Google’s Robby Stein to Share Insights on Scaling Product Decisions at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Google Search VP Robby Stein to discuss balancing innovation, trust, and reliability for billion-user products at San Francisco conference

Robby Stein, Vice President of Product for Google Search, is scheduled to appear at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, taking place from October 13 to 15 at Moscone West in San Francisco. The announcement was made by TechCrunch on September 21, 2026, confirming Stein will lead a fireside chat titled “From MVP to Billions of Users: How Product Decisions Must Change at Scale” on the Builders Stage.

This session will delve into the unique challenges product teams face when evolving from launching minimum viable products (MVPs) to managing products that serve billions of users worldwide. Stein will explore how organisations like Google navigate the tension between moving quickly to innovate and maintaining the trust and reliability that users expect at such an immense scale.

Scaling Product Decisions: From Startup Instincts to Global Impact

TechCrunch describes the session as a conversation about how product decision-making must adapt as the stakes grow higher. Early-stage product instincts that work well for startups may not suffice when every update affects a global user base. Stein’s discussion aims to provide founders and product leaders with practical insights on recognising when and how to evolve their approach to product development as their user base expands dramatically.

Attendees can expect to learn about balancing speed with trust and innovation with reliability, particularly in environments where product changes have significant worldwide consequences. The session is scheduled for October 13, 2026, from 1:40 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. Pacific Time, according to the official TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 agenda.

Robby Stein’s Diverse Product Leadership Experience

Stein brings a broad range of experience to the discussion. He is currently Vice President of Product at Google Search, where he leads the development of generative AI products and experiences designed to enhance how people search and access information. Google’s official author page highlights his role in advancing AI-powered Search innovations.

Before returning to Google in 2024, Stein was head of product at Artifact, an AI-powered newsfeed. He also spent five years at Instagram, where he contributed to consumer product initiatives including Stories, Feed, Direct Messaging, and Reels. Earlier in his career, Stein co-founded Stamped, a social recommendations startup that was acquired by Yahoo.

This combination of startup founding experience and leadership roles at major technology platforms positions Stein to offer valuable perspectives on the operational and strategic shifts required to scale products from initial launch to serving billions.

Driving AI Innovation in Google Search

Stein’s current work focuses heavily on generative AI within Google Search. In May 2026, Google reported that its AI Mode feature surpassed one billion monthly active users globally just one year after its launch. This milestone underscores the rapid adoption and impact of AI integration in search technologies.

AI Mode enhances traditional search by enabling users to engage in conversational queries, ask longer and more complex questions, and use multimodal inputs such as voice and images. Google’s data shows that AI Mode queries have more than doubled every quarter since its debut, reflecting a significant shift in how people search and interact with information online.

Recent updates introduced at Google I/O 2026 include an intelligent AI-powered Search box, new AI agents that can manage ongoing tasks, and agentic coding capabilities that generate custom interactive responses. These innovations aim to make Search more intuitive and personalized, further expanding the scope of what users can accomplish through the platform.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: A Premier Event for Founders and Innovators

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is expected to attract over 10,000 founders, investors, operators, and technology leaders. The event features more than 200 sessions across six industry-focused stages, including the Builders Stage where Stein will speak. It offers extensive opportunities for networking, learning about emerging technologies, and gaining practical advice on scaling startups and managing product growth.

Tickets are currently available with savings of up to $200 before prices increase after September 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Group discounts of up to 30% are also offered for purchases of four or more passes.

Why Stein’s Session Matters

For product teams and founders, Stein’s session provides a rare chance to understand the complexities of scaling products that serve billions of users. As AI continues to reshape digital experiences, balancing rapid innovation with reliability and user trust becomes increasingly critical.

While the session is not expected to reveal new Google products or specific strategic plans, it promises to deliver actionable insights on evolving product decision frameworks in high-stakes environments. Founders and product leaders can gain valuable lessons on when to adapt their building approaches as their products grow beyond early-stage models.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will be held at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 13 to 15, 2026. Interested attendees are encouraged to register soon to take advantage of current ticket pricing and secure their place at this influential technology conference.