TL;DR
TechCrunch published its selection of 16 notable startups from the Startup Battlefield 200 focused on logistics, manufacturing and materials. The list highlights ventures using AI, robotics, novel materials and automation to tackle inefficiencies across supply chains and production.
What happened
TechCrunch identified 16 startups in the logistics, manufacturing and materials categories among its Startup Battlefield 200 selectees and provided brief notes on why each was chosen. The cohort spans ride-share optimization tools (GigU), autonomous yard vehicles (Glīd), sensory robotics for warehouses (Kinisi), AI-driven manufacturing analytics (CloEE), no-/low-code robot training platforms (CosmicBrain AI), quantum-oriented cabling (Delft Circuits) and several companies focused on advanced materials and recycling (MycoFutures, OKOsix, Ravel, Strong by Form). Additional entrants include firms offering AI procurement agents (Evolinq), material-screening platforms for R&D (ExoMatter), predictive operations tools (Kamet AI), cloud-to-edge robot skill systems (Mbodi), physics-aware automation for indoor agriculture (Koidra), and an open-source platform to speed robotics deployment (Xronos). The piece also reminds readers of the larger Startup Battlefield process, in which thousands apply and the top 200 are chosen before a final 20 compete on stage.
Why it matters
- These startups illustrate applied AI, robotics and material science moving from research toward industry use cases.
- Progress in recyclable and biodegradable materials addresses environmental concerns tied to plastics and blended textiles.
- Automation and no-code/low-code tools lower the barrier for adopting robotics in warehouses and manufacturing.
- Specialized hardware and software for quantum and industrial environments signal demand for purpose-built infrastructure.
Key facts
- TechCrunch compiled a list of 16 notable startups from its Startup Battlefield 200 in logistics, manufacturing and materials.
- The Startup Battlefield process starts with thousands of applicants, narrows to 200 contenders, and then selects a final 20 to compete on stage for a $100,000 prize and the Startup Battlefield Cup.
- Glīd, one of the logistics selectees, won the 2025 TechCrunch Startup Battlefield.
- Logistics-focused entrants include GigU (trip-earnings analysis for drivers) and Glīd (autonomous railyard freight vehicles).
- Manufacturing and materials entrants include AI analytics and automation platforms such as CloEE, Kamet AI, Evolinq and Xronos.
- Material and sustainability-focused companies listed include MycoFutures (mycelium-based leather), OKOsix (durable biodegradable material), Ravel (process to separate blended textiles) and Strong by Form (engineered wood for structural use).
- Other startups address robot training and deployment: CosmicBrain AI (no-code/low-code robot training), Mbodi (cloud-to-edge robot skill teaching), and Xronos (open-source robotics development platform).
- Delft Circuits is developing cabling technology tailored for quantum computing environments.
What to watch next
- Whether any of these companies advance to the final 20 or win awards at future Startup Battlefield events — not confirmed in the source.
- Commercial deployments or scaled pilots for autonomous railyard vehicles and warehouse robotics — not confirmed in the source.
- Progress on bringing alternative materials (mycelium leather, durable biodegradable plastics, and textile-unraveling processes) to mass-market production and certification — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Startup Battlefield: TechCrunch’s startup pitch competition that narrows thousands of applicants to 200 contenders, then selects a final set to compete on stage for a cash prize and cup.
- Mycelium leather: A material grown from fungal root structures (mycelium) intended to be an alternative to animal leather and some synthetic leathers.
- No-code/low-code: Software approaches that let users build or configure applications and workflows with minimal or no hand-coding.
- Quantum computing cabling: Specialized cabling designed to meet the microwave and thermal performance needs of quantum computing hardware.
- Cloud-to-edge: A system architecture that connects cloud-based services with on-site (edge) devices to enable low-latency processing and coordination.
Reader FAQ
How many startups were featured in this logistics, manufacturing and materials list?
TechCrunch highlighted 16 startups in those categories from its Startup Battlefield 200 selectees.
What does Glīd do and did it receive any recognition?
Glīd builds autonomous vehicles for moving freight inside railyards and is noted as the winner of the 2025 TechCrunch Startup Battlefield.
Are these companies already in commercial use?
not confirmed in the source
What kinds of technologies are represented among the selectees?
The group includes AI-driven analytics, robotics and robot-training platforms, novel materials (biodegradable and bio-based), quantum-focused hardware, and automation control systems.
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 16 top logistics, manufacturing, materials startups from Disrupt Startup Battlefield
- The 16 top logistics, manufacturing, materials startups from …
- 30+ Top Startups and Companies disrupting Key Industries …
- Top 25 AI Logistics & Supply Chain Startups in 2025
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