How to make the Startup Battlefield Top 20 — and what every company gets regardless

The deadline for applying to Startup Battlefield has been extended to June 8th, giving founders a brief window to submit their applications. To be considered for the coveted Top 20 spot, companies must demonstrate innovative ideas that are meaningfully different and category-defining. Founders should focus on showcasing their product in action and highlighting what sets them apart from others.

Selected companies will participate in pitch preparation with the TechCrunch team before taking the stage at Disrupt. The Top 20 will compete for a $100,000 equity-free prize and the Disrupt Cup, while also receiving access to top-tier investors such as Aileen Lee and Navin Chaddha. Those not selected initially can still be considered during the program, as things often change before the event.

Every company that applies receives benefits, including a fully funded demo booth at TechCrunch Disrupt, complimentary event passes, and access to a pre-event virtual program with world-class VCs. Companies also gain exposure through editorial coverage on TechCrunch platforms and join the Startup Battlefield alumni community of over 1,700 companies, which includes Dropbox, Discord, and Cloudflare.

Applying to Startup Battlefield is free and comes with exclusive discounts on Disrupt tickets and exhibit opportunities, as well as resources from partners. Even if not selected for the Top 20, founders can still benefit from being part of the ecosystem and gaining access to valuable network, visibility, and support.