Startup Battlefield offers significant opportunities for early-stage companies, with the ultimate goal for many being the Disrupt Main Stage. To reach the Top 20, companies must demonstrate meaningfully different, category-defining ideas with global impact potential, with product and founder videos being crucial first impressions. Selected companies receive extensive pitch preparation and a six-minute live pitch and demo to top-tier investors, with five finalists competing for a $100,000 equity-free prize and the Disrupt Cup. Even companies not selected for the Top 20 benefit from being part of the Startup Battlefield 200, receiving a demo booth, event passes, virtual program access, and pitch preparation, with ongoing editorial coverage and access to a robust alumni network. Applications for Startup Battlefield 2026 close on May 27, 2026, for the event held October 13–15 in San Francisco.