Discover how to take your startup from prototype to production at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Moving beyond the prototype often means building manufacturing capability alongside the technology itself. As co-founder and CEO of MBRYONICS , John Mackey has transformed a specialized photonics spinout into a leader in space-based optical communications, expanding high-volume manufacturing while helping build the infrastructure behind next-generation space networks. His insights will help startups understand what changes when your company shifts from building prototypes to building products.

Deploying autonomy where consistency matters

Before co-founding Bedrock Robotics , Boris Sofman helped lead autonomous trucking and core technologies at Waymo, where fully driverless vehicles logged more than 100 million driverless miles. His experience reflects what happens when autonomous systems leave controlled testing and begin operating in environments where consistency and reliability matter every day. He’ll shed light on how to scale production while ensuring safety and reliability.

Engineering the foundation for autonomous systems

Before co-founding Foxglove , Adrian Macneil led infrastructure engineering at Cruise, developing the data platform that supported autonomous vehicles at scale. His work demonstrates that production depends on the engineering systems surrounding it. His talk will underscore the systems and infrastructure that allow complex technologies to move beyond experimentation and into everyday use.

Together, they bring three different perspectives to the same milestone every ambitious technology company eventually reaches: moving from a successful prototype to something customers can trust in the real world.

Hear how these founders approached production and what they learned along the way. Choose your Disrupt ticket type and save up to $200 by September 25.

What comes after the breakthrough?

Sooner or later, every promising technology has to prove itself outside the lab. That’s where this Disrupt conversation begins. Rather than focusing on what’s possible in theory, these founders will discuss what happens when manufacturing, deployment, infrastructure, and day-to-day operations become part of the product.

Regardless of the innovation you’re building, this session offers the opportunity to hear from founders who’ve already navigated the move from prototype to production — and the lessons they learned along the way.

Secure your pass to Disrupt and hear how leaders are making the leap from prototype to production. Save up to $200 before prices increase on September 25.

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Last day to book an exhibit table is September 18. Don’t miss out on high-impact leads, investor access, and a brand spotlight in Disrupt’s Expo Hall.

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