Power up your AI infrastructure! A first look at the Smart Systems Stage agenda at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 TechCrunch Events 8:30 AM PDT · July 27, 2026 AI doesn't run on code alone — it requires massive amounts of power, and that demand is increasingly becoming a critical bottleneck. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, the Smart Systems Stage will be where energy, infrastructure, and technology collide, covering everything from fusion breakthroughs to the grid strain AI is putting on the entire economy.
From October 13-15 in San Francisco's Moscone Center, join leaders from Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Helion, Inertia, Bloom Energy, and more as they dig into what it actually takes to power the next decade of innovation. We’re tackling everything from commercial fusion's path, to the grid and why utilities and startups are racing to modernize aging infrastructure, to how data center operators are scrambling to secure the electricity that AI's growth depends on.
We're also closing in on the end of our current pricing window, so this is your chance to save on all of our tickets for founders, investors, and more — grab your ticket here before our current discounts are gone! As for the agenda at hand, let’s explore the Smart Systems Stage lineup so far:
Leaders from Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Helion break down the breakthroughs driving commercial fusion forward, the challenges still ahead, and what it will take to get fusion power onto the grid at scale.
With David Kirtley, CEO, Helion, and Brandon Sorbom, Chief Science Officer, Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Inertia CEO Jeff Lawson joins for a candid fireside chat on his path from founding Twilio to leading one of the best-funded fusion power startups in the world — and how scaling Twilio is shaping his approach to talent, timelines, and the hard engineering questions ahead.
Electricity demand is growing faster than the infrastructure built to support it. This panel explores what it takes to modernize the power system, where investment is flowing, and how utilities, startups, and technology providers are building a more resilient, flexible grid.
With Drew Baglino, Founder & CEO, Heron Power; Apoorv Bhargava, CEO and Co-founder, WeaveGrid; and more speakers to be announced
Official Announcement
Read the full update directly from the official source at TechCrunch AI News.
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