TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Smart Systems Stage tackles AI's power bottleneck
Fusion CEOs and grid innovators reveal the future of AI energy infrastructure.
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 (October 13–15, Moscone Center, San Francisco), the new Smart Systems Stage will focus entirely on the critical intersection of AI, energy, and infrastructure. As AI compute demand skyrockets, power has become a bottleneck. The agenda features fusion leaders like Helion CEO David Kirtley and Commonwealth Fusion Systems CSO Brandon Sorbom discussing commercial fusion's path to the grid. Inertia CEO Jeff Lawson (former Twilio founder) will share his journey into fusion power, drawing lessons from scaling a tech giant to tackling hard engineering at a startup.
Additional panels explore rewiring the aging U.S. grid: Drew Baglino (Heron Power) and Apoorv Bhargava (WeaveGrid) join utilities and startups to discuss modernizing infrastructure. Another session specifically addresses AI's power problem, with leaders from Ambrosia Energy and Bloom Energy explaining how data center operators are racing to secure electricity. The Smart Systems Stage is designed for founders and operators who need a full picture beyond headlines. Attendees also get access to all other stages, networking, and side events.
- Features CEOs and scientists from Helion, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, and Inertia discussing commercial fusion breakthroughs
- Dedicated panels on grid modernization with Heron Power and WeaveGrid, and AI power demand with Bloom Energy and Ambrosia Energy
- Takes place October 13–15, 2026 at Moscone Center, San Francisco, with current early-bird pricing ending soon
Why It Matters
AI's growth depends on solving energy infrastructure—this event brings together the leaders building that future.