September 22, 2026

TechCrunch Top 3

Meta's Muse is outpacing ChatGPT’s early mobile launch: Meta’s new AI agent Muse has racked up more downloads and daily active users in the U.S. and Canada than ChatGPT did over the same period after its mobile debut, according to new estimates from Appfigures. Read More

OpenAI forms math advisory group as its AI resolves more than 100 open problems: The group won't be given leeway to slow down or redirect OpenAI's ongoing mathematical research. Read More

Meta deal will help plastics recycling startup MacroCycle build its first factory: Meta is giving plastic recycling a boost in a new deal with startup MacroCycle, which is building its first commercial plant. Read More

A message from TechCrunch Events

4 days left to save up to $200 at Disrupt

Four days until Disrupt savings end. Get access to 250+ speakers, 200+ sessions across six industry stages, roundtables, and breakouts, plus make connections with AI-powered matchmaking and ad hoc meetings to help move your startup forward. Register by September 25.

Morning Must-Reads

Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy bets these 21 startups will shape energy’s future: To the investors at Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy, the coming wave of electrification will make data center energy demands look quaint by comparison. Here's how they're preparing. Read More

The man who built Apple's stores doesn't buy Silicon Valley's bet on AI shopping: Apple Store architect Ron Johnson says Apple's secret sauce has always been its people. Read More

Nscale’s IPO will test Wall Street's appetite for concentrated AI bets once again: The British AI data center developer depends on tech giants Microsoft and Anthropic for most of its revenue. Read More

Everyone can find a reason to dislike data center construction: Inside two years of fraught AI data center debates in Pennsylvania. Read More

Singapore’s Nexstrom wants to bring 2D semiconductors to chip fabs: Singapore-based Nexstrom has raised new funding to develop equipment that could help chipmakers manufacture 2D semiconductor materials at scale. Read More

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Extended: Get your Disrupt exhibit table by Sept 30

Missed the original deadline? 10 more tables have been added to the Expo Hall. You have more time to get your company in front of 10,000+ tech leaders at Disrupt 2026. Demo your product, meet potential customers and partners, connect with VCs and build your pipeline from the center of the event. Secure your table by Sept. 30, while inventory lasts.

Book now

Last but Not Least

TikTok's US arm joins Lantern, a cross-platform child safety initiative: Eight months after establishing a U.S. based joint venture, TikTok is getting on board fellow platforms to support industry-wide child safety work. Read More

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