TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 to Showcase 300 Startups and Award $100,000 Prize
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 opens October 13 in San Francisco with 300+ startups, 200+ sessions, 250+ leaders and a $100,000 Battlefield prize across six stages.
Summary
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 runs October 13 to 15 at Moscone West in San Francisco, opening at 8 a.m. PT on October 13, three days after the October 10 countdown. More than 300 startups across sectors and stages will exhibit as thousands of founders, investors and tech leaders attend, offering direct access to founders, products, ideas, customers and investment opportunities.
Startup Battlefield 200, Disrupt’s early stage showcase for more than a decade, puts selected companies before investors, media, potential customers and the wider technology ecosystem. Twenty finalists will pitch on the Disrupt Stage for $100,000 and the Disrupt Cup. More than 200 sessions led by over 250 tech leaders will span six stages, roundtables and breakouts, covering AI, product, go to market, fundraising, finance, infrastructure and scaling. Passes are discounted by up to $100 until doors open, a second ticket of the same type is 50% off, groups of four or more receive additional savings, and people recently affected by layoffs can buy an Expo+ Pass for $75.
Positives
- More than 300 startups across multiple sectors and stages will exhibit and meet founders, investors and potential customers directly.
- Twenty Startup Battlefield finalists will compete for $100,000 and the Disrupt Cup on the Disrupt Stage.
- More than 200 sessions will bring over 250 technology leaders across six stages, roundtables and breakouts.
- A $75 Expo+ Pass gives people recently affected by layoffs a lower-cost route into the event.
- Second tickets of the same type are 50% off, while groups of four or more receive additional savings.
Risks & concerns
- Only 20 Startup Battlefield 200 companies will reach the finalist stage and compete for the prize.
- The advertised pass discount is capped at $100 and expires when doors open October 13.
- The 50% companion discount applies only to a second ticket of the same type.
- Additional group savings require at least four attendees.