The Startup Battlefield pitch contest by TechCrunch is set to showcase a selection of innovative startups, with the top 20 contenders competing for a cash prize of $100,000 at the event in San Francisco from October 13-15, 2026. A total of 200 applicants have made it to the Startup Battlefield 200, with a focus on agtech and food tech.
Among the notable participants is Äio, which has devised a method to transform agricultural waste into edible fat. Aquawise is also highlighted for its AI-driven water-quality monitoring system for aquaculture, utilizing satellite imagery to provide insights without costly sensors. Clave employs AI to assist fast-food franchises in analyzing data for promotional strategies, while CredoSense offers a portable plant diagnostic tool for assessing crop health.
Forte Biotech has developed technology for diagnosing shrimp diseases in collaboration with the National University of Singapore, enabling farmers to identify issues swiftly. Additionally, Genesis provides a business intelligence platform focused on soil data to enhance agricultural decision-making and promote regenerative practices. Greeny Solutions rounds out the list with its AI-powered software and IoT tools designed for indoor farming.