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, part of the Battlefield 200, were chosen for their innovative approaches to solving industry challenges and their potential for significant impact.

Among the logistics startups highlighted was GigU, an application designed to help ride-share and delivery drivers optimize their earnings. The app analyzes trip data to identify the most profitable opportunities, addressing a common concern among drivers that many trips are not worth the time and effort. GigU aims to empower drivers to customize their ride-share experience and increase their overall earnings.

Glīd, another standout in the logistics category, is developing self-driving, autonomous vehicles for freight movement within railyards. The company's system is designed to streamline operations and improve efficiency in a critical area of the supply chain. Glīd previously won the 2025 TechCrunch Startup Battlefield, demonstrating the potential of its technology to revolutionize railyard logistics.

TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield is a highly competitive event that attracts thousands of applications each year. The top 200 contenders are selected to participate, with the top 20 competing on the main stage for the Startup Battlefield Cup and a $100,000 cash prize. While only one startup can win the top prize, the remaining participants benefit from the exposure and networking opportunities provided by the competition.