AI hasn’t just changed how startups build; it’s transformed their approach to sales, data security, customer relations, and rapid scaling. As part of TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, the AI Stage will focus on the critical issues surrounding these changes. Presented by Google for Startups, this year’s event will delve into the new business models AI is shaping, the security challenges that persist, and the innovative job categories emerging in the AI landscape.
Join us from October 13–15 in San Francisco at the Moscone Center, where AI industry leaders will discuss pressing questions that founders are grappling with today. Topics include strategies for pricing AI products in a commoditized market, the need for UI security to be rethought from the ground up, and the essence of crafting an effective go-to-market strategy in an AI-driven environment.
As we approach the end of our current ticket pricing window—offering discounts of up to $200—be sure to secure your spot for this invaluable experience. Let’s preview what’s on the agenda for the AI Stage, with further announcements on the way:
What Anthropic Sees When Enterprises Actually Deploy Claude
While many discussions around AI occur before deployment, this session focuses on what happens in reality after organizations begin using Claude. Led by Cat de Jong, Head of Applied AI at Anthropic, this talk will highlight common patterns observed during deployment phases—where companies are thriving and where they struggle. Gain insights that typically remain beyond public announcements, revealing a clearer picture of the AI landscape.
With Cat de Jong, Head of Applied AI, Anthropic
What Building AI Native Actually Means: Join the Conversation with OpenAI’s Head of Productivity
The rise of Go-To-Market (GTM) engineering is a testament to how quickly the landscape is evolving. What was virtually non-existent two years ago is now a crucial role in the tech ecosystem. In this session, participants will discover how AI has reshaped traditional go-to-market strategies, leading to the emergence of new disciplines. Understanding AI-native GTM practices will help attendees navigate this changing environment.
With Tara Seshan, Head of Productivity, OpenAI
The Enterprise Isn’t Broken. Your Assumptions About It Are.
As AI takes on decision-making roles within enterprise systems, the need for upgraded security protocols is crucial. This session addresses what enterprise AI security requires in 2026, focusing on observability, governance, and the architecture necessary for trustworthy deployments.
With Arsalan Tavakoli, Co-founder and SVP of Field Engineering, Databricks
The Agent Security Problem Nobody Is Talking About
Agentic AI, while incredibly powerful, poses unique security challenges that traditional systems aren’t equipped to handle. This session will engage in an in-depth technical discussion on the foundational requirements for securing agentic AI at an infrastructure level, examining why existing application-level permission models may fall short.
With Ric Smith, President of Product & Technology at Okta
The Video Intelligence Race: Real-Time, Reasoning, and What Comes Next
Visual AI technology is transitioning from impressive demos to practical applications involving real-time inference and complex reasoning. Founders at the forefront of this shift will outline what occurs when generative capabilities begin to intersect with genuine intelligence.
With Dean Leitersdorf, Co-founder and CEO, Decart, and Amit Jain, Co-founder and CEO, Luma AI
Rewriting SaaS: Why AI Breaks the Old Business Model
Is the traditional SaaS model becoming obsolete, or is it simply evolving to meet new challenges? This session will convene founders and platform leaders to discuss the sustainability of pricing AI products, establishing robust moats in a commoditizing landscape, and adapting SaaS models to fit an AI-centric world.
With Arvind Jain, Founder & CEO, Glean, Barr Moses, Co-founder & CEO, Monte Carlo, Cathy Gao, Partner at Sapphire Ventures, and Aaron Jacobson, Partner, NEA
The GTM Engineer: How AI Created Tech’s Next Big Job Category
The emergence of GTM engineering is a novel development in tech, reflecting how AI is reshaping growth strategies. Participants will learn what AI-native GTM entails and how it’s influencing businesses in today’s competitive landscape.
With Kareem Amin, Co-founder and CEO, Clay
Securing the AI Enterprise: Why the Cloud Just Got a Lot More Complicated
AI’s role in enterprise systems is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, necessitating a reevaluation of security measures. This session will offer insights into the essential infrastructure requirements for ensuring the security of these systems, emphasizing the principles necessary for trusted deployments.
With Chet Kapoor, VP, Security Services & Observability, AWS, Katie Moussouris, Luta Security, Wendy Nather, 1Password
Whether it’s reimagining pricing strategies, addressing security vulnerabilities in AI frameworks, or developing innovative go-to-market strategies, the AI Stage is the place for industry leaders to find actionable insights and valuable connections.
Plus, attendees will engage with over 10,000 startup, tech, and venture capital leaders, receiving access to all other stages, Startup Battlefield, a wealth of networking opportunities, and the exhibition floor. Register today!
Learn More About Disrupt 2026
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Everything founders should know about Disrupt.
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