**The Hidden Gems of Startup Battlefield 2026: 16 Companies That Are Revolutionizing Logistics, Manufacturing, and Materials**
Every year, Startup Battlefield, TechCrunch’s flagship event, brings together the most talented startups in the industry. While the top 20 may have taken home the coveted Startup Battlefield Cup and $100,000 prize, the remaining 180 startups that made it to the competition were equally impressive and worth noting.
As I dug through the list of participants, I was struck by the innovative solutions in the logistics, manufacturing, and materials spaces. Here are 16 startups that caught my attention and why they’re worth keeping an eye on:
**Logistics**
1. **Gigu** – The app that’s helping ride-share and supply drivers get the most out of their trips.
* It’s a no-brainer that drivers want to maximize their earnings, but Gigu’s app actually makes it happen by analyzing their routes and suggesting the most profitable trips.
2. **Glīd** – Revolutionizing the way we transport freight with autonomous cars.
* Who would have thought that autonomous cars could solve problems in freight transportation? Glīd is tackling this space head-on, and I’m excited to see how it plays out.
**Manufacturing, Materials, and Industrial**
1. **CloEE** – Using AI to optimize machine efficiency in manufacturing sites.
* Imagine being able to fine-tune your manufacturing processes for better efficiency, not just in manufacturing but also in machine care. That’s exactly what CloEE’s AI platform does.
2. **CosmicBrain AI** – Training robots without requiring specialized knowledge.
* With CosmicBrain AI, training robots just got a whole lot easier. No more complex coding or specialized knowledge required – just plug and play!
3. **Delft Circuits** – The future of quantum computing is here, and it’s all about the materials.
* Quantum computing requires specialized materials, and Delft Circuits is at the forefront of developing network cable technology that can handle the unique demands of this space.
4. **Evolinq** – AI-powered procurement for enterprises.
* Evolinq promises to streamline supplier communication and automate procurement processes, reducing the hassle and increasing efficiency for businesses.
5. **ExoMatter** – Where AI meets materials science.
* ExoMatter’s AI platform helps scientists and researchers analyze materials by efficiency, sustainability, and cost. I’m excited to see the impact this will have on innovation in materials science.
6. **Kamet AI** – Predictive analytics for manufacturing and warehouses.
* Kamet AI’s device uses predictive AI to find inefficiencies in processes and tools, reducing costs and increasing output. That’s music to any business owner’s ears!
7. **Koidra** – Revolutionizing indoor agriculture with AI-powered automation.
* Koidra’s platform uses physics-aware AI for heavily automated industrial services like indoor farms. Mind. Blown.
8. **Mbodi** – The ultimate robot training platform.
* Mbodi’s cloud-to-edge system integrates with existing robotic tech stacks and can train robots faster than ever before. That’s a game-changer.
9. **MycoFutures** – The biodegradable, sustainable alternative to leather.
* Mycelium leather is biodegradable, non-toxic, and matches conventional leather in quality and flexibility. Yes, please!
10. **OKOsix** – Biodegradable material that’s durable, not just eco-friendly.
* Unlike other biodegradable plastic alternatives, OKOsix’s material is designed for durability. I’m intrigued by the potential impact this could have on waste management.
11. **Ravel** – The solution to textile material pollution.
* Ravel’s process dissolves blended textile materials back into mono-materials, making textiles recyclable and reducing pollution.
12. **Strong by Form** – The engineered wood that’s replacing concrete and metal in structural flooring.
* This innovative material reduces carbon impact and is a more eco-friendly option for architects and engineers.
13. **Xronos** – The open-source platform for robotics and automation.
* Xronos relies on deterministic development, ensuring that robotic motion is reproducible and dependable. This could be a major breakthrough in the robotics industry.
These startups are pushing the boundaries in their respective industries, and I’m excited to see where they go from here. Will they disrupt the status quo or create entirely new markets? One thing’s for sure – they’re worth keeping an eye on!
