AI is not just code to run, it requires a lot of power, and that demand is becoming an increasingly significant bottleneck. TechCrunch Disrupt 2026’s Smart Systems stage will see energy, infrastructure, and technology collide, covering everything from nuclear fusion breakthroughs to the strain AI will have on the power grid across the economy.
Join leaders from Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Helion, Inertia, Bloom Energy, and more at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from October 13th to 15th to dig into what it really takes to drive the next decade of innovation. We tackle everything from the path to commercial convergence to the power grid, why utilities and startups are racing to modernize aging infrastructure, and how data center operators are struggling to secure the power that the growth of AI depends on.
We’re also nearing the end of our current pricing window, so this is your chance to save on all your tickets for founders, investors, and more. Get your tickets here before the current discount ends. For now, let’s take a look at the Smart Systems Stage lineup so far.
Bringing fusion to the grid
Leaders from Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Helion discuss the breakthroughs advancing commercial fusion, the challenges ahead, and what it will take to bring fusion power to the grid at scale.
Helion CEO David Kirtley and Commonwealth Fusion Systems Chief Scientific Officer Brandon Sorbom
How Twilio’s founders are tackling power issues
Inertia CEO Jeff Lawson joins us for a candid fireside chat about his journey from founding Twilio to leading one of the world’s most well-funded fusion power startups, and how scaling up Twilio is shaping his approach to talent, schedules, and the toughest engineering problems of the future.
With Inertia CEO Jeff Lawson
Rewiring the power grid for the power era
Demand for electricity is growing faster than the infrastructure built to support it. This panel will explore what it takes to modernize the power system, where investment is flowing, and how utilities, startups, and technology providers are building a more resilient and flexible power grid.
With Drew Baglino, founder and CEO of Heron Power. Apoorv Bhargava, CEO and Co-Founder of WeaveGrid. More speakers to be announced
The problem with the power of AI
As computing demand soars, data center operators and energy companies are racing to secure power and expand infrastructure before it becomes a bottleneck that slows the next wave of AI. Hear how leaders in both industries are tackling this issue.
With Sarah Spangello, president and co-founder of Ambrosia Energy. Bill Thayer, SVP, Head of Data Center Solutions, Bloom Energy More speakers to be announced
Whether you’re building the next energy breakthrough, rethinking grid infrastructure, or simply trying to understand what’s really limiting AI growth, Smart Systems Stage is built for founders and operators who want the big picture, not just the headlines and LLM overviews.
Additionally, attending Disrupt 2026 will give you access to all other stages, all networking, all side events, and the entire remaining speaker lineup. Register now for three days of deep dives into the heart of the startup community you’ll never forget.
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