AI Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Visionaries, Investors, and Creators Defining the Next Era

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: AI Stage Lineup

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is set to spotlight the voices driving the future of AI across technology, creativity, and security. Leading venture capitalists will discuss what it takes to secure funding in a shifting environment, highlighting the next generation of AI founders. Expect insights from innovators at startups like Apptronik, ElevenLabs, Hugging Face, Runway, Wonder Dynamics, Writer, and Wayve — companies pushing the boundaries of AI’s influence.

The AI Stage offers a front-row seat to breakthroughs transforming industries and user experiences. It will reveal what startups and investors need to know to stay competitive. Additional sessions and speakers will be announced soon, but now is the time to secure your ticket for Disrupt 2025, happening October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco. Early bird savings can reach up to $675 before prices increase after July.

Introducing the AI Stage Lineup

Betting on the Next Wave: What VCs Want in AI Startups

Top venture capitalists will share their perspectives on what stands out in today’s AI startup scene, from infrastructure to niche applications. They will discuss investor priorities, how to build defensibility amid dominant AI players, and what founders must demonstrate to secure investment.

Creative Machines and Where AI Meets Imagination

Nikola Todorovic, CEO of Wonder Dynamics, leads a panel exploring AI’s role in art, media, and creative processes. The discussion will address how AI tools blur the line between human creativity and algorithms, opening up new possibilities for storytellers and designers.

Writing the Future with AI?

May Habib, CEO of Writer, discusses how AI-generated content is evolving to communicate with purpose and personality. This session covers what generative AI means for branding, business communication, and content creation moving forward.

Why the Next Frontier Is Search

Edo Liberty, founder and CEO of Pinecone, explains why data infrastructure could be the key to smarter AI applications. He will share insights on the challenges and opportunities in managing large-scale data to power effective AI search solutions.

Intelligence in Motion and the Future of Physical AI

Jeff Cardenas (Apptronik) and Raquel Urtasun (Waabi) discuss the development of AI in physical environments, from autonomous vehicles to robotics. They will cover simulation, sensor technology, and safety considerations essential for deploying AI-driven machines in the real world.

Building Intelligence for Modern Defense

Ethan Thornton, CEO of Mach Industries, presents on integrating AI into defense applications. The talk will focus on meeting the demands of high-stakes environments, emphasizing speed, autonomy, and rethinking infrastructure fundamentals.

Driving Intelligence

Alex Kendall, CEO of Wayve, shares his approach to real-world autonomy in self-driving cars and adaptive systems. He will explain how advances in perception and action are shaping AI’s next milestones beyond automotive use.

From Ads to Films: Creating with Code

Alejandro Matamala Ortiz, co-founder of Runway, highlights how machine learning tools are transforming creative workflows. This session will explore AI’s role in visual storytelling and how creatives are adapting with new AI-native technologies.

Shaping the AI Stack

Thomas Wolf, co-founder and CSO of Hugging Face, discusses building responsible AI with open models, datasets, and infrastructure. He will address community-driven innovation and balancing openness with speed in AI development.

Synthetic Voices and Real Impact

Mati Staniszewski, CEO of ElevenLabs, explores synthetic speech technology and its applications in audiobooks, avatars, and accessibility. The session will detail how AI-generated voices are influencing creative industries and user experiences.

Love, Lies, & Algorithms: The Truth about AI in Matters of the Heart

Mark Kantor (Match Group) and Eugenia Kuyda (Replika) examine AI’s role in modern relationships. From dating apps to digital companions, this panel discusses the evolving impact of AI on human connection and emotional interaction.

AI and National Security in the High-Stakes Race to Innovate

Sri Chandrasekar (Point72), Justin Fanelli (U.S. Navy), and Kathleen Fisher (DARPA) cover AI’s increasing role in defense and security. They’ll discuss innovations influencing national stability and what entrepreneurs and investors should consider in this sensitive area.

Step into the Future of AI at Disrupt 2025

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 offers a unique opportunity to engage with AI leaders and investors over two days of sessions. Alongside the AI Stage, attendees can explore topics on Space, Builders, Going Public, and Disrupt stages. The event runs from October 27 to 29 at San Francisco’s Moscone West.

Secure your ticket now to save up to $675 before prices increase after July. Prepare to learn from and connect with those driving AI innovation across technology, creativity, and security.

For those looking to deepen their AI skills ahead of the event, consider exploring comprehensive AI training options available at Complete AI Training.