AI is in need of more powerful processors. Yet, creating these processors is a time-consuming and complicated task. What if AI begins to take on some of that role as well?

This is the concept behind Ricursive Intelligence. The startup is working on AI that can create chip designs, learn from its experiences, and enhance subsequent designs — potentially speeding up the creation of the technology that enables increasingly sophisticated AI.

Currently, the process of creating a chip can span two to three years. Recursive aims to shorten this timeline to just a few weeks.

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, co-founders Anna Goldie and Azalia Mirhoseini of Ricursive Intelligence will present on the Disrupt Stage for “When AI Starts Designing Its Own Hardware.” They will address the integration of AI and chip creation, the development of self-enhancing systems, and how to overcome one of the major obstacles in the quest for more powerful intelligence.

Interested in learning from the researchers aiming to transform the AI hardware creation process? Today marks the final day to save as much as $200 on your Disrupt pass. Ensure your ticket is secured by 11:59 p.m. PT — and receive a second pass at 50% off for select ticket options.

What occurs when AI designs the chips that drive it?

Goldie and Mirhoseini have already demonstrated that AI can significantly influence chip design. Prior to establishing Ricursive Intelligence, the duo co-led AlphaChip at Google, a system that enabled AI to produce chip layouts in a matter of hours rather than the considerably longer duration traditional designers face. Their contributions assisted in the development of several generations of Google’s Tensor Processing Units.

Ricursive Intelligence is advancing this notion by developing AI tools that can automate and hasten the chip design process. Their system is designed to learn from various chip designs, so the knowledge gained from one project enhances its approach to the next.

This could create a potentially impactful cycle: AI aids in designing superior hardware, enhanced hardware enables more advanced AI, and these improved systems can subsequently contribute to the development of future technologies.

What might this feedback loop signify for the forthcoming era of AI? Secure your Disrupt pass with a discount of up to $200 and directly hear from the founders working on its realization.

From AlphaChip to a $4 billion company

Goldie and Mirhoseini were also key figures in founding Google’s ML for Systems team. Both were part of the initial crew at Anthropic and served as senior research scientists at Google DeepMind.

Goldie, the founder and CEO of Ricursive, has a Ph.D. in computer science from Stanford and was recognized as one of MIT Technology Review’s 35 Innovators Under 35. Mirhoseini, co-founder and CTO, is an assistant professor of computer science at Stanford and established its Scaling Intelligence Lab.

They initiated Ricursive in late 2025, and investors swiftly jumped on board. In just four months, the firm secured $335 million at a $4 billion valuation, which included a $300 million Series A funding. Nvidia is among their investors.

Ricursive is looking to enable AI to take on a greater share of the intricate chip-design task, covering everything from component arrangement to design verification, while also learning throughout the designs it creates. By speeding up the chip design cycle, Goldie and Mirhoseini are convinced they can pave the way for innovative chip architectures and, ultimately, more capable and efficient AI.

Discover the potential trajectory of AI and hardware development. Register for Disrupt to listen to Goldie and Mirhoseini as they elaborate on the technology, the hurdles, and the self-enhancing systems that underpin Ricursive’s methodology.

How quickly can the AI-hardware cycle advance?

While AI models have evolved at a fast pace, the hardware they rely on adheres to a different development timeline. Ricursive is banking on the notion that AI can help bridge that divide.

During Disrupt, Goldie and Mirhoseini will share insights from researchers who have validated that AI can design functional chips and are now establishing a business to extend that concept. For founders, investors, and tech leaders, it’s a unique opportunity to grasp the significance of rapid chip development in relation to future AI capabilities.

Their presentation is one of over 200 sessions that will span six industry stages, roundtables, and breakouts at Disrupt, occurring from October 13–15 at Moscone West in San Francisco. More than 10,000 founders, investors, professionals, and tech leaders are anticipated, accompanied by over 250 speakers and 300+ exhibiting startups. In addition to the scheduled agenda, matchmaking, dealmaking, and networking will present chances to engage with the founders, investors, and innovators shaping the future.

Today is the final chance to save as much as $200 on your Disrupt pass. Ensure you secure your ticket before midnight PT — and enjoy a 50% discount on a second pass for select ticket types. Join Goldie and Mirhoseini on the Disrupt Stage to explore what transpires when AI starts to assist in designing the hardware that drives it.