TL;DR
TechCrunch named nine biotech and pharma companies among its Startup Battlefield 200 selectees, highlighting innovations across organ protection, diagnostics, imaging, clotting, kidney gene therapy, and clinical training. Each company was chosen for a specific technological or market-facing approach described in TechCrunch’s Disrupt coverage.
What happened
TechCrunch published a roundup of nine biotech and pharma companies included among the Startup Battlefield 200 selectees for Disrupt 2025. The list follows TechCrunch’s annual process in which thousands of applicants are narrowed to 200 startups; the top 20 of that group compete on the main stage for the Startup Battlefield Cup and a $100,000 prize, while the remaining companies take part in category-level pitch competitions. The highlighted companies and their areas of focus are: CasNx (a CRISPR-based kit to remove viruses and add universal-donor markers to preserved organs), Chipiron (an open, lower-cost full-body MRI built around a SQUID magnetometer), Exactics (a platform for rapid diagnostic tests starting with at-home Lyme disease screening), Lumos Strategies OÜ (Avara, a high-frequency electromagnetic consumer device aimed at red blood cells), Miraqules (a powder nanotechnology that mimics clotting proteins), Nephrogen (AI-guided gene-editing targeting kidney cells), PraxisPro (AI sales and marketing training for life sciences with compliance tools), Reme-D (affordable diagnostics stable in hot, humid climates), and Surgicure Technologies (a patented device to secure endotracheal tubes more safely).
Why it matters
- Some entries aim to expand access to diagnostics and imaging by lowering cost and enabling at-home or wider clinical use.
- Several companies target acute clinical problems — organ-transmitted viruses, bleeding control and securing airway tubes — that could affect patient outcomes in care settings.
- Advances in targeting and delivery (AI-guided gene editing for kidneys, CRISPR for donor organs) reflect continued focus on precision interventions in biotech.
- Products designed for hot, humid, or resource-limited environments could address inequities in global healthcare access.
Key facts
- TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield process narrows thousands of applicants to 200 selectees; the top 20 then compete on the main Disrupt stage for a $100,000 prize.
- CasNx has developed a CRISPR-based kit intended to remove viruses and add universal-donor markers while donor organs are preserved outside the body.
- Chipiron is developing a lighter, lower-cost full-body MRI that uses a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) to sense very weak magnetic fields.
- Exactics is building a platform for rapid diagnostic tests, beginning with an at-home Lyme disease screening kit.
- Lumos Strategies OÜ markets Avara, a high-frequency electromagnetic consumer device aimed at affecting red blood cells for sleep, relaxation, and recovery.
- Miraqules created a powdered nanotechnology that mimics blood-clotting proteins to produce instant clotting for wounds.
- Nephrogen focuses on gene therapy for kidney disease and uses AI to direct gene editing to the precise kidney cells implicated in illness.
- PraxisPro provides an AI-powered training system for life-science sales and marketing with compliance-approved content, simulations, and real-time analytics.
- Reme-D is designing rapid diagnostic tests that are inexpensive and engineered to remain stable in hot, humid climates for underserved communities.
- Surgicure Technologies has a patented solution intended to secure endotracheal tubes (ET) more safely and comfortably for patients.
What to watch next
- Clinical validation and trial results for therapeutics and diagnostic claims: not confirmed in the source.
- Regulatory pathways and approvals for medical devices and gene-editing applications: not confirmed in the source.
- Commercial launches, pricing, and distribution strategies for low-cost imaging and diagnostics aimed at broadening access: not confirmed in the source.
- Which of these startups, if any, advanced to the Disrupt top 20 or won the Startup Battlefield Cup: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- CRISPR: A gene-editing technology that can be programmed to modify specific DNA sequences in cells.
- SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device): An extremely sensitive magnetometer that detects tiny magnetic fields and can be used in imaging and sensing applications.
- Endotracheal tube (ET): A flexible tube inserted through the mouth or nose into the trachea to maintain an open airway during procedures or ventilation.
- Rapid diagnostic test: A point-of-care test designed to deliver quick results for detecting infections or biomarkers, often outside laboratory settings.
- Gene therapy: A medical approach that treats disease by modifying or replacing faulty genes or by delivering genetic material into a patient’s cells.
Reader FAQ
What is Startup Battlefield?
TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield is an annual pitch contest that selects the top 200 startups from thousands of applicants; the top 20 compete on the main stage for a $100,000 prize.
Which biotech areas did these selectees cover?
The list includes organ protection, imaging, diagnostics, clotting technology, kidney gene therapy, training for life-science reps, and airway safety devices.
Did any of these companies already win the Startup Battlefield Cup?
not confirmed in the source
Are these products already available to patients or consumers?
not confirmed in the source
Every year, TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield pitch contest draws thousands of applicants. We whittle those applications down to the top 200 contenders, and of them, the top 20 compete on the…
Sources
- The 9 top biotech startups from Disrupt Startup Battlefield
- And the winner of Startup Battlefield at Disrupt 2025 is: Glīd
- The 2025 Startup Battlefield Top 20 are here. Let …
- AI hires or human hustle? The next frontier of startup ops at …
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