Meet the Disrupt Startup Battlefield Logistics, Manufacturing and Materials Startups
The TechCrunch Startup Battlefield is more than just a competition. It is a legendary arena where new technology companies are born. With a $100,000 prize and the coveted Startup Battlefield Cup on the line, innovators from around the globe compete for a chance to change the world.
This year, a powerful new wave of innovators took center stage. The Disrupt Startup Battlefield logistics, manufacturing and materials startups captured the attention of investors and industry leaders alike. These companies are tackling some of the world’s most fundamental challenges. As a result, they are poised to redefine the physical economy.
From creating smarter supply chains to pioneering sustainable resources, these startups are at the forefront of industrial evolution. They leverage artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced material science to solve complex problems. Consequently, their work promises to build a more efficient and resilient future for everyone.
In this article, we will explore the groundbreaking companies from the Startup Battlefield 200. We will introduce you to the visionaries behind quantum computing cables, mushroom based leather, and AI driven factory analytics. Get ready to discover the next generation of titans in industry and technology.
Pioneering a New Industrial Revolution
The Startup Battlefield 200 is an incredible showcase of global talent. Each year, it brings together the brightest minds and the boldest ideas. The startups in the logistics, manufacturing, and materials sectors were particularly impressive. Consequently, they demonstrated a clear vision for a smarter, more sustainable physical world.
Innovations from the Disrupt Startup Battlefield Logistics, Manufacturing and Materials Startups
Advancements in Logistics and Supply Chain
These companies are optimizing how goods move and are managed, bringing new efficiency to a complex industry.
- Glīd: The winner of the 2025 TechCrunch Startup Battlefield, Glīd is revolutionizing last mile delivery. Because of their autonomous drone network, they offer a faster and more eco friendly way to transport goods in urban environments.
- Evolinq: This startup automates procurement workflows. Evolinq mimics buyer processes to handle tasks like supplier communication, which simplifies operations without needing difficult integrations.
- Kamet: Kamet uses predictive AI to spot inefficiencies in warehouses and manufacturing plants. Therefore, its analysis system helps businesses prevent bottlenecks before they even happen.
Breakthroughs in Manufacturing and Robotics
The following startups are building the factories of the future. They are focused on automation, intelligence, and accessibility.
- CloEE: By using AI, CloEE analyzes millions of data points on machine performance. As a result, it provides actionable insights that boost productivity and reduce downtime.
- CosmicBrain: This company offers a no code and low code platform that makes it easy to train robots. This innovation lowers the barrier to entry for automation.
- Koidra: Koidra delivers an AI powered control platform for indoor farming. Consequently, it helps growers automate operations and increase crop yields sustainably.
- Mbodi: Mbodi’s cloud to edge system teaches new skills to existing industrial robots. This approach extends the life and utility of current robotic hardware.
- Xronos: With its open source platform for robotics, Xronos enables deterministic development. This ensures that automated systems behave predictably and reliably every time.
Innovations in Materials and Sustainability
Sustainability was a major theme this year. These startups are creating new materials that are both high performance and kind to the planet.
- Delft Circuits: This deep tech company is building the infrastructure for quantum computing. Their unique network cables are essential for the next generation of computers.
- ExoMatter: An AI platform for material science research, ExoMatter helps teams discover new materials by screening them based on performance, cost, and sustainability.
- MycoFutures: This company creates a biodegradable material from mushroom roots that looks and feels like traditional leather. It offers a versatile and eco friendly alternative.
- OKOsix: OKOsix has developed a durable, biodegradable material designed to replace plastics in many applications, tackling a huge environmental problem.
- Ravel: Ravel has invented a process to separate blended textiles back into their original mono materials. This groundbreaking technique unlocks true recyclability for fabrics.
- Strong by Form: This startup has created an engineered wood that is powerful enough to replace steel and concrete in building floors. Their innovation paves the way for more sustainable construction.
These companies represent just a fraction of the innovation on display at TechCrunch Disrupt. You can learn more about the event on the official TechCrunch Disrupt page. Their collective impact promises to reshape our physical world for the better.
At a Glance: Startup Battlefield Innovators
To better understand the landscape of these groundbreaking companies, the table below categorizes each startup by its primary focus and the specific technology or product it has developed. This provides a clear snapshot of the innovation happening across logistics, manufacturing, and materials.
| Startup | Innovation Focus | Technology/Product |
|---|---|---|
| Glīd | Logistics | Autonomous Drone Network |
| Evolinq | Supply Chain Automation | Procurement Workflow Software |
| Kamet | Predictive Analytics | AI for Warehouse Inefficiencies |
| CloEE | Manufacturing | AI for Machine Performance Analysis |
| CosmicBrain | Robotics | No Code/Low Code Robot Training Platform |
| Koidra | Indoor Agriculture | AI Powered Automation Control |
| Mbodi | Industrial Robotics | Cloud to Edge Robot Skills System |
| Xronos | Robotics Development | Open Source Deterministic Platform |
| Delft Circuits | Quantum Computing | Specialized Network Cable Technology |
| ExoMatter | Material Science | AI Platform for Material Screening |
| MycoFutures | Biodegradable Materials | Mushroom Root Based Leather Alternative |
| OKOsix | Sustainable Materials | Biodegradable Plastic Replacement |
| Ravel | Recycling Technology | Textile Unraveling Process |
| Strong by Form | Sustainable Construction | Engineered Wood for Structural Floors |
The Rise of Agentic Automation in Production
A common thread connecting many of these innovative startups is the move toward agentic automation. This is not just about automating repetitive tasks. Instead, it involves creating intelligent agents, which are autonomous systems that can perceive their environment, make decisions, and take actions to achieve specific goals. This represents a major leap forward in enterprise automation.
