This year, TechCrunch Disrupt<\/a> showcased the incredible talent and groundbreaking ideas of our 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 cohort<\/a>.<\/p>\n Out of thousands of applications, we selected 200 of the most promising startups, each bringing unique innovations to their respective industries. The competition culminated in an electrifying event where these startups had the opportunity to pitch and demonstrate their solutions live over three days.<\/p>\n From the top 20 finalists<\/a>, TechCrunch editorial selected the top five companies<\/a> that then battled it out for the $100,000 equity-free prize money and the coveted Disrupt Cup. The well-deserved win went to Gl\u012bd<\/a>, with a strong runner-up, Nephrogen<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Among the Startup Battlefield 200 were many industry-defining companies exhibiting and pitching on the Showcase Stage. Here are the standouts:\u00a0<\/p>\n Sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n HomeBoost<\/a> provides AI-powered home energy assessments that save money, cut carbon, and boost comfort.<\/p>\n Built World<\/strong><\/p>\n Techcrunch event<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSan Francisco<\/span> Investwise<\/a> is building AI-driven compliance for commercial buildings.<\/p>\n Consumer<\/strong><\/p>\n Rax<\/a> is democratizing luxury fashion through a two-sided marketplace.<\/p>\n Enterprise<\/strong><\/p>\n Cashew Research<\/a> delivers expert customer insights fast and affordably with AI-powered research.<\/p>\n Health<\/strong><\/p>\n AWEAR<\/a> has developed an ear-worn EEG with AI coach for brainwave tracking and stress management.<\/p>\n Policy + Protection<\/strong><\/p>\n JustiGuide<\/a> is turning immigration from bureaucratic nightmare into seamless infrastructure.<\/p>\n Billight<\/a> brought one of their light-up pool gaming systems and secured it to their pop-up banner. They are building the \u201cTop Golf\u201d of pool, but without having a pool table available to demo, they did what any good founder would: improvise! This was an innovative use of space and a big hit in the Expo Hall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Calificadas<\/a> brought the energy, colors, and creativity all the way from Argentina to their booth setup. They demonstrated their AI-powered communication intelligence coach in an interactive way, encouraging attendees to use their platform live at the booth. They were the talk of their row, and rightfully so!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Showcase Stage pitch by industry group\u00a0<\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOctober 13-15, 2026<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest booth \u2014 it\u2019s a tie!\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nSpirit of Disrupt award<\/h2>\n