Operating at the Edge: How AI Works When the Cloud Doesn't

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, FieldAI's Ali Agha, Medra's Michelle Lee, and Eclipse Ventures' Aidan Madigan-Curtis discussed how AI operates in environments where the cloud is unavailable. The most valuable AI deployments in the world often occur in remote or disconnected locations, and building for them requires a different technological playbook. The panel explored what that playbook looks like. The conversation covered topics such as on-device processing, low-power computing, and robust connectivity solutions. The speakers shared examples from industries like agriculture, mining, and defense, where edge AI is already delivering value. They also discussed the challenges of developing and deploying AI in harsh or unpredictable conditions. This session is essential for anyone interested in the future of AI beyond the data center. Follow TechCrunch for more insights from Disrupt 2026.