At the core of this trend are two key concepts: Multi Agent Control Platforms (MCP) and agent first systems. An MCP acts as the conductor of an orchestra, coordinating multiple intelligent agents to ensure they work together harmoniously. An agent first system is a design approach where the entire production process is built around these autonomous agents from the start. As a result, this creates a more flexible and dynamic operational environment.
Agentic Automation and the Disrupt Startup Battlefield Logistics, Manufacturing and Materials Startups
Many of the showcased startups are pioneering these concepts. Their technologies are bringing agentic automation to life in the physical world.
- Multi Agent Systems: Glīd’s autonomous drone network is a perfect example of a multi agent system. Each drone is an agent, and an MCP is needed to manage flight paths, deliveries, and battery life for the entire fleet.
- Accessible Robotics: Companies like CosmicBrain and Mbodi are making it easier to deploy robotic agents. Their platforms allow businesses to train and integrate robots without extensive coding knowledge, therefore lowering the barrier to adoption.
- Intelligent Control: Koidra’s AI platform for indoor agriculture acts as an MCP. It coordinates various environmental agents like lighting, watering, and nutrient systems to optimize plant growth autonomously.
These advancements are crucial for building the resilient and intelligent factories of the future. By embracing agent first systems, companies can create production lines that adapt to challenges in real time. For more background, you can read about the broader field of automation and its impact on industries. The startups at Disrupt are not just selling products; they are providing the building blocks for this new industrial paradigm.
The Future is Now: Building a Smarter Physical World
The Disrupt Startup Battlefield logistics, manufacturing, and materials startups are more than just promising ventures. They are the architects of the next industrial revolution. From Glīd’s autonomous drones to MycoFutures’ sustainable leather, these companies are embedding intelligence and sustainability into the very fabric of our physical world. Their work in agentic automation and advanced materials is accelerating the shift towards smarter, more resilient industries. As a result, they are not just imagining the future; they are actively building it.
This wave of innovation is a powerful reminder that automation is reshaping every aspect of business. While these startups focus on production, the same principles of AI driven efficiency are transforming sales and marketing. At EMP0, an automation provider based in the US, we specialize in exactly that. We build ready to use tools and sophisticated AI systems that empower businesses to automate their sales and marketing workflows.
If you are inspired by the incredible potential of automation, it is time to bring that power to your own operations. Discover how our solutions can streamline your processes and drive growth.
Explore our work and read more on our blog at articles.emp0.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield?
The TechCrunch Startup Battlefield is one of the world’s most distinguished startup competitions. It is held during the annual TechCrunch Disrupt conference. The event is famous for launching many successful technology companies. Innovators compete for a grand prize of $100,000 and the highly respected “Startup Battlefield Cup.” Most importantly, participation provides startups with invaluable media coverage and direct access to venture capitalists and industry leaders.
What were the key innovation trends from this year’s startups?
This year, three powerful trends emerged from the logistics, manufacturing, and materials startups. First, Artificial Intelligence and data analytics were at the core of many solutions. For example, startups used AI to analyze machine performance and predict supply chain issues. Second, sustainability was a major focus. Companies introduced groundbreaking eco friendly materials like mushroom based leather and durable plastic replacements. Finally, making robotics more accessible was a common goal. Several startups offered platforms that allow businesses to train and deploy robots without needing specialized programming skills.
Can you explain agentic automation?
Agentic automation uses intelligent, autonomous systems called “agents” to perform tasks. These agents can perceive their environment, make decisions, and act independently to achieve their goals. This is a significant step beyond traditional automation, which typically follows rigid, pre programmed instructions. Agentic systems are flexible and can adapt to new situations. In manufacturing, this allows for the creation of smart factories where robotic agents can collaborate and solve problems in real time.
How do these startups use AI and agentic systems?
The startups are applying these concepts in very practical ways. Glīd’s drone delivery network is a perfect example of a multi agent system where each drone acts as an independent agent. Similarly, Koidra’s platform for indoor farming uses AI to control multiple environmental systems, acting as a central brain for the entire operation. Companies like CosmicBrain and Mbodi are creating the tools to make these robotic agents easier to train and deploy, therefore accelerating the adoption of agentic automation in the industry.
What is the long term impact of these technologies on manufacturing and logistics?
The innovations from these startups will fundamentally reshape the industrial landscape. They are paving the way for hyper efficient, self optimizing supply chains and factories. As a result, businesses will benefit from lower costs, greater productivity, and enhanced resilience to disruption. In the long run, these technologies will also drive sustainability by enabling a circular economy through advanced recycling and new biodegradable materials. These companies are not just creating products; they are building the foundation for the next industrial revolution.