AI Visionaries Set to Shape the Future at Disrupt 2025
AI Visionaries Set to Shape the Future at Disrupt 2025
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is gearing up to be one of the year’s most anticipated technology events, with the AI Stage at the heart of the action. Taking place in San Francisco from October 27-29, the AI Stage will spotlight the founders, VCs, and innovators redefining how artificial intelligence impacts business, creativity, security, and society.
Meet the Pioneers Behind Tomorrow’s AI
This year’s lineup brings together trailblazers from leading startups and global enterprises. Attendees can expect thought-provoking sessions featuring leaders from:
- Apptronik – robotics and physical AI
- ElevenLabs – synthetic voice technology
- Hugging Face – open-source AI models
- Runway – creative AI tools for media
- Wonder Dynamics – AI-powered film and video production
- Writer – generative content for business
- Wayve – AI for autonomous vehicles
These innovators represent the diverse ways AI is being applied to revolutionize industries and user experiences.
Highlights from the AI Stage Agenda
- Betting on the Next Wave: Top VCs share what they seek in AI startups, covering everything from infrastructure plays to niche applications.
- Creative Machines: Explore how AI is transforming art, media, and storytelling with Nikola Todorovic (Wonder Dynamics) and a panel of creative technologists.
- Writing the Future: May Habib (Writer) discusses how generative AI is evolving brand language and business communication.
- Search Innovation: Edo Liberty (Pinecone) reveals why data infrastructure is the next big unlock in AI.
- Intelligence in Motion: Jeff Cardenas (Apptronik) and Raquel Urtasun (Waabi) demonstrate advances in robotics and autonomous vehicles.
- Modern Defense: Ethan Thornton (Mach Industries) explains how AI is reshaping the defense sector.
- Driving Intelligence: Alex Kendall (Wayve) explores the future of self-learning, autonomous systems.
- Creating with Code: Alejandro Matamala Ortiz (Runway) talks about the rise of AI-native creative tools.
- Shaping the AI Stack: Thomas Wolf (Hugging Face) discusses ethical and community-driven AI innovation.
- Synthetic Voices: Mati Staniszewski (ElevenLabs) on the impact of AI-driven voice technology in entertainment and accessibility.
- AI in Relationships: A panel with Match Group and Replika explores how AI is influencing human connection and dating.
- National Security: Experts from DARPA, the US Navy, and Point72 examine the role of AI in defense and global security.
Nikola Todorovic, CEO of Wonder Dynamics, at SXSW 2023 (Image: Diego Donamaria / Getty Images)
Mati Staniszewski, CEO of ElevenLabs, at SXSW London 2025 (Image: Jeff Spicer / Getty Images)
Why Attend the AI Stage?
Disrupt’s AI Stage is more than a showcase—it’s a live forum for learning what’s next in AI, directly from those making it happen. Whether you’re a founder, investor, technologist, or creative, the sessions offer:
- Insights into the latest AI breakthroughs and market trends
- Real-world examples and case studies from leading startups
- Networking with industry leaders and like-minded professionals
- Actionable advice for staying competitive as AI rapidly evolves
Register Early and Save
Tickets are now available, with early bird discounts of up to $675 for those who register before prices rise at the end of July. In addition to the AI Stage, your pass grants access to four other specialized stages: Space, Builders, Going Public, and the main Disrupt stage.
Secure your ticket today to be part of the conversations shaping the next era of AI and technology innovation.
