Discover the Exciting Side Events of TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
TechCrunch Disrupt is the premier gathering for the tech community to build, debate, and connect. But the energy doesn’t end when the main conference at Moscone West closes its doors. During Disrupt Week, a dynamic lineup of Side Events unfolds across San Francisco, offering unparalleled opportunities for founders, investors, operators, and tech leaders to engage in meaningful conversations beyond the show floor.
These Side Events range from intimate roundtables and founder gatherings to lively happy hours, engaging workshops, dinners, and community meetups. Whether you’re aiming to forge new connections, dive deep into specific industries, or simply take a break from the traditional conference atmosphere, there is a rich program designed to suit every interest.
Explore the 2026 Side Events, and find your people.
Featured Side Events
Korea–US Startup & Investor Networking Night
October 14 | 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. PT
Join Korean startups, U.S. investors, founders, and tech professionals for an evening dedicated to networking and cross-border collaboration. Organized by KOTRA as part of the Korea Pavilion’s programming, this event highlights Korean startups making inroads into the U.S. market, connecting them with investors, corporate partners, and members of the Bay Area startup ecosystem.
For those without a TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 ticket, KOTRA is providing complimentary Expo+ passes to qualified applicants, enhancing accessibility to this exclusive networking opportunity.
Hosted by: KOTRA Silicon Valley
RSVP
Born2Global Founder Networking Night
October 13 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. PT
Meet 18 promising startups from the Republic of Korea in an evening packed with founder discussions, curated introductions, and networking with investors, operators, corporate leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs. Each founder offers a brief introduction before the floor opens up for dynamic conversations spanning the U.S. and global startup ecosystems.
Hosted by: WayFounder
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The Irish Shark Tank
October 13 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Enterprise Ireland returns to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 with The Irish Shark Tank at Ireland House, offering a chance to meet Ireland’s most exciting startups. This happy hour is a limited-availability event designed for mingling with innovative entrepreneurs and reconnecting with industry peers.
Hosted by: Enterprise Ireland
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SafetyWing Happy Hour at Harrington’s
October 13 | 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. PT
Enjoy an evening of drinks and insightful conversation with founders, HR leaders, and startup community members at Harrington’s Irish Pub. Hosted by SafetyWing, this happy hour offers a relaxed environment to connect with the team pioneering health coverage solutions for remote and global teams.
Hosted by: SafetyWing
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Vault & Verify: An Evening of Ping Pong, Cocktails & Conversation
October 14 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. PT
Skyflow and Descope invite San Francisco’s security, privacy, and identity professionals to an evening filled with food, cocktails, and friendly ping pong competition. As AI systems become increasingly autonomous, this event facilitates conversations around securing sensitive data and identity in a welcoming atmosphere away from the conference floor.
Hosted by: Descope
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More Side Events
Pursuit of Happiness: Revolutionary Demonstration of Whitney Electrolarynx by Uhura Bionics
October 7 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. PT
Witness a groundbreaking live demonstration of voice-restoration technology with Uhura Bionics co-founder Konrad Zieliński showcasing the Whitney Electrolarynx to a U.S. audience. This event highlights how innovative tech empowers individuals to reclaim their voice and agency post-cancer treatment.
Hosted by: Uhura Bionics
RSVP
Find the 10x Opportunity Hiding in Your Product
October 10 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. PT
Discover how first-principles thinking can uncover overlooked customer needs, enhance product-market fit, and reveal significant growth opportunities. This session uses a real-world case study to guide founders and product teams in identifying untapped potential within existing products.
Hosted by: PrincipiumX
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Long Lead Time: A Hardware Happy Hour
October 12 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. PT
Connect with founders, engineers, and operators specializing in robotics, chips, rockets, and other frontier hardware. This casual, presentation-free gathering provides a space to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build relationships focused on the challenges of physical technology development.
Hosted by: Syntro
RSVP
Real World AI: Connect, Invest & Scale in Taiwan
October 13 | 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. PT
Explore Taiwan’s burgeoning AI ecosystem through startup pitches and discussions spanning robotics, intelligent hardware, and advanced manufacturing. Meet founders and investors shaping Taiwan’s technology landscape and discover opportunities for connection, investment, and growth.
Hosted by: Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs
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Pets of Disrupt: Founders, Investors & Their Pets
October 13 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PT
Step away from the conference buzz for an informal evening with founders, investors, operators, and the beloved pets that add a human touch to San Francisco’s startup scene.
Hosted by: Omelo
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EdgeM8: B2B Partnership Mixer
October 13 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. PT
Engage with founders, revenue leaders, and executives focused on go-to-market strategies, partnerships, distribution, and technology. This event facilitates relationship-building and new opportunities within the Bay Area startup ecosystem.
Hosted by: EdgeM8
RSVP
Fynex x Orion VC | Curated Rooftop Party
October 14 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PT
Join founders, operators, and AI-focused investors for a rooftop evening filled with networking, food, drinks, and conversations centered on AI and infrastructure.
Hosted by: Fynex
RSVP
Watch It Run: Live Automation Dinner with Bolter
October 14 | 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. PT
Experience business automation live as Bolter transforms attendees’ most tedious weekly processes into functioning automations during dinner. Describe a process in plain language and watch it become automated without any coding.
Hosted by: Improbable
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The Rooftop Pilaf: An Evening for Tech Founders and Investors
October 14 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. PT
Gather with founders, investors, and growth leaders for an exclusive rooftop dinner focused on deep tech discussions. This limited-seat event pairs a shared meal with opportunities to connect with key players across the technology and investment ecosystem.
Hosted by: INNOVA × BeGlobe PR Agency
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SQLDoom Deathmatch Night at Disrupt, hosted by CedarDB
October 14 | 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. PT
Put your SQL skills to the test in a night of SQLDoom deathmatch, arcade games, food, drinks, and great conversation. Join the CedarDB team and network with database engineers, startup founders, and fellow tech enthusiasts.
Hosted by: CedarDB
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Korea Emerging Tech Showcase
October 15 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PT
Discover emerging Korean startups innovating in AI, software, medtech, clean tech, digital platforms, and advanced industry sectors. The evening features rapid-fire pitches and networking opportunities with founders, investors, and global partners.
Hosted by: Brinc
RSVP
J-StarX Silicon Valley Extended Program Startup Showcase
October 15 | 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. PT
Meet 12 Japanese startups building for global markets across AI, enterprise software, health, biotech, defense, agtech, sports tech, and consumer technology. Experience live demos and connect directly with the founders.
Hosted by: 500 Global
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The Runway 🛫 A Morning Founder Run
October 16 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT
Kick off your day with a casual waterfront run along the Embarcadero, featuring startup-themed “runway” markers. Following the run, enjoy coffee and networking with fellow founders and tech community members at the Ferry Building.
Hosted by: Handler
RSVP
Founders @ Alchemy Springs
October 16 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. PT
Combine sauna and cold-plunge experiences with conversations and networking around the startups competing in this year’s Startup Battlefield 200. Connect with founders and the Startup Battlefield community in a relaxed, post-Disrupt setting.
Hosted by: Press Club
RSVP
Find a Co-founder, Help or Join a Startup
October 16 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. PT
Hear startup pitches followed by breakout groups where attendees can provide feedback, forge connections, or explore opportunities to join early-stage startups. This evening is designed to help founders and participants find collaborators and contributors.
Hosted by: Startup Oasis
RSVP
Be sure to check the chronological schedule regularly, as new Side Events are added weekly to enrich your Disrupt Week experience.
While you’re in San Francisco…
As you build your calendar for Disrupt Week, don’t forget the main event. TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 takes place at Moscone West from October 13-15, drawing thousands of founders, investors, operators, and tech leaders under one roof. Attend for the compelling programming, linger for the hallway conversations, and leave with a network of people you didn’t know you needed to meet.
Tickets are still available. Come be part of it.
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For full details and updates on these exciting Side Events, visit Here.
