TechCrunch's annual Startup Battlefield competition featured a strong showing from logistics, manufacturing, and materials startups, with 16 companies selected from thousands of applicants to participate in the event. The startups, chosen from an initial pool of 200, competed for the Startup Battlefield Cup and a $100,000 prize.

Among the logistics startups was GigU, an application designed to help ride-share and delivery drivers maximize their earnings. The app analyzes potential trips, providing drivers with data to determine which routes are the most profitable. According to GigU, the app addresses a common concern among drivers who find that many trips are not financially worthwhile. The company aims to empower drivers to customize their ride-share experience and increase their overall income.

Glīd, another standout in the logistics category, is developing self-driving, autonomous vehicles for freight movement within railyards. The company won the 2025 TechCrunch Startup Battlefield for its innovative system. Glīd's technology aims to streamline railyard operations by automating the movement of freight, potentially reducing costs and improving efficiency.

TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield serves as a platform for early-stage companies to gain exposure and secure funding. The competition attracts a diverse range of startups across various industries, showcasing emerging technologies and business models. While only one startup ultimately wins the Startup Battlefield Cup, the event provides valuable opportunities for all participants to network with investors, receive feedback from industry experts, and refine their business strategies.