Waymo co-CEO on robotaxi vandalism: ‘We’re not standing for it’

Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana, recently shared his thoughts on agentic coding at TechCrunch Disrupt. He expressed his growing comfort in stepping back from hands-on software development, highlighting a shift towards empowering others in the coding process. This perspective is significant as it reflects a broader trend in tech where collaboration and delegation are becoming key to innovation and efficiency.

geCKo Materials, the runner-up of the 2024 Startup Battlefield, made a splash at TechCrunch Disrupt by unveiling four innovative products. This launch is significant as it marks the company's commitment to advancing its technology and expanding its commercial reach, showcasing their potential impact on the industry.

Uber is set to launch driverless rides in San Francisco using vehicles from Lucid and Nuro next year, marking a significant step in the competition with Waymo's established robotaxi service. This move not only showcases Uber's commitment to innovation in the transportation sector but also highlights the growing trend of autonomous vehicles in urban areas, which could reshape how we think about mobility.

Uber is set to launch a premium robotaxi service in San Francisco, directly competing with Waymo, which has been the leader in the area. This development is significant as it highlights the growing competition in the autonomous vehicle market, potentially offering consumers more choices and pushing innovation in the industry.

In an exciting turn of events at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, actor Thomas Middleditch, known for his role in 'Silicon Valley', made a surprise appearance to take over the presentation of the Australian startup Othelia. This unexpected moment not only thrilled attendees but also highlighted the intersection of entertainment and technology, showcasing how influential figures can draw attention to innovative startups.

Mappa is making waves in the hiring industry with its innovative AI voice analysis technology, which evaluates candidates' behavior through their voice patterns. This approach aims to reduce the uncertainty often associated with hiring decisions, making it easier for employers to find the right fit. Mappa will showcase its cutting-edge platform at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, highlighting the potential of AI in transforming recruitment processes.

Charter Space is making waves in the fintech sector by introducing innovative solutions for spacecraft insurance, aiming to streamline risk evaluation processes. This is significant because it could lead to faster and more affordable insurance options for space companies, opening doors to new funding avenues beyond traditional venture capital. Their presence at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 highlights the growing intersection of technology and finance in the space industry.

Identifee, a promising startup founded by former Wells Fargo employees, is set to showcase its innovative productivity platform at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. This platform offers a unique modular system that allows bankers to choose individual tools or a complete suite tailored to their needs. This flexibility is significant as it empowers financial professionals to enhance their efficiency and adapt to the rapidly changing banking landscape.

ScaleAI is making significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence, showcasing how enterprise leaders are effectively leveraging generative and agentic AI technologies. This progress is crucial as it highlights the potential for businesses to enhance their operations and innovate, ultimately driving growth and efficiency in various sectors.

Delta Sharing is experiencing remarkable growth, boasting a 300% increase year-over-year. This surge highlights the platform's effectiveness in facilitating data sharing across organizations, making it a vital tool for businesses looking to enhance their analytics capabilities. As more companies adopt this technology, it signifies a shift towards more collaborative and data-driven decision-making processes.

The recent partnership between Databricks and Palantir is already making waves, with over 100 customers leveraging their combined strengths to transform their businesses. This collaboration not only enhances data analytics capabilities but also empowers organizations to make more informed decisions, driving innovation and efficiency. It's exciting to see how these companies are shaping the future of business through their strategic alliance.

WhatsApp is enhancing its security features by allowing users to utilize passkeys for their backups. This update is significant as it adds an extra layer of protection for personal data, making it harder for unauthorized access. With cyber threats on the rise, this move reflects WhatsApp's commitment to user privacy and security, ensuring that sensitive information remains safe.

The article highlights the significance of standard-cell architecture in adaptable ASIC designs, emphasizing its benefits such as being fully testable and foundry-portable. This innovation is crucial for developers looking to create flexible and reliable hardware solutions without hidden risks, making it a game-changer in the semiconductor industry.

WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that allows users to protect their end-to-end encrypted backups with passkeys. This enhancement is significant as it adds an extra layer of security for users' data, ensuring that their private conversations remain safe even when stored in the cloud. With increasing concerns over data privacy, this move by WhatsApp is a proactive step towards safeguarding user information.