We're excited to announce that we're adding a dedicated AI stage, powered by Google Cloud, to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. This joins industry-specific stages like Fintech, SaaS, and Space, all coming together under one big roof.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 wouldn't be complete without a deep dive into all things artificial intelligence, so we're giving you a first sneak peek at the agenda for the AI Stage, which runs all day on Wednesday, October 30. The TechCrunch stage will feature some of the industry's biggest startup names, including Alexandr Wang and Aravind Srinivas, along with partners like Nebius AI.
Check out the preliminary agenda below and keep checking back for updates – there's much more to come in the AI Stage.
Agenda for the AI stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024
From search engines to knowledge engines: Perplexity's rapid progress towards an AI-curated web
Aravind Srinivas (Perplexity)
Perplexity's AI-powered search engine may or may not be the next step in how we interact with the web and knowledge in general. But the company is sure to take every risk to make that future a reality, even if it means making a few ripples along the way. Let's hear from the CEO about how the company plans to take on any challengers in this new tech space.
The Business of Labeling: A Deep Dive into the Rapid Growth of Scale AI
Alexandr Wang (Scale AI) and
When Scale AI was founded in 2016, few could have predicted that the company developing tools to train, test, and maintain generative AI models would eventually become a $14 billion business. In retrospect, it seems almost inevitable that Scale would grow so quickly, given the dramatic growth experienced by many of its early customers, including OpenAI. In this conversation with Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang, we discuss the company's journey so far and the role Scale AI plays today in the generative AI ecosystem.
How generative AI is flooding the web with misinformation
Pamela San Martin (Supervisory Committee), Imran Ahmed (CCDH), and other speakers to be announced
As generative AI tools become more widely available, they are less costly or even free to use, but a variety of actors, including nation states, are exploiting them to create deepfakes and spread disinformation online. In this session, hear from experts about the types of deepfakes circulating on the web today and how to combat this threat.
Are “open” AI models really better?
Ali Farhadi (Allen Institute for AI), Eileen Solaiman (Hugging Faith), and other upcoming speakers
In the AI industry, there is a war between companies supporting “open” AI models (models released under permissive licenses that can be tweaked and reused for different applications) and closed source models (restricted by paid services and APIs). Which approach is better? The answer is not as clear as you might think. In this talk, we will explore the differences between open and closed source models, and subtle but important characteristics of open model licensing.
Navigating AI's legal and ethical danger zones
With Sarah Myers West (AI Now), Jingna Zhang (Cara), and Ben Zhao (University of Chicago)
The rapid development of AI is creating new ethical dilemmas and exacerbating old ones, sparking a wave of litigation that threatens both emerging and established AI companies, as well as the creators and workers who inform their models. A panel of experts on AI, copyright, and ethics tackles this complex and rapidly evolving issue space.
But is it art? The evolving role of generative AI in music and video production
Mikey Shulman (Suno), Amit Jain (Luma AI), and other speakers to be announced
Generative AI is becoming increasingly capable of creating videos, music, and other media on demand. But who actually wants it, and why? This panel of AI startups discusses the growing market for generative media and how to deliver it without harming or displacing the artists it claims to empower.
About TechCrunch Disrupt 2024
TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is where you'll find innovation at every stage of your startup journey. Whether you're a budding founder with a revolutionary idea, a seasoned startup looking to scale, or an investor looking for the next big thing, TechCrunch Disrupt provides unparalleled resources, connections, and expert insights to drive your venture forward. This year's event will take place in San Francisco from October 28-30, and will attract more than 10,000 startup leaders.
We can't wait to hear from AI leaders at this year's show — buy your tickets here.