TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Opens in San Francisco on October 13

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is set to open October 13 at Moscone West in San Francisco, with organizers reporting that more than 300 startups will demonstrate products across the event's Expo Hall, according to TechCrunch.

The outlet, which is organizing and promoting the three-day conference, reported that the gathering is expected to draw thousands of founders, investors and tech leaders, and that registration discounts were still available as of the October 10 announcement.

What is TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 and when does it start?

Disrupt 2026 runs October 13 through 15 at Moscone West, TechCrunch reported. Doors are scheduled to open at 8 a.m. Pacific on the first day. The event has run for more than a decade, according to the outlet, with startup discovery described as a core feature since its early years.

How many startups and speakers are participating?

TechCrunch reported that more than 300 startups across different stages and sectors will staff booths in the Expo Hall, giving attendees the chance to speak directly with founders. Separately, the outlet listed more than 250 tech leaders as speakers across more than 200 sessions and six stages, plus additional roundtables and breakout discussions. Topics tagged to the event include AI, climate, fintech, fundraising, robotics and venture investing, per TechCrunch's own site navigation.

What is Startup Battlefield 200?

Startup Battlefield 200 is described by TechCrunch as a program that places a selected group of early-stage companies in front of investors, media and potential customers. Twenty finalists advance to the main Disrupt Stage to compete for what the outlet reported is a $100,000 prize and the Disrupt Cup. The company did not publish the full criteria for selection or finalist judging in the material reviewed.

What does a pass cost and what discounts are offered?

TechCrunch reported pass discounts of up to $100 ahead of the event, plus a second pass of the same ticket type at 50% off when attendees register a colleague or peer. Groups of four or more attendees receive additional, unspecified savings, according to the outlet. TechCrunch also reported an Expo+ Pass priced at $75 for attendees who have recently gone through a layoff. The outlet disclosed that purchases made through links in its articles may generate a small commission, which it said does not affect its editorial independence.

What is the registration timeline?

TechCrunch listed October 2 as the deadline for startups seeking to exhibit at the Expo Hall. The conference itself opens October 13 and runs through October 15. The outlet's October 10 post framed registration as a three-day countdown to the doors opening.

TechCrunch did not report attendance figures from past Disrupt conferences in the material reviewed, nor did it specify how Startup Battlefield 200 companies are chosen beyond describing the program as a curated showcase for early-stage firms.

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