Annually, TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield pitch contest attracts thousands of hopefuls. We narrow down those submissions to the top 200 finalists, from which the top 20 present on the main stage for a chance to win the Startup Battlefield Cup and a monetary reward of $100,000. However, the 180 other startups also impressed us immensely in their categories and engage in their own pitch event.
Here’s the complete roster of the logistics, manufacturing, and materials Startup Battlefield 200 selections, along with insights on their inclusion in the competition.
Logistics
GigU
What it does: This application aids ride-share and delivery drivers in assessing which trips will yield the highest earnings.
Why it’s noteworthy: It tackles a significant concern many drivers face, namely that trips often fail to justify their earnings given the effort involved. The firm aims for this application to assist drivers in boosting their income and personalizing their ride-share experience.
Glīd
What it does: Glīd is developing autonomous vehicles designed to transport freight seamlessly within railyards.
Why it’s noteworthy: Glīd clinched the 2025 TechCrunch Startup Battlefield title for its innovative system that proficiently addresses an issue often neglected by the autonomous vehicle sector.
Kinisi
What it does: This robotics firm specializes in sensory technology with rapid processing capabilities.
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Why it’s noteworthy: Its straightforward robot design, utilizing cutting-edge LLM technology, enables it to address warehouse challenges intelligently and safely.
Manufacturing, materials, and industrial
CloEE
What it does: CloEE provides a manufacturing platform that leverages AI to assess millions of data points pertaining to machine performance.
Why it’s noteworthy: The deployment of AI by CloEE refines manufacturing methods for enhanced efficiency, benefiting both production and equipment maintenance.
CosmicBrain AI
What it does: CosmicBrain delivers a no-code/low-code platform aimed at training robotic systems.
Why it’s noteworthy: For robots to become common fixtures in daily life, we require accessible training methods for tasks that do not necessitate extensive specialized expertise.
Delft Circuits
What it does: Delft Circuits has innovated a new type of network cable tailored for quantum computing applications.
Why it’s noteworthy: Delft Circuits acknowledges that quantum computing demands a unique approach that necessitates specially designed materials for its cabling systems, including tailored microwave and thermal performance.
Evolinq
What it does: Evolinq provides AI-driven agents that manage procurement processes for enterprises.
Why it’s noteworthy: Evolinq aims to replicate buyer workflows and streamline areas such as supplier interactions without necessitating intricate integration for activation.
ExoMatter
What it does: ExoMatter serves as an AI platform that assists R&D teams focused on material science in evaluating various materials.
Why it’s noteworthy: Instead of undergoing expensive trial and error processes when investigating new materials, ExoMatter functions as a platform that employs AI to aid scientists in screening inorganic crystalline materials using criteria like performance, sustainability, and costs.
Kamet AI
What it does: Kamet presents an AI analytical system tailored for manufacturing and warehouse environments.
Why it’s noteworthy: The tool from the company employs predictive AI to identify inefficiencies in processes and equipment, targeting intricate industrial scenarios that either lower expenses or enhance output.
Koidra
What it does: Koidra introduces an AI-based automation management platform specifically for indoor agriculture.
Why it’s noteworthy: Koidra claims that its platform incorporates physics-aware AI technology that is particularly suited for heavily automated industrial environments, including indoor farming operations.
Mbodi
What it does: Mbodi provides a platform capable of readily teaching any industrial robot new competencies.
Why it’s noteworthy: Mbodi has developed a cloud-to-edge system that seamlessly integrates with existing robotic technology infrastructures, enabling quicker task acquisition for robots.
MycoFutures
What it does: MycoFutures produces a material akin to leather, cultivated from mushroom roots.
Why it’s noteworthy: In contrast to synthetic pleather, this mycelium-based leather is compostable, free from harmful chemicals, and is designed to mimic the aesthetics and versatility of traditional leather.
OKOsix
What it does: OKOsix has developed a biodegradable material aimed at substituting plastics.
Why it’s noteworthy: Differentiating from other biodegradable plastic substitutes, this material from the company emphasizes durability.
Ravel
What it does: Ravel has pioneered a method to deconstruct blended textile materials back into their original mono-materials.
Why it’s noteworthy: Ravel addresses a major pollution issue by making blended textiles recyclable, enabling their plastics to be transformed back into yarn or other clothing items.
Strong by Form
What it does: Strong by Form has created engineered wood that possesses the strength necessary to substitute concrete and steel in structural flooring applications.
Why it’s noteworthy: The organization has formulated a material that enables architects and engineers to replace concrete—known for its significant carbon footprint—with a lighter, more sustainable alternative.
Xronos
What it does: Xronos provides a platform designed to accelerate the creation and deployment of robotics or automation solutions.
Why it’s noteworthy: Xronos is built on open-source principles and utilizes deterministic development, ensuring that the executed and anticipated robotic actions will behave consistently and reliably each time.