TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Spotlights AI’s Growing Power Challenge

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries at an incredible pace, but powering that growth is becoming one of the biggest challenges facing the tech sector. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, the Smart Systems Stage will focus on the infrastructure behind AI, bringing together leaders from the energy and technology industries to discuss how the next generation of computing will be powered.

The event will take place from October 13 to October 15 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, where executives, founders, investors, and engineers will examine the growing demand for electricity, the future of commercial fusion energy, and the modernization of aging power grids.

As AI models continue to require more computing power, electricity demand has become a critical issue. The Smart Systems Stage will explore how utilities, startups, and infrastructure providers are responding to this challenge while preparing the grid for the next decade of innovation.

One of the featured sessions, “Bringing Fusion to the Grid,” will examine the latest progress in commercial fusion technology. David Kirtley, CEO of Helion, and Brandon Sorbom, Chief Science Officer at Commonwealth Fusion Systems, will discuss recent breakthroughs, remaining technical hurdles, and the path toward deploying fusion energy at scale.

Another highlight is a fireside conversation titled “How Twilio’s Founder Is Tackling the Power Problem.” Jeff Lawson, founder of Twilio and now CEO of fusion startup Inertia, will share how his experience building a global software company is shaping his leadership approach as he works to develop next-generation energy technology. The discussion will cover talent, engineering challenges, and the long-term roadmap for fusion power.

Grid modernization will also take center stage during “Rewiring the Grid for the Electric Age.” With electricity demand rising faster than existing infrastructure can support, the panel will explore where investment is flowing and how utilities, startups, and technology companies are building a more flexible and resilient power network.

The session will feature Drew Baglino, Founder and CEO of Heron Power, and Apoorv Bhargava, CEO and Co-founder of WeaveGrid, with additional speakers expected to be announced.

AI’s increasing appetite for electricity will be the focus of another key discussion, “AI’s Power Problem.” Industry leaders will explain how data center operators and energy companies are working to secure reliable power supplies before electricity shortages become a major obstacle to AI development.

The panel includes Sara Spangelo, President and Co-Founder of Ambrosia Energy, and Bill Thayer, Senior Vice President and Head of Datacenter Solutions at Bloom Energy, with more participants to be announced.

According to TechCrunch, the Smart Systems Stage is designed for founders, operators, and innovators looking for a deeper understanding of the challenges surrounding AI infrastructure, clean energy, and grid reliability rather than surface-level discussions.

Beyond the Smart Systems Stage, attendees of TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will have access to every conference stage, networking opportunities, side events, and the full speaker lineup across the three-day event. TechCrunch also noted that the current discounted ticket pricing is nearing its end, encouraging interested attendees to register before the existing offers expire.

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