At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, the Smart Systems Stage will tackle AI’s soaring power demand, fusion breakthroughs, and grid modernization. Leaders from Commonwealth Fusion, Helion, Inertia, Bloom Energy and others will map the path to powering the next decade of innovation.

Key Takeaways

  • AI’s compute hunger is becoming a critical power bottleneck
  • Fusion startups are racing to connect clean energy to the grid
  • Data‑center operators and utilities are scrambling to modernize infrastructure

Introducing the Smart Systems Stage

From October 13‑15 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, TechCrunch Disrupt 2026’s Smart Systems Stage will be the crossroads of energy, infrastructure and cutting‑edge technology. CEOs and chief scientists from Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Helion, Inertia, Bloom Energy and other pioneers will share how they plan to power the AI‑driven future.

Historical Background

Over the past decade, AI model sizes have grown ten‑fold, driving a comparable surge in data‑center electricity consumption. Between 2022‑2024, major cloud providers flagged power scarcity as a top risk and began heavy investment in renewable and fusion research.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the speed of AI‑powered innovation is directly tied to available electricity; without a resilient grid, the next wave of models could stall. The discussions on this stage will therefore set the agenda for investors and policymakers alike.

"Power is becoming as valuable as data," notes AI energy specialist Dr. Riya Singh.

Did You Know?

Did You Know?: Today, only about 5% of global electricity comes from fusion, but forecasts suggest it could reach 20% by 2035.

Key Sessions Preview

Bringing Fusion to the Grid: Helion CEO David Kirtley and Commonwealth Fusion’s Chief Science Officer Brandon Sorbom will break down commercial‑fusion breakthroughs and the scale‑up challenges ahead.

How Twilio’s Founder Is Tackling the Power Problem: Inertia CEO Jeff Lawson will discuss his journey from Twilio to leading a top‑funded fusion startup, linking talent, timelines and hard‑engineering lessons.

Rewiring the Grid for the Electric Age: Heron Power founder Drew Baglino, WeaveGrid co‑founder Apoorv Bhargava and other leaders will explore investment flows and the roadmap to a resilient, flexible grid.

AI’s Power Problem: Ambrosia Energy co‑founder Sara Spangelo and Bloom Energy’s SVP Bill Thayer will reveal how data‑center operators and energy firms are racing to secure electricity for AI’s growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When will fusion power become commercially viable?
A: Experts project the first commercial‑scale fusion plants could be operational between 2030‑2035.

Q2: What is the biggest hurdle in modernizing the grid for AI?
A: Aging infrastructure combined with the need for diversified, reliable energy sources is the primary challenge.