The 7 top space and defense tech startups from Disrupt Startup Battlefield

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 big stage to become the winner, taking home the Startup Battlefield Cup and a cash prize of $100,000. But the remaining 180 startups all blew us away as well in their respective categories and compete in their own pitch competition. Here is the full list of the space and defense tech Startup Battlefield 200 selectees, along with a note on why they landed in the competition. Airbility What it does: Airbility is creating two-seat manned electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Why it’s noteworthy: Its aircraft uses a unique fixed-wing-based VTOL technology combined with a distributed electric fan-jet propulsion system that makes them light, maneuverable, and versatile. Astrum Drive Aerospace What it does: Astrum has developed a propellantless, electricity-only space propulsion system. Why it’s noteworthy: The company says its patented tech eliminates the need to carry fuel onboard, which can extend the lifespans of crafts and lower costs and could enable deep space exploration. Charter Space What it does: Offers a fintech-esq risk analysis platform for spacecraft that enables them to obtain insurance coverage. Techcrunch event San Francisco | October 13-15, 2026 Why it’s noteworthy: The company’s goal is to use insurability as a springboard to power new forms of credit for the space industry. Endox What it does: Endox offers AI systems that help inspect and maintain systems and equipment for the U.S. military. Why it’s noteworthy: Endox is combining its own proprietary data capture systems with robotics tech. Hance What it does: Hance is building an AI neural network specifically to process and enhance real-time audio. Why it’s noteworthy: Hance’s audio AI is designed to handle the unpredictable nature of live audio with its background noises, room reverb, and uncontrolled environments, such as those encountered by the military. Skylark Labs What it does: Skylark has created a self-learning AI specifically designed to be used by machines and in safety applications. Why it’s noteworthy: Skylark is attempting to solve the technical issues with physically embodied AI, such as speedily processing information at the edge. Skyline Nav AI What it does: Has created navigation software not dependent on GPS. Why it’s noteworthy: Skyline uses AI to quickly recognize a scene without expensive GPUs and is effective in combating GPS jamming tech.