Glīd wins Startup Battlefield as 16 industrial startups named

The autonomous vehicle developer Glīd has won the 2025 Startup Battlefield, a startup pitch competition organized by TechCrunch. As the winner of the competition, Glīd receives the Startup Battlefield Cup and a $100,000 cash prize. The competition draws thousands of applicants annually, which are whittled down to a group of 200 top contenders. From this cohort, 20 startups are selected to compete on the main stage for the final prize, while the remaining 180 startups compete in their own category-specific pitch competitions.

Among the 200 contenders, TechCrunch highlighted 16 startups operating in the logistics, manufacturing, and materials sectors. These companies are developing technologies ranging from artificial intelligence and robotics to alternative materials:

Logistics

• GigU: An app that helps ride-share and delivery drivers analyze which trips will generate the most earnings.
• Glīd: A developer of self-driving, autonomous vehicles designed to move freight around railyards.
• Kinisi: A robotics company utilizing sensory technology and large language model (LLM) technology to adapt to warehouse tasks.

Manufacturing, Materials, and Industrial

• CloEE: An AI-powered platform for manufacturing sites that analyzes machine performance data to improve efficiency and machine care.
• CosmicBrain AI: A no-code/low-code platform designed to train robots without requiring specialized programming knowledge.
• Delft Circuits: A developer of specialized network cable technology designed for quantum computing systems.
• Evolinq: An AI-agent platform that automates enterprise procurement processes and supplier communication.
• ExoMatter: An AI platform that helps material science research and development teams screen inorganic crystalline materials.
• Kamet AI: A predictive AI analysis system designed to identify inefficiencies in manufacturing and warehouse operations.
• Koidra: An AI-powered automation control platform built for heavily automated industrial facilities, such as indoor farms.
• Mbodi: A cloud-to-edge platform designed to integrate with existing robotic systems to teach industrial robots new skills.
• MycoFutures: A developer of a biodegradable, chemical-free leather alternative grown from mushroom roots.
• OKOsix: A developer of a durable, biodegradable material designed to replace plastics.
• Ravel: A company that has developed a process to separate blended textile materials back into recyclable mono-materials.
• Strong by Form: A developer of engineered wood designed to replace concrete and steel in structural floors.
• Xronos: An open-source platform designed to simulate and speed up the development of deterministic robotics and automation solutions.

Why it matters

The Startup Battlefield competition serves as a filter for thousands of applicants, highlighting startups in industrial sectors like logistics and manufacturing that are competing for a $100,000 prize. The focus on automation, alternative materials, and software-driven efficiency reflects the ongoing technical demands within these capital-intensive industries.