Apply to Speak at
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

The Audience Choice program is your chance to take the stage at Disrupt 2026. We review all applications and select the finalists who advance to the Audience Choice round, where TechCrunch readers and your followers vote for the sessions they’re most excited about. The top-voted roundtable and breakout sessions earn a spot at this year’s event.

Up to four people (including the moderator) will lead a 30-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute Q&A from an audience of up to 100 attendees. You will be able to display a presentation with limited AV capabilities. You’ll present one breakout during Disrupt.

Up to two speakers facilitate a 30-minute interactive discussion with up to 40 attendees, fostering organic, in-depth conversations — no AV, just real engagement. You may have a chance to lead this same roundtable discussion twice during Disrupt.

This year, our main tracks include AI (both hardware and software), fintech, crypto, climate tech, energy, space, robotics, SaaS, fundraising, scaling, and more.

Take a look at last year’s Disrupt agenda for inspiration on the topics that resonate with attendees.

Before applying, we recommend reviewing the application in full. To streamline the process, have the following ready:

• Session Title (Max 100 characters, including spaces)
• Session Description (Max 650 characters, including spaces)
• High-resolution color headshot of the speaker (shoulders and above)
• For breakout sessions: Decide if you’ll have co-hosts or a moderator (up to 4 people total on stage)

Preparation ensures a smooth application process.

Yes, you can apply for both using just one application.

You can choose to create two unique session abstracts or use the same abstract

• Applications Open: March 30, 2026
• Applications Close: May 29, 2026
• Applicants Notified: June 5, 2026
• Audience Choice Voting: June 8 – June 12, 2026
• Winners Announced: The week of June 22, 2026

We will pick 10 roundtable finalists and 10 breakout session finalists.

• 5 Breakout Spots
• 5 Roundtable Spots

We do not collect applications for any of our main stages.

Speakers are not compensated, and TechCrunch does not cover any expenses related to participation, including travel, hotel, meals, or visa costs.

Yes, as a speaker you will have a speaker pass to enjoy all three days of the event.

Yes, all speakers can bring up to two guests.

Yes, you will be promoted on the TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 website as a speaker and your session will be listed on the event app.