Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 5/1/2027
In short
TechCrunch Startup Battlefield is a global startup competition showcasing 200 early-stage companies, culminating in a pitch for a $100,000 equity-free prize and the Disrupt Cup.
TechCrunch Startup Battlefield
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 5/1/2027274 days left
$100,000
Equity-free grand prize
200
Startups showcased at Disrupt
1,100+
Startup alumni
$29 Billion+
Collectively raised by alumni
200+
Alumni exits
Free
Exhibit at Disrupt
Overview
TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield 200 is a premier startup competition that highlights 200 leading early-stage companies from various industries worldwide at TechCrunch Disrupt. All selected companies gain significant exposure by pitching on the Pitch Showcase Stage at TC Disrupt, benefiting from dedicated training, masterclasses, private receptions, and exclusive investor meet-and-greet opportunities. From this elite group of 200, the top 20 are chosen as finalists to present on the main Disrupt Stage. These finalists compete for a substantial $100,000 equity-free grand prize and the coveted Disrupt Cup, signifying their position as a top innovator. The competition emphasizes supporting startups without taking any fees or equity for participation. The program offers an unparalleled platform for startups to launch new products or businesses, gain media coverage, and connect with a vast network of investors and industry leaders. It aims to identify and promote disruptive technologies and business models, continuing a legacy of launching successful companies like Dropbox and Trello.
Prizes
Winner
Equity-free prize and the Disrupt Cup
$100,000
Runner-up
Undisclosed
Key dates
- 2026 Applications OpenSoon
- Applicant NotificationApproximately one month after application deadline
- Startup Battlefield Rehearsals/Trainings for FinalistsPrior to Disrupt, minimum of three virtual sessions
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2026To be announced
Eligibility
Companies must have a functional prototype available for demonstration to the selection committee at the time of application. Preference is given to companies launching a new product or business to the public and press for the first time through the competition. Companies in closed beta, private beta, limited release, or those operating under the radar are eligible. Hardware companies that have completed crowdfunding may apply, provided funds were directed to an earlier product prototype. Existing companies launching only new feature sets do not qualify. Ideal candidates are bootstrapped, Pre-Seed, Seed, or Series A stage with minimal prior press coverage. Companies from around the world are welcome to apply, provided their country is in good business standing with the United States. There is no cap on funding raised to participate.
How to enter
- Submit an application including a product video.
- If selected as one of the Startup Battlefield 200, participate in Disrupt with a free demo booth and access to events.
- If selected as a top 20 Startup Battlefield Finalist, attend a minimum of three virtual rehearsal/training sessions.
- Pitch and live-demo on the virtual on-stage for 6 minutes, followed by 6 minutes of judge Q&A at Disrupt.
- If selected as a Grand Finalist (typically 4-6 companies), pitch a second time to a new group of judges.
Submission requirements
- A functional prototype to demo.
- A product video demonstrating the product working in real-time (production quality is not important, no animated startup videos).
- Clear outline of the competitive landscape and why the company will succeed.
- Details about the founder's experience/journey.
- Multiple ideas must be submitted as separate applications.
- Applications must be submitted before the deadline (re-submissions are allowed until the deadline).
Judging criteria
- Disruptiveness of the product/business.
- Functionality of the product demonstrated in the video.
- Understanding and transparency regarding the competitive landscape.
- Founder experience/journey.
- Ability to showcase something disruptive on stage.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
When will 2026 applications be open?
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Applications for 2026 will be announced soon.
Who can I email with questions?
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For questions not covered in the FAQ, email battlefield@techcrunch.com.
Can I still apply?
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Applications for 2026 are not yet open.
What exactly do you mean by early stage?
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Companies must have an MVP. Ideally, TechCrunch seeks bootstrapped, Pre-Seed, Seed, or Series A companies with minimal press coverage, aiming to showcase something disruptive on stage.
What are rehearsals/trainings?
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Finalists go through a minimum of three virtual rehearsals with the TechCrunch Battlefield Team and other experts to prepare for their on-stage pitch and Q&A sessions.
What happens at Disrupt?
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Startup Battlefield 200 contestants receive free tickets to Disrupt and a free demo booth in the Expo Hall. They are invited to digital and private events, masterclasses, and trainings. Twenty companies are chosen as finalists to pitch and live-demo for 6 minutes on the virtual stage, followed by 6 minutes of judge Q&A. Pitches are live-streamed, and TechCrunch publishes a post on each finalist. A group of 4-6 finalists then pitch a second time to new judges, who select the winner and runner-up.
What happens after Disrupt?
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Startup Battlefield Finalist alumni receive free tickets to future TechCrunch events and are invited to community events around major conferences.
Does it cost anything to participate?
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No, TechCrunch does not charge fees or take equity from startups for applying or participating in Startup Battlefield.
Is my application confidential?
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Yes, applications are kept confidential and shared only with the internal TechCrunch review committee.
Is there an opportunity to interview?
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Due to the volume of applications, interviews are not guaranteed. Most participants are selected without an interview.
There is a video required for the application. What are you looking for?
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The video should show the product working in real-time, even with a phone or screen grabs. Production quality is not important. Animated startup videos with voice-overs are not desired.
Are applications for Disrupt limited to certain locations?
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No, anyone around the world can apply, provided their country is in good business standing with the United States.
What do you mean: minimal media coverage?
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Local or industry-specific coverage is generally acceptable. Some founder features are okay, as long as the core technology has not yet been extensively showcased.
I accidentally submitted my application before it was finished. Am I doomed?
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No, you can re-submit your application until the deadline.
Can you unlock my application so I can edit it?
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No, applications cannot be unlocked for editing at this time.
When will participants be notified?
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Applicants are typically notified about one month after the application deadline.
Do you invest in participants?
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No, TechCrunch does not invest in or take equity from Startup Battlefield participants. However, the program provides visibility to top VCs, often leading to funding for companies after Disrupt.
Our group has two ideas. Can we submit two applications?
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Yes, but they must be submitted as two different applications in the portal.
Will you fund multiple startups working on the same idea?
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It is rare for similar companies to be in the same batch.
Any tips on how to prepare a successful application?
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Ensure your product video shows your actual product functioning (exceptions for biotech). Clearly outline your competition and why you will win. Share your founder experience/journey.
Why didn’t you accept our application?
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TechCrunch receives hundreds of applications and selects for disruptive, funded, and unfunded ventures across different verticals and geographies, meaning many outstanding companies are not selected. Non-selection does not impact future success, and many successful Startup Battlefield companies applied multiple times before being chosen.
What might set my application apart?
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Transparency about your competitive landscape and putting your best foot forward in all aspects are encouraged.
Do you only work with software companies?
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No, TechCrunch works with startups across all verticals, including mobile search, connected home devices, healthcare, agricultural robotics, and 3D printing.
Do we need to be incorporated in the U.S. or be U.S. citizens to apply?
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No, startups from around the globe are welcome to submit, provided their country is in good business standing with the United States.
Can you get us visas?
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TechCrunch can write a letter on behalf of companies for their visa request but does not directly secure visas. Visas are not needed for virtual events.
We already have funding. Can we still apply?
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Yes, there is no cap on money raised to participate. Many teams are also bootstrapped.
We don’t want to participate but we want TechCrunch coverage.
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This is not the platform for direct TechCrunch coverage requests. Instead, contact a writer who covers similar startups or send your pitch to tips@techcrunch.com.