Power up your AI infrastructure! A first look at the Smart Systems Stage agenda at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
An initial look at the Smart Systems Stage agenda for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 focusing on energy, infrastructure, and AI technology.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 takes place October 13-15 in San Francisco.
- The Smart Systems Stage focuses on energy and infrastructure demands for AI.
- Discussions cover commercial fusion breakthroughs and grid strain.
- Executives from Helion and Commonwealth Fusion Systems are among the speakers.
AI doesn't run on code alone, requiring massive amounts of power that increasingly act as a critical bottleneck. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, the Smart Systems Stage will serve as the intersection of energy, infrastructure, and technology, covering everything from fusion breakthroughs to the grid strain imposed by AI.
The initial lineup for the Smart Systems Stage includes the following sessions:
- Leaders from Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Helion break down commercial fusion breakthroughs, remaining challenges, and scaling fusion power onto the grid, featuring David Kirtley, CEO of Helion, and Brandon Sorbom, Chief Science Officer of Commonwealth Fusion Systems.
- Inertia CEO Jeff Lawson joins a fireside chat on his journey from founding Twilio to leading a top-funded fusion startup, discussing talent, timelines, and engineering questions.
- A panel exploring how to modernize power systems, where investments flow, and how utilities, startups, and tech providers build resilient grids.
- Discussions on data center operators and energy companies racing to secure power and expand infrastructure before it bottlenecks AI's next wave.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
This focus at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 highlights a critical shift in the technology landscape where energy availability has become as important as computing power. By dedicating a specific stage to smart systems and power infrastructure, the event underscores the urgent need for collaboration between the tech sector and energy utilities to sustain long-term artificial intelligence development.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 runs from October 13 to 15 in San Francisco, offering a three-day deep dive into the startup community with access to all stages, networking events, and speaker sessions, with ticket savings of up to $330 available before the current pricing window closes.
Source: TechCrunch
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