Today is that day! TechCrunch Sessions: AI is lit up at UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall at 8am on the dot. With stages set up, speakers ready, the AI community is gathering a strong day of insight, innovation and momentum.
Are you in Berkeley locally and passionate about AI? We still have time to join us – grab the path, immerse yourself in conversations that drive the next wave of innovation, and create connections to promote AI's passion and success.
Don't miss this for a moment – secure a spot at the heart of today's AI action.
What are you prepared today?
There is a heavyweight power lineup of AI, ready to offer insights that will hit hard on the AI's live and breathing audience.
For more information about the complete session, check the agenda, look at the speaker pages and get to know the experts behind the idea. Or, even better, join us in person today and experience it all in person.
Main Stage AI Panel and Fireside Chat
AI Frontier: Fireplace Chat with Humanity Co-Founder Jared Kaplan
Jared Kaplan explores the future of AI-human interaction, AGI prediction, and approaches to building close-knit systems of humanity. He also discusses future breakthroughs and how society should prepare.
From seed to series C: What VCS wants to see from founders
Jill Chase (Capital), Kanugrati (Khosla Ventures), Sara Ittelson (Accel)
These three VC leaders share what it takes to raise AI funding every step, from seed to Series C, and what they're really looking for when hype shifts to real use cases and scalable business models.
The next co-founder will be AI
Kisson Lin (Tanka)
Founders face the demand for mounts, from updating to running products, but AI can help. Lin shares how AI co-founders handle tasks, scale solo founders, and reconstruct the startup dynamics of a new era.
Focuses on AI ethics and safety
Artemis Seaford (Elevenlabs) and Ion Stoica (UC Berkeley)
Defakes, candid discussions about the deployment of responsible AI, and how the technological community can address growing risks related to ethics and safety.
So, do you think you can pitch?
Early-stage founders pitch live to top VCs providing real-time feedback. This is a must-see for anyone who wants to sharpen the pitch and learn what investors are really listening to. Investor panels for this session include Astasia Myers (Felicis), Itamar Novick (Recursive Venture), and Iana Dimkova (Initiated Venture).
How Founders build on existing foundation models
Logan Kilpatrick (Deepmind, Jae Lee (Twelvelabs), and Danielle Perszyk (Amazon)
Learn how startups can leverage rapidly evolving basic models to build differentiated products and respond to the rapid evolution of AI.
How Toyota Repair Technicians Can Use AI with NLX
Andrei Papancea (NLX) and Kordel France (Toyota)
NLX and Toyota will learn how they built AI-powered tools that allow technicians to access millions of repair documents via conversational interfaces, increasing productivity and dealer efficiency. Find actionable advice on scaling real AI solutions, from executive buy-in to integration.
Democratize AI and build a joint system with AI agents
Iliana Quinonez (Google Cloud)
Explore ways organizations can empower their teams and build intelligent agents that work with humans and other AI. This session will analyze the future of AI-driven teamwork and how to make agent development accessible to everyone.
How to release a product to a confirmed current employee
Oliver Cameron (Odyssey) and Anne Boldetsky (NEA)
Cameron and Bordetsky reveal how to compete and win against big players. Share strategies for differentiating, executing and gaining market traction.
Q&A and primed breakout sessions for deep dives
Building an AI Engine: How Openai works in Startups
Hao San (Openai)
Openai learns how to support startups with advanced model access, technical guidance, and feedback loops that shape roadmap, giving founders competitiveness in AI races.
Behind the Firewall: Secure Generation AI for Regulated Enterprises
Yann Stoneman and Betsy Groves (Cohere)
Discover how to safely deploy generated AI in regulated industries using ONPREM infrastructure. Cohere shares real use cases, compliance tips, and demos. No external cloud is required.
AI Policy Playbook: What Global Startups Need to Know
Hua Wang (Global Innovation Forum), Gerard de Graaf (European Union delegation to the US), and Matthew Caron (British Business Trade Division)
Explore ways startups can navigate and expand their AI policies and regulations globally. Learn how to leverage AI tools for trade, compliance and international growth in today's changing regulatory environment.
Building richer and scalable Genai applications for startups and developers
Nipun Agarwal, Sandeep Agrawal, and Luke Kowalski (Oracle/MySQL)
Discover how MySQL HeatWave simplifies generating AI app development, reducing complexity and accelerating innovation using built-in LLMS, real-time data integration, and scalable architecture.
Suite AI: How SAP brings AI to businesses
Rob Seifert and Max McPhee (SAP)
Learn how SAP embeds AI into business suites using tools like Joule and custom development features. It helps businesses streamline operations and drive efficiency with intelligent automation.
Stages are not where AI conversations end – that's where they start
The main stage and breakout sessions are just the beginning. Actual conversations take place in the Expo Hall, the Networking Lounge, and the Brain Date app.
Whether you're looking for troubleshooting product issues, pitch feedback from your VC or wanting to connect with your mentor, today is the day to make it happen. Use Braindate to set up 1:1 and small group meetings by posting your own topics and joining others. Then meet in person at the networking lounge.
Also, don't forget about the after-hours side events taking place around Berkeley. It is hosted by fellow participants and sponsors who will help you maintain AI momentum and build meaningful new connections once the main event is over.
There's still time to join today's AI Epicenter
TechCrunch Sessions: It's never too late to join AI!
Grab your tickets now and join with other AI communities at Zelerbach Hall in UC Berkeley. The event will be rapping at 4:30pm so don't miss out on the chance!
