Today’s the day! TechCrunch Sessions: AI is lighting up UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall at 8 a.m. PT on the dot. The stage is set, the speakers are ready, and the AI community is gathering for one powerful day of insight, innovation, and momentum.
Local to Berkeley and passionate about AI? There’s still time to join us — grab a pass and immerse yourself in the conversations driving the next wave of innovation, and make the connections to fuel your AI passion and success.
Don’t miss a moment — secure your spot at the heart of today’s AI action.
What’s in store for today
We’ve got a powerhouse lineup of AI heavyweights ready to deliver hard-hitting insights to an audience that lives and breathes AI — plus intentional, high-impact networking happening all day long.
Check out the agenda for full session details and explore the speaker page to get to know the experts behind the ideas. Or better yet, join us in person today and experience it all firsthand.
Main stage AI panels and fireside chats
Image Credits:Max Morse
The Frontier of AI: A Fireside Chat with Anthropic Co-Founder Jared Kaplan
Jared Kaplan explores the future of AI-human interaction, AGI predictions, and Anthropic’s approach to building superintelligent systems. He’ll also discuss upcoming breakthroughs and how society should prepare.
From Seed to Series C: What VCs Want to See from Founders
Jill Chase (CapitalG), Kanu Gulati (Khosla Ventures), and Sara Ittelson (Accel)
These three VC leaders share what it takes to raise AI funding at every stage — from seed to Series C — and what they’re really looking for as the hype shifts to real-world use cases and scalable business models.
Your Next Co-Founder Will Be AI
Kisson Lin (Tanka)
Founders face mounting demands — from updates to product execution — but AI can help. Lin shares how AI co-founders can handle tasks, scale solo founders, and reshape startup dynamics for a new era.
A Focus on AI Ethics and Safety
Artemis Seaford (ElevenLabs) and Ion Stoica (UC Berkeley)
A candid discussion on deepfakes, responsible AI deployment, and how the tech community can address the growing risks around ethics and safety.
So You Think You Can Pitch?
Early-stage founders pitch live to top VCs who offer real-time feedback — a must-see for anyone looking to sharpen their pitch and learn what investors really listen for. This session’s investor panel includes Astasia Myers (Felicis), Itamar Novick (Recursive Ventures), and Iana Dimkova (Initiate Ventures).
How Founders Can Build on Existing Foundational Models
Logan Kilpatrick (DeepMind, Jae Lee (TwelveLabs), and Danielle Perszyk (Amazon)
Learn how startups can leverage fast-evolving foundation models to build differentiated products — and keep pace with the rapid evolution of AI.
How Toyota Repair Technicians Leverage AI with NLX
Andrei Papancea (NLX) and Kordel France (Toyota)
Learn how NLX and Toyota built an AI-powered tool that helps technicians access millions of repair documents through a conversational interface — boosting productivity and dealership efficiency. Get practical advice on scaling real-world AI solutions, from executive buy-in to integration.
Democratizing AI and Building Collaborative Systems with AI Agents
Iliana Quinonez (Google Cloud)
Explore how organizations can empower teams to build intelligent agents that collaborate with humans and other AIs. This session breaks down the future of AI-driven teamwork and how to make agent development accessible to all.
How to Launch a Product Against Entrenched Incumbents
Oliver Cameron (Odyssey) and Ann Bordetsky (NEA)
Cameron and Bordetsky reveal how to compete and win against big players — sharing strategies for differentiation, execution, and gaining market traction.
Breakout Sessions primed for Q&As and deep dives
Building Your AI Engine: How OpenAI Works with Startups
Hao Sang (OpenAI)
Learn how OpenAI supports startups with advanced model access, technical guidance, and a feedback loop that shapes its roadmap — giving founders a competitive edge in the AI race.
Behind Your Firewall: Secure Generative AI for Regulated Enterprises
Yann Stoneman and Betsy Groves (Cohere)
Discover how to safely deploy generative AI in regulated industries using on-prem infrastructure. Cohere shares real-world use cases, compliance tips, and demos — no external cloud required.
The AI Policy Playbook: What Global Startups Need to Know
Hua Wang (Global Innovation Forum), Gerard de Graaf (European Union Delegation to the U.S.), and Matthew Caron (UK Department for Business and Trade)
Explore how startups can navigate AI policy and regulation to scale globally. Learn how to leverage AI tools for trade, compliance, and international growth in today’s shifting regulatory landscape.
Building Richer and More Scalable GenAI Applications for Startups and Developers
Nipun Agarwal, Sandeep Agrawal, and Luke Kowalski (Oracle / MySQL)
Discover how MySQL HeatWave simplifies generative AI app development with built-in LLMs, real-time data integration, and scalable architecture — reducing complexity and accelerating innovation.
Suite AI: How SAP Is Bringing AI to the Enterprise
Rob Seifert and Max McPhee (SAP)
See how SAP is embedding AI across its business suite with tools like Joule and custom development capabilities — helping enterprises streamline operations and drive efficiency with intelligent automation.
The stage isn’t where the AI conversations end — it’s where they begin
The main stage and breakout sessions are just the beginning — the real conversations happen in the Expo Hall, networking lounge, and through the Braindate app.
Whether you’re troubleshooting a product issue, looking for pitch feedback from a VC, or hoping to connect with a mentor, today’s the day to make it happen. Use Braindate to set up 1:1 and small-group meetings by posting your own topic or joining others — then meet in person at the networking lounge.
And don’t forget the after-hours Side Events happening around Berkeley — hosted by fellow attendees and sponsors to keep the AI momentum going and help you build meaningful new connections long after the main event ends.
There’s still time to join today’s AI epicenter
It’s not too late to join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI!
Grab your ticket now and join us — along with the rest of the AI community — at UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall. The event wraps at 4:30 p.m. PT, so don’t miss your chance!
