whether you aim to discuss scaling strategies for a high-growth startup, lessons from raising capital, technical approaches to deploying AI responsibly, or operational practices for resilient infrastructure, make sure your submission conveys the specific value attendees will gain.

Preparing a strong application typically requires a clear title, a concise description of the session’s central thesis, an outline of major talking points, and information about the presenters’ backgrounds and relevant experience. For Breakout Sessions, indicate how you will structure the 30-minute slot and allocate time for Q&A. For Roundtables, explain how you will facilitate discussion and what outcomes participants should expect.

Timing is essential: with the deadline at 11:59 p.m. PT tonight, prospective speakers should finalize and submit their proposals promptly. Late applications cannot be considered, so allow time for final edits and confirmation of speaker availability. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be invited to participate in the Audience Choice vote—so prepare to engage your network and community to support the submission if you advance to that stage.

Being chosen to speak at Disrupt is more than a brief moment on stage; it is an opportunity to influence peers, attract attention to meaningful work, and contribute to broader industry conversations. If you have a compelling case study, original research, or operational insight that can help others navigate the evolving technology landscape, TechCrunch encourages you to apply now. Submit your application before tonight’s deadline to be considered for the Disrupt 2026 program.

Key Insights Table