TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will place the spotlight on one of the most important questions behind artificial intelligence: how to power its rapid growth. The Smart Systems Stage, set for October 13-15 at Moscone Center in San Francisco, will bring together energy and technology leaders to explore the future of infrastructure.
Fusion, grids, and data centers
The agenda includes sessions on commercial fusion, grid modernization, and the rising electricity needs of data centers. Speakers from Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Helion, Inertia, Bloom Energy, and other companies will discuss how new energy models could support the next wave of digital innovation.
One panel will focus on the path from fusion research to real-world grid integration, while another will examine how utilities and startups are adapting power systems for a more electric economy. A separate discussion will look at the infrastructure pressure created by AI workloads and the race to secure reliable energy capacity.
Leaders shaping the conversation
Among the featured voices are David Kirtley of Helion, Brandon Sorbom of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Jeff Lawson of Inertia, Drew Baglino of Heron Power, Apoorv Bhargava of WeaveGrid, Sara Spangelo of Ambrosia Energy, and Bill Thayer of Bloom Energy. Their sessions are expected to connect scientific progress with practical deployment.
Beyond the stage programming, Disrupt 2026 will also offer access to networking, side events, and the wider startup ecosystem. The event reflects a broader shift: as AI expands, the future of innovation will increasingly depend on smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy systems.
