Get all your questions answered at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

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Published: 2026-10-06T14:35:32.276Z • Permanent link

Google's Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Alphabet's parent company, will be taking the stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 to share insights on the future of global infrastructure. This year's event promises to be a game-changer for the industry, with a focus on emerging technologies and innovative solutions. The full breakout session agenda has been revealed, and it features a diverse lineup of speakers, including experts from the world's top tech companies, research institutions, and governments. The event will take place on October 13-15, 2026, at the San Francisco Moscone Center.

TechCrunch's own co-founder and CEO, Michael Arrington, will be moderating the event, alongside a team of seasoned journalists and industry experts. The agenda includes sessions on blockchain and distributed ledger technology, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Companies like Microsoft, IBM, and Intel will be showcasing their latest innovations, including edge computing, 5G networks, and quantum computing. These cutting-edge technologies will have a significant impact on the global infrastructure landscape, transforming the way we live, work, and interact with one another.

The event will also feature a number of high-profile speakers, including Nick Bostrom, director of the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University, who will be discussing the ethics of emerging technologies. Other speakers include representatives from the European Union, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum, who will be sharing their perspectives on the global implications of these technologies.

The impact of emerging technologies on the global infrastructure domain cannot be overstated. Companies like Microsoft and IBM are already investing heavily in blockchain and distributed ledger technology, with the aim of creating more secure, transparent, and efficient supply chains. This has the potential to transform industries such as finance, healthcare, and logistics, making them more efficient and cost-effective.

Research communities around the world are also taking notice, with many institutions investing in research initiatives focused on emerging technologies. For example, the University of California, Berkeley, has established a research center focused on blockchain and distributed ledger technology, with the aim of developing new applications and use cases for these technologies. Markets are also taking notice, with investors pouring billions of dollars into companies working on emerging technologies.

Affected companies, research communities, markets, and policy environments will all be impacted by the emergence of these technologies. Companies like Microsoft and IBM will be at the forefront of this revolution, with the potential to transform entire industries. Research communities will need to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, while markets will need to adjust to new investment opportunities and risks. Policy environments will also need to keep pace, with governments and regulatory bodies working to create a framework that supports the development of these technologies.