TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Opening in Three Days: 300+ Startups and Major Savings Available

The Event Kicks Off This Week

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 begins October 13 at Moscone West in San Francisco, drawing thousands of founders, investors, and technology leaders for a three-day showcase of early-stage innovation. The conference opens at 8 a.m. PT and represents over a decade of TechCrunch's commitment to identifying and elevating ambitious early-stage companies within the broader technology ecosystem.

Startup Battlefield Competition and Discovery

The centerpiece remains Startup Battlefield 200, featuring a carefully curated selection of early-stage startups competing for investor attention, media coverage, and potential customer relationships. Twenty finalists will take the main stage to compete for a $100,000 prize and the Disrupt Cup trophy. Beyond the competition track, the Expo Hall will host over 300 startups at various development stages across multiple sectors, allowing attendees to speak directly with founders and explore unexpected investment opportunities and business ideas.

Content and Programming

The conference extends beyond startup discovery with 200+ sessions delivered by 250+ industry leaders across six stages, supplemented by roundtable discussions and breakout sessions. Programming covers artificial intelligence, product development, go-to-market strategy, fundraising, finance, infrastructure, and scaling operations. This content-rich environment enables attendees to ask questions of prominent executives, form new connections, and learn about major industry announcements and insights ahead of public release.

Pricing and Attendance Options

Registration discounts up to $100 are currently available, with additional savings offered for group attendance. Attendees can bring a colleague at 50% off the same ticket type, and groups of four or more unlock additional discounts. For individuals recently affected by layoffs, an Expo+ Pass is available for $75, ensuring access to the startup ecosystem despite economic headwinds.

Related Announcements

The timing of Disrupt coincides with several significant startup developments in the technology sector, including a 19-year-old founder raising $10-11 million for AI-focused ventures, Anthropic offering startups free access to Claude Team with $1,000 in credits, and major policy announcements affecting tech hiring and immigration for skilled workers.