
The Smart Systems Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 focuses on energy and infrastructure challenges for AI and tech innovation, featuring discussions on fusion power, grid modernization, and data center energy security. Key speakers include leaders from Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Helion, Inertia, and Bloom Energy, who address breakthroughs and strategies for bringing fusion power to the grid. The event also highlights how data center operators are securing power to support AI growth, with a fireside chat featuring Inertia CEO Jeff Lawson on scaling Twilio and its impact on talent and engineering.
Microsoft is simplifying Copilot by combining its consumer and business apps, and dropping AI-generated podcasts, Group Chats, Deep Research, and its Mico character.

Nvidia has a plan to make sure its GPUs won't lose value. It wants to convince a new crop of financiers to keep lending for AI buildouts.

The tech giant has considered a nine-figure budget for the payments, according to the WSJ.
