​Startup Battlefield by TechCrunch

​This session with Isabelle Johannessen, Head of the Startup Battlefield Program at TechCrunch, will give an overview of the program, the benefits of participating, as well as the application process and tips to stand out among the applicants. The Startup Battlefield program is TechCrunch’s flagship competition for early-stage startups, offering an unparalleled platform for emerging companies. This October, 200 selected startups will have the opportunity to pitch at TechCrunch Disrupt (October 27-29, 2025), compete for $100,000 in equity-free prize money, gain exposure with a feature article on TechCrunch.com, and catch the attention of investors, customers, and global media. The winner will also take home the prestigious Disrupt Cup.

​With over 1,500 alumni who have collectively raised over $32 billion and achieved 250+ exits, the Startup Battlefield is a launchpad for success. We welcome applications from founders building across all industries and geographies, as long as you have an MVP and are pre-Series A.

​The best part? There’s no cost to apply!
Don't miss your chance to join the ranks of alumni like Trello, Mint, Dropbox & Discord.

Applications are open until June 9th, 2025 at TechCrunch.com/apply

​​About YSpace

​​YSpace is York University’s pan-university entrepreneurship and innovation hub supporting startups and entrepreneurs from a variety of sectors and communities. Our programming spans across scaling innovative technologies through customer and investor capital to scaling agri-food businesses into mass retail to diversity-focused initiatives like ELLA for women-led businesses and in partnership with Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) for Black-led businesses. We are also home to two physical hubs in the City of Markham and the Town of Georgina.