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Power up your AI infrastructure! A first look at the Smart Systems Stage agenda at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
TechCrunch has previewed the agenda for the Smart Systems Stage at its Disrupt 2026 conference, a programme dedicated to the energy and infrastructure challenges underpinning AI's growth. The event, running from 13 to 15 October at San Francisco's Moscone Center, will bring together executives from fusion, energy and grid technology companies to discuss the mounting power demands created by AI, reflecting growing industry concern that electricity supply, rather than software, could become the key constraint on further AI development.
Confirmed sessions include a discussion on commercial fusion progress with leaders from Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Helion, a fireside chat with Twilio founder and Inertia CEO Jeff Lawson on his shift into fusion power, a panel on modernising ageing grid infrastructure featuring Heron Power and WeaveGrid executives, and a session on data centre operators' race to secure electricity, with speakers from Ambrosia Energy and Bloom Energy. TechCrunch noted further speakers are still to be announced, and separately promoted discounted tickets for the conference, which is due to close its current pricing window soon.
In short
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 unveils Smart Systems Stage agenda on AI's energy demands.
- Event runs 13-15 October in San Francisco, featuring fusion and grid executives.
- Sessions cover fusion power, grid modernisation and data centre electricity shortages.
Explained simply
Artificial intelligence systems require vast amounts of electricity to operate and train. As AI becomes more advanced and widespread, the power needed grows rapidly, and some in the technology industry worry that insufficient electricity supply could become a more serious limiting factor for development than technological constraints alone.
This concern is prompting action across the tech sector. Companies are increasingly focused on finding new sources of energy and upgrading ageing electrical grid systems to meet the mounting power demands created by large-scale AI development.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is hosting a dedicated programme examining these challenges, bringing together executives from companies developing fusion power, energy technology and grid modernisation to discuss potential solutions.
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