Navigating open vs. proprietary AI: founders' strategies at techcrunch disrupt 2026

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, AI founders are grappling with the decision of whether to build on open or proprietary models. The event, taking place October 13-15 in San Francisco, features over 200 sessions across six stages, with more than 10,000 attendees expected. Key discussions include the use of multiple models, customization, and the balance between cost, performance, and flexibility. Mo Jomaa, Vipul Ved Prakash, and Zuzanna Stamirowska will explore how companies navigate a multi-model world. Manos Koukoumidis will address whether startups should build, rent, or customize AI models. Meanwhile, Nader Khalil and Sydney Sykes will examine trade-offs between frontier APIs and open-weight models. The event also highlights the growing connection between AI and hardware, with Anna Goldie and Azalia Mirhoseini discussing how AI is influencing chip design. Attendees can secure passes for up to $100 off or a $75 Expo+ Pass for laid-off professionals.