TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200 applications close May 27

In short: TechCrunch says startups have until May 27 to apply for its Startup Battlefield 200 competition at Disrupt 2026.

What happened

TechCrunch announced that applications are open for Startup Battlefield 200, and the deadline is May 27. The program is part of TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, a large startup event scheduled for October 13 to 15 in San Francisco.

Startup Battlefield 200 is a competition where TechCrunch selects 200 early-stage startups from around the world. From those 200, TechCrunch will pick 20 finalists to pitch live onstage at the event. One company ultimately wins.

TechCrunch says selected startups receive event support like exhibit space, passes to attend, and chances to meet investors. The company also says there is a $100,000 prize described as “equity-free,” meaning the winner does not have to give up part ownership of their company in exchange for the money.

To be considered, TechCrunch says most applicants should be “pre-Series A” (very early in raising outside funding). It also says startups need a working MVP, which is a basic but usable version of the product (like a minimum working model you can show to someone).

Why it matters

Pitch competitions like this can help young companies get noticed by investors, potential customers, and the media. For people outside tech, these events can shape which new products get funding and attention, including tools that may later show up in everyday apps and services.

Source: TechCrunch AI