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.