As artificial intelligence continues its rapid expansion, the physical infrastructure required to power it is emerging as a critical bottleneck. At Bitcoin World Disrupt 2026, taking place October 13–15 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, the Smart Systems Stage will bring together energy and technology leaders to address this challenge head-on. The agenda covers commercial fusion breakthroughs, grid modernization, and the race to secure electricity for data centers — offering a detailed look at what it will take to sustain the next decade of innovation.
Fusion’s Path to the Grid
The Smart Systems Stage opens with a focus on commercial fusion energy. Leaders from Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Helion — two of the most prominent private fusion companies — will discuss the breakthroughs driving their technology forward and the remaining obstacles to bringing fusion power onto the grid at scale. David Kirtley, CEO of Helion, and Brandon Sorbom, Chief Science Officer of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, are scheduled to speak. The session aims to provide a realistic assessment of timelines, technical hurdles, and the infrastructure investments needed to make fusion a viable energy source for AI and other high-demand industries.
From Twilio to Fusion: A Founder’s Perspective
In a fireside chat, Jeff Lawson, CEO of Inertia and former founder of Twilio, will share his journey from building a cloud communications platform to leading one of the best-funded fusion power startups. The conversation is expected to cover how his experience scaling Twilio influences his approach to talent acquisition, project timelines, and the hard engineering questions that fusion presents. Lawson’s candid discussion offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a founder tackling one of the most complex energy challenges of our time.
Rewiring the Grid for the Electric Age
Electricity demand is growing faster than the infrastructure built to support it, a trend accelerated by AI’s insatiable compute requirements. A panel on grid modernization will feature Drew Baglino, founder and CEO of Heron Power, and Apoorv Bhargava, CEO and co-founder of WeaveGrid, along with additional speakers to be announced. The discussion will explore where investment is flowing, how utilities and startups are collaborating, and what technologies are being deployed to create a more resilient and flexible power grid. This session is particularly relevant for operators and founders who need to understand the real-world constraints on energy availability.
AI’s Power Problem
As compute demand skyrockets, data center operators and energy companies are racing to secure power and expand infrastructure before it becomes the bottleneck that slows AI’s next wave. A dedicated panel on this topic will include Sara Spangelo, president and co-founder of Ambrosia Energy, and Bill Thayer, SVP and head of datacenter solutions at Bloom Energy, with more speakers to be announced. The session will address how leaders across both industries are tackling the challenge, from securing long-term power purchase agreements to deploying on-site generation solutions like fuel cells and microgrids.
Why This Matters
The Smart Systems Stage at Bitcoin World Disrupt 2026 is not just a series of presentations — it is a response to a systemic problem. AI’s growth is constrained not by code but by kilowatts. For founders, operators, and investors, understanding the energy landscape is no longer optional. The agenda is designed to provide a comprehensive view of the technological, economic, and policy dimensions of powering AI. Attendees will gain insights into where the industry is heading and what practical steps can be taken today to prepare for tomorrow’s energy demands.
Conclusion
Bitcoin World Disrupt 2026’s Smart Systems Stage offers a timely and detailed exploration of the energy infrastructure challenges facing the AI industry. With sessions on fusion energy, grid modernization, and data center power, the event provides actionable knowledge for those building the next generation of technology. Registration is open, with current pricing discounts ending soon.
FAQs
Q1: When and where is Bitcoin World Disrupt 2026 taking place?
The event runs from October 13–15, 2026, at San Francisco’s Moscone Center.
Q2: Who are the key speakers on the Smart Systems Stage?
Confirmed speakers include David Kirtley (Helion), Brandon Sorbom (Commonwealth Fusion Systems), Jeff Lawson (Inertia), Drew Baglino (Heron Power), Apoorv Bhargava (WeaveGrid), Sara Spangelo (Ambrosia Energy), and Bill Thayer (Bloom Energy), with additional speakers to be announced.
Q3: What topics will the Smart Systems Stage cover?
The agenda focuses on commercial fusion energy, grid modernization, and the power challenges facing AI data centers, with an emphasis on practical solutions and industry insights.
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