Tech News Today — September 17, 2026

As we dive into the latest developments in the tech world, it's clear that artificial intelligence is taking center stage. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, industry leaders from Gusto, Insight Partners, and Leland are set to discuss the integration of AI agents into startup teams, marking a significant shift in how businesses operate. Meanwhile, Al Gore, the former US Vice President, is offering a measured perspective on the growing backlash against AI data centers, which have raised concerns about their environmental impact.

But Al Gore's comments also hint at a more nuanced conversation about AI's risks and implications. According to him, the real concerns around AI may not be about data centers, but rather about other, potentially more pressing issues that industry leaders are warning about. This resonates with comments from Max Hodak, CEO of Science Corp and co-founder of Neuralink, who is set to discuss the end of the "screen era" at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. As AI continues to advance and become more ubiquitous, it's clear that the tech industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, with far-reaching implications for businesses, society, and the environment.

Today's signal:
• Your startup’s next teammate might be an AI agent: Gusto, Insight Partners, and Leland explain what that changes at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 (techcrunch.com)
• Al Gore has a surprisingly calm take on the AI data center backlash (techcrunch.com)
• Al Gore says the real AI risk isn’t data centers — it’s what industry leaders are warning about (techcrunch.com)
• Al Gore says the real AI risk isn’t data centers (techcrunch.com)
• Hear why Science Corp CEO Max Hodak says the screen era is ending at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 (techcrunch.com)
• Hear why Neuralink co-founder Max Hodak says the screen era is ending at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 (techcrunch.com)