The Startup Battlefield competition, held annually by TechCrunch, features a rigorous selection process for emerging companies. From a pool of thousands, only the top 200 startups are chosen, with the leading 20 competing for the prestigious Startup Battlefield Cup and a cash prize of $100,000. The remaining contenders also showcase their innovations in various categories.
Among the selected biotech and pharma startups is CasNx, which has developed a gene-editing CRISPR kit that can eliminate viruses and add universal donor markers to organs during preservation. Chipiron is working on a cost-effective, open full-body MRI machine designed to enhance cancer diagnostics, utilizing a superconducting quantum interference device for sensitive measurements.
Exactics aims to provide rapid diagnostic tests for consumers, starting with at-home Lyme disease screening. Additionally, Lumos has introduced the Avara device, which uses high-frequency electromagnetic therapy to support relaxation and recovery. Lastly, Miraqules has created a nanotechnology powder that mimics blood-clotting proteins, offering a quick alternative for wound treatment.
The TechCrunch event will take place in San Francisco from October 13-15, 2026, where these innovative companies will be highlighted.