HomeWaymo's Tekedra Mawakana on the Commercial Reality of Autonomous Vehicles
While the promise of self-driving cars has often felt imminent, the journey to deploying autonomous vehicles on our roads has proven far more complex. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place October 27–29 at San Francisco's Moscone West, Tekedra Mawakana, Waymo's co-CEO, will take the Disrupt Stage for a comprehensive discussion on the actual state of AV technology and the industry's future direction.
A Look Inside the Self-Driving Reality Check
Beyond the headlines that focus on accidents, debates, and exaggerated claims, Mawakana has dedicated years to navigating the practical challenges of autonomous mobility. At Disrupt, she will explore the genuine requirements for scaling AV deployment—covering rider safety, public confidence, regulatory frameworks, daily operations, and the competitive landscape with players like Tesla.
This session moves past speculative timelines and impressive demonstrations. It focuses on current successes, ongoing challenges, and the real-world implications of implementing autonomous technology on a large scale. Whether you are a startup founder, an investor, or simply fascinated by the future of transportation, this is an essential discussion.
Image Credits: Waymo Meet the Leader Behind the Wheel
Tekedra Mawakana brings over twenty years of experience in developing global strategy for leading technology firms. As Waymo's co-CEO, she drives the company's mission to deploy the Waymo Driver widely and pioneer the next wave of autonomous innovation. She also holds a position on Intuit's board of directors and provides guidance to various technology and social impact initiatives.
The Future of Mobility, Live at Disrupt
Waymo's journey is a defining story in the evolution of transportation, and this session provides a unique opportunity to understand the realities behind the news. Join over 10,000 startup founders and venture capital leaders at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 to help define the next chapter of innovation. Register now to secure savings of up to $650 before ticket prices increase.
Image Credits: Kimberly White / Getty Images
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Siempre escucho sobre 'el futuro ya llegó' con los autos autónomos, pero luego leo artículos así y me doy cuenta de lo complicado que es realmente. 🤯 Me pregunto cuándo podré usar uno de Waymo en mi ciudad, no solo en zonas seleccionadas. La regulación y la seguridad parecen ser el verdadero cuello de botella, no la tecnología en sí.
While the promise of self-driving cars has often felt imminent, the journey to deploying autonomous vehicles on our roads has proven far more complex. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place October 27–29 at San Francisco's Moscone West, Tekedra Mawakana, Waymo's co-CEO, will take the Disrupt Stage for a comprehensive discussion on the actual state of AV technology and the industry's future direction.
A Look Inside the Self-Driving Reality Check
Beyond the headlines that focus on accidents, debates, and exaggerated claims, Mawakana has dedicated years to navigating the practical challenges of autonomous mobility. At Disrupt, she will explore the genuine requirements for scaling AV deployment—covering rider safety, public confidence, regulatory frameworks, daily operations, and the competitive landscape with players like Tesla.
This session moves past speculative timelines and impressive demonstrations. It focuses on current successes, ongoing challenges, and the real-world implications of implementing autonomous technology on a large scale. Whether you are a startup founder, an investor, or simply fascinated by the future of transportation, this is an essential discussion.
Meet the Leader Behind the Wheel
Tekedra Mawakana brings over twenty years of experience in developing global strategy for leading technology firms. As Waymo's co-CEO, she drives the company's mission to deploy the Waymo Driver widely and pioneer the next wave of autonomous innovation. She also holds a position on Intuit's board of directors and provides guidance to various technology and social impact initiatives.
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Waymo's journey is a defining story in the evolution of transportation, and this session provides a unique opportunity to understand the realities behind the news. Join over 10,000 startup founders and venture capital leaders at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 to help define the next chapter of innovation. Register now to secure savings of up to $650 before ticket prices increase.
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Siempre escucho sobre 'el futuro ya llegó' con los autos autónomos, pero luego leo artículos así y me doy cuenta de lo complicado que es realmente. 🤯 Me pregunto cuándo podré usar uno de Waymo en mi ciudad, no solo en zonas seleccionadas. La regulación y la seguridad parecen ser el verdadero cuello de botella, no la tecnología en sí.
