Waymo’s Tekedra Mawakana on the truth behind autonomous vehicles at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana will provide an in-depth, realistic perspective on the current state and future of autonomous vehicles (AVs). Moving beyond sensational headlines about crashes and hype, Mawakana will discuss the practical challenges of scaling AV deployment, including rider safety, public trust, regulatory complexities, operational hurdles, and competition from companies like Tesla. Her session aims to clarify what aspects of AV technology are working, what still requires development, and what it truly takes to bring fully autonomous vehicles to widespread use. Tekedra Mawakana brings over 20 years of experience in global tech strategy and leadership to her role at Waymo, where she drives the company’s mission to make the Waymo Driver accessible to the masses and advance autonomous innovation. Beyond Waymo, she contributes to other tech ventures and social impact initiatives. Her appearance at Disrupt offers attendees—ranging from founders and investors to enthusiasts—a rare, insider view of the autonomous