Waymo’s Tekedra Mawakana on Scaling Self-Driving Beyond the Hype

The journey to integrating autonomous vehicles into everyday transportation has proven to be far more complex than anticipated. At the upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 event, scheduled for October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Waymo’s co-CEO, Tekedra Mawakana. She will lead an insightful discussion focused on the current state of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the future directions of the industry. While media narratives often focus on incidents, controversies, or grandiose claims, Mawakana has dedicated years to understanding the practical challenges of autonomous mobility. During her talk, she will explore the essential components necessary for scaling AV deployment effectively. Key topics will include ensuring rider safety, fostering public trust, navigating regulatory landscapes, and addressing the competitive landscape, particularly with rivals like Tesla. This session aims to move beyond ambiguous timelines and flashy demonstrations, focusing instead on tangible progress, ongoing challenges, and the implications of bringing autonomy into widespread use. It promises to be an invaluable experience for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the future of transportation. With over two decades of experience in shaping global strategies at leading tech firms, Mawakana is well-equipped to share insights on Waymo’s mission to democratize access to its autonomous driving technology. Additionally, she holds a position on Intuit’s board and provides guidance to various technology and social impact initiatives. Waymo’s narrative is pivotal to the evolution of transportation, and this session will offer a rare glimpse behind the scenes. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, where over 10,000 startup and VC leaders convene to forge the future. Sign up now to take advantage of early registration discounts.