Zach Yadegari, co-founder of Cal AI, experienced phenomenal success with his AI-powered nutrition app while still in high school. The app, which enables users to track nutritional information by photographing their meals, amassed over 15 million downloads and generated $30 million in annual revenue within two years. This rapid rise caught the attention of MyFitnessPal, which acquired Cal AI in December 2025 while keeping the app and Yadegari’s team intact.

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Yadegari will share insights on Cal AI’s explosive viral growth and how the company managed the pressures of scaling a rapidly expanding user base. His talk will explore turning viral attention into lasting user retention and sustainable business development, offering valuable lessons for founders aiming to replicate such breakout success in crowded markets.

Before Cal AI, Yadegari had already demonstrated his ability to attract a large audience with Totally Science, a gaming platform he sold at 16 after reaching more than 5 million users. His experience managing swift growth and product demands positions him well to discuss the challenges and strategies entrepreneurs face when a product suddenly explodes in popularity.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, taking place October 13-15 at Moscone West in San Francisco, will host over 200 sessions, including Yadegari’s fireside chat. With 10,000+ attendees, 250+ speakers, and hundreds of startups exhibiting, the event promises extensive opportunities for networking, learning, and dealmaking. Early ticket purchasers can save up to $200 before September 25, with a 50% discount available on a second pass.