The 9 top biotech 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 biotech and pharma Startup Battlefield 200 selectees, along with a note on why they landed in the competition. CasNx What it does: CasNx has invented a new kind of antivirus treatment for organs from organ donors. Why it’s noteworthy: The startup has invented a gene-editing CRISPR kit that eliminates viruses and installs “universal donor” markers while the organ is being preserved outside the body. Chipiron What it does: Chipiron is building a light and inexpensive, open full-body MRI machine intended to make MRI cancer diagnostics more widely available. Why it’s noteworthy: The medical MRI machine is being built using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), a highly sensitive magnetometer that can measure extremely weak magnetic fields, more commonly used in array antennas. Exactics What it does: Exactics is building a platform that creates rapid diagnostic tests. Techcrunch event San Francisco | October 13-15, 2026 Why it’s noteworthy: Exactics is attempting to make consumer diagnostic kits more widely available, beginning with at-home screening of Lyme disease, with kits for other illnesses on the roadmap. Lumos Strategies OÜ What it does: Lumos has created a consumer high-frequency electromagnetic device named Avara, targeted at red blood cells. Why it’s noteworthy: Avara has been designed to provide gentle, non-contact “inductive therapy” to improve sleep, relaxation, and exercise recovery. Miraqules What it does: Miraqules developed a nanotechnology in powder form that mimics blood-clotting proteins. Why it’s noteworthy: This technology provides instant blood clotting and is a unique, potentially lifesaving alternative to traditional wound treatments, particularly when treating patients on the scene of the injury. Nephrogen What it does: Nephrogen is creating gene therapy solutions for kidney illnesses. Why it’s noteworthy: Nephrogen is solving the hardest part of the problem when it comes to gene-editing medicines. Its tech uses AI to accurately target gene-editing to the exact cells in the kidney that are causing the illness. PraxisPro What it does: PraxisPro is an AI-powered training system for sales and marketing roles in life science industries. Why it’s noteworthy: The system provides compliance-approved content, complete with simulations and real-time analytics to ensure those who represent life science companies are properly prepared to do so. Reme-D What it does: Reme-D is developing reliable and affordable diagnostic tests specifically geared toward underserved communities. Why it’s noteworthy: Reme-D is developing rapid diagnostic tests that are not only particularly affordable but also stable in hot and humid climates. Surgicure Technologies What it does: Surgicure has created a patented solution that more safely and reliably secures endotracheal tubes (ET). Why it’s noteworthy: This device makes ET tubes, the flexible tubes inserted through the mouth or nose during surgeries or other treatments, safer and more comfortable for patients